Post by: Mayo on October 25, 2008, 01:04:16 PM
I don't patronize McStarbucks but Hey, It's Free!
(In the interest of full disclosure: my wife purchased our 14 year-old Italian espresso machine via Starbucks mail order. But it was before the company spread across the planet like a nasty case of melanoma...)
Support local coffee roasters and cafes!
(I favor Graffeo Coffee for my espresso. OK, I do have it shipped via UPS but I did live in central California and the SF Bay Area for many years...)
Post by: Xairbusdriver on October 25, 2008, 01:32:53 PM
Hear there is a group from Columbia starting to enter the US market (already in Europe, I think). Juan Valdez Café shops, the growers finally got wise to using the brand they started pay! Should give Starbucks a run! Maybe they can even move into the places Starbucks is leaving?
But I'm obviously not a coffee affectionado...
Post by: Mayo on October 25, 2008, 01:53:18 PM
QUOTE
aka, charbucks! Blaah! "Dark (European Blend) Roast" = Who burned the coffee?!
James, You Are Missing THE POINT: It's free. Free... FREE!
Take a swipe at Starsucks stock! Feel Empowered! Take your FREE COFFEE and sit at a table while "working" on your shiny portable Mac. Fend-off the lovely young ladies who appreciate a Touch of Grey.
Life Is Good!
Post by: Paddy on October 25, 2008, 02:34:52 PM
Of course, there is no requirement to actually drink it!Anyway, no Barnes and Noble here in Canada. Starbucks by the gazillion of course.
The only good thing about Starbucks is their tea - the sell Tazo tea, which is very good. Tazo Awake is my favorite tea - unfortunately, because of reflux, I can't tolerate much caffeine these days, so it's a rare treat.
Post by: Gregg on October 25, 2008, 03:21:35 PM
(Except on special occasions!)
Post by: Mayo on October 25, 2008, 03:57:49 PM
Now Peet's Coffee, that really is burned, over-roasted until all nuances of the beans are Long Gone. I have never understood the popularity of Peet's.
If I'm not mistaken, Starsucks owns Tazo Tea.
Post by: sandbox on October 25, 2008, 04:02:40 PM
QUOTE(Mayo @ Oct 25 2008, 02:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Free Cappuccino Good through October 31st.
I don't patronize McStarbucks but Hey, It's Free!
(In the interest of full disclosure: my wife purchased our 14 year-old Italian espresso machine via Starbucks mail order. But it was before the company spread across the planet like a nasty case of melanoma...)
Support local coffee roasters and cafes! (I favor Graffeo Coffee for my espresso. OK, I do have it shipped via UPS but I did live in central California and the SF Bay Area for many years...)
I don't patronize McStarbucks but Hey, It's Free!
(In the interest of full disclosure: my wife purchased our 14 year-old Italian espresso machine via Starbucks mail order. But it was before the company spread across the planet like a nasty case of melanoma...)
Support local coffee roasters and cafes!
(I favor Graffeo Coffee for my espresso. OK, I do have it shipped via UPS but I did live in central California and the SF Bay Area for many years...)Thanks, I was going to B&N this week though i rarely stop long enough to have coffee I don't mind free coffee.
Starbucks is OK, not worth the price, but their not selling coffee as much as they sell the exclusiveness of the environment. All their stores are located in upscale markets which is why they'll be the first to loose market share. Drunken Donuts has a better market approach for the long haul and will survive on one buck coffees even in depressions.
I have a Salton cappuccino machine that I rarely use, but when I do bother, I like it with a touch of Grand Marnier.
Post by: Paddy on October 25, 2008, 05:41:55 PM
Didn't know Starbucks owned Tazo - apparently they bought them in 1999.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/busi...585_tazo16.html
You can also get Tazo in some grocery stores, of course - I've only actually had it twice at Starbucks and had been drinking it for a while before discovering it at Starbucks, which I normally avoid, since I'm not a coffee drinker.
Post by: sandbox on October 25, 2008, 11:16:09 PM
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/busi...tarbucks02.html
the country runs on dunkin
http://www.youtube.com/dunkindonuts
In 1950 he opened the first store known as "Dunkin' Donuts", which is still standing today at 543 Southern Artery in Quincy, Massachusetts.[1] By 1954, Rosenberg had opened a total of five Dunkin ' Donuts shops, with Natick, Somerville, Saugus, and Shrewsbury added to the list. The first franchised Dunkin' Donuts shop in America opened in the Webster Square area of Worcester, Massachusetts in 1955.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunkin_Donuts
In Canada, Dunkin' Donuts new 2015 concept stores are developing the market with plans for 1,500 new stores through 2017. The first new expansion into Canada is taking place in and around the Greater Montreal Region with 12 new locations planned for the West Island of Montreal. A list of new stores can be found at http://www.MarcheCafeExpress.com/Dunkin/Index.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunkin_Donuts
Post by: kbeartx on October 26, 2008, 06:14:59 AM
KB
Post by: Paddy on October 26, 2008, 09:48:20 AM
Tim Horton's has more outlets in the US than Dunkin' Donuts does in Canada:
http://www.financialpost.com/news/story.html?id=866061
Post by: Gregg on October 26, 2008, 12:04:36 PM
QUOTE(Paddy @ Oct 26 2008, 09:48 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
SB, I don't know what the Wikipedia article is referring to - there is absolutely no way that there are 2015 Dunkin' Donuts stores in Canada.
QUOTE
In Canada, Dunkin' Donuts new 2015 concept stores are developing the market with plans for 1,500 new stores through 2017.
Maybe they mean 2015 A.D.
It's the in place for people who can't spell and like doughnuts.
Post by: kimmer on October 26, 2008, 10:39:45 PM
Never was a big Starbucks fan -- the drink was never the same from day to day. When we moved up here we met the folks who own one of the local markets, BayMart. He's a HUGE coffee drinker, and big on espresso ... and I learned to drink the real deal stuff.
For home brew, it's a special blend from a local brewer, Newport Bay Coffee that wakes up our palates every morning. We drink it black. No sugar, no cream.
For a quick cup in the afternoon I use my Newport Bay blend in my AeroPress. To this concoction, I add a small amount of 1/2 & 1/2.
By the way, I love Dunkin' Donuts. There was one near us in Illinois, and when the whole family (13 of us) got together we'd go buy 3 dozen donuts and all enjoy.
Post by: chriskleeman on October 27, 2008, 03:45:49 PM
QUOTE(Mayo @ Oct 25 2008, 02:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE
aka, charbucks! Blaah! "Dark (European Blend) Roast" = Who burned the coffee?!
James, You Are Missing THE POINT: It's free. Free... FREE!
Take a swipe at Starsucks stock! Feel Empowered! Take your FREE COFFEE and sit at a table while "working" on your shiny portable Mac. Fend-off the lovely young ladies who appreciate a Touch of Grey.
Life Is Good!
Hey Mayo,
IAWY about independent roasters, we are blessed here in southern Vermont with a great outfit down in Brattleboro, Mocha Joe's... they somehow manage to roast their different French Roasts quite adroitly, with great flavor, no burn... ing...
But, Starbucks is one place of choice as the road-warrior I am... And I usually don't mind the wake-up call on the palate... Dunkin Donuts with a shot of Turbo-hot is pretty good, and never tastes burnt.
But now, the trend at Starbucks is no more "bold" roasts later in the day... But I'm not traveling much now that summer is gone, so I get to brew the local stuff every morning! And sleep at night, sometimes!
TTFN,
CK
Post by: Xairbusdriver on October 27, 2008, 03:56:14 PM
I'm almost embarrassed to visit the shop, the owner is forever adding two to four extra selections to my bag. And my 'bag' is getting too big, as it is! We do have a Starbucks just down the street. Never been in it but it seems to be doing well. It was allowed to stay open, probably because it had no decrease in YoY sales, having been open for only 5 - 6 months!
Post by: Mayo on October 28, 2008, 01:18:39 PM
A few years ago my wife and I were stopping-over in Seattle en route to Amsterdam. (Prior to the new direct flight from Portland we used to fly to Seattle, stay the night and take a non-stop flight to Amsterdam the following day.) We stayed the night at the downtown Red Lion. In the morning we set-out for an espresso and Wouldn't You Know It? There were Starsucks literally on every corner in the neighborhood...
As my dislike for Starsucks is equal only to my aversion to Wal-Mart, we wandered around until we stumbled upon a walk-up window with a short queue of folks. Eureka! Excellent espresso and we had a wonderful conversation with a man who counsels juvenile offenders. I don't recall the name of the café but I do have it written down if anyone is interested... (Or we may luck-out and hear from someone who knows the place!)
We have found delightful and quirky espresso shops in towns and cities in the U.S. and abroad. Some of the best travel tips we have had bestowed on us have come from our fellow espresso sippers in these cafes. An added benefit is that we have actively supported small businesses that are being squeezed out by the huge chains. (Espresso cafes and independent book stores seem to be particularly vulnerable.)
When we travel we want different, not the Same Old Thing. I have never understood the attraction of chain restaurants/coffeehouses that offer the same thing at every location, no matter where one happens to be... But chains sure are popular in our neck of the woods; when Olive Garden finally opened a restaurant here you would think that it was the Second Coming! (The crowded McDonalds in Paris was a definite Cognitive Disconnect for me. And why was I even in a McDonalds in Paris, you might ask? To use the toilette, bien entendu!)
Post by: Gregg on October 28, 2008, 06:27:38 PM
QUOTE(Mayo @ Oct 28 2008, 01:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
The crowded McDonalds in Paris was a definite Cognitive Disconnect for me. And why was I even in a McDonalds in Paris, you might ask?
Reminds me of my visit to Paris. I was at a McDonalds on the Champs Elysee because I had been having trouble with my digestive system, and wanted... yep, the same old same old food to settle my stomach.
Post by: chriskleeman on October 28, 2008, 06:29:02 PM
QUOTE
MAYO
Chris, one of my fav travel activities is discovering local coffee cafes treasured by locals.
A few years ago my wife and I were stopping-over in Seattle en route to Amsterdam. (Prior to the new direct flight from Portland we used to fly to Seattle, stay the night and take a non-stop flight to Amsterdam the following day.) We stayed the night at the downtown Red Lion. In the morning we set-out for an espresso and Wouldn't You Know It? There were Starsucks literally on every corner in the neighborhood...
As my dislike for Starsucks is equal only to my aversion to Wal-Mart, we wandered around until we stumbled upon a walk-up window with a short queue of folks. Eureka! Excellent espresso and we had a wonderful conversation with a man who counsels juvenile offenders. I don't recall the name of the café but I do have it written down if anyone is interested... (Or we may luck-out and hear from someone who knows the place!)
We have found delightful and quirky espresso shops in towns and cities in the U.S. and abroad. Some of the best travel tips we have had bestowed on us have come from our fellow espresso sippers in these cafes. An added benefit is that we have actively supported small businesses that are being squeezed out by the huge chains. (Espresso cafes and independent book stores seem to be particularly vulnerable.)
When we travel we want different, not the Same Old Thing. I have never understood the attraction of chain restaurants/coffeehouses that offer the same thing at every location, no matter where one happens to be... But chains sure are popular in our neck of the woods; when Olive Garden finally opened a restaurant here you would think that it was the Second Coming! (The crowded McDonalds in Paris was a definite Cognitive Disconnect for me. And why was I even in a McDonalds in Paris, you might ask? To use the toilette, bien entendu!)
Chris, one of my fav travel activities is discovering local coffee cafes treasured by locals.
A few years ago my wife and I were stopping-over in Seattle en route to Amsterdam. (Prior to the new direct flight from Portland we used to fly to Seattle, stay the night and take a non-stop flight to Amsterdam the following day.) We stayed the night at the downtown Red Lion. In the morning we set-out for an espresso and Wouldn't You Know It? There were Starsucks literally on every corner in the neighborhood...
As my dislike for Starsucks is equal only to my aversion to Wal-Mart, we wandered around until we stumbled upon a walk-up window with a short queue of folks. Eureka! Excellent espresso and we had a wonderful conversation with a man who counsels juvenile offenders. I don't recall the name of the café but I do have it written down if anyone is interested... (Or we may luck-out and hear from someone who knows the place!)
We have found delightful and quirky espresso shops in towns and cities in the U.S. and abroad. Some of the best travel tips we have had bestowed on us have come from our fellow espresso sippers in these cafes. An added benefit is that we have actively supported small businesses that are being squeezed out by the huge chains. (Espresso cafes and independent book stores seem to be particularly vulnerable.)
When we travel we want different, not the Same Old Thing. I have never understood the attraction of chain restaurants/coffeehouses that offer the same thing at every location, no matter where one happens to be... But chains sure are popular in our neck of the woods; when Olive Garden finally opened a restaurant here you would think that it was the Second Coming! (The crowded McDonalds in Paris was a definite Cognitive Disconnect for me. And why was I even in a McDonalds in Paris, you might ask? To use the toilette, bien entendu!)
And Gregg, I hear you, I've been in Ireland for six tours (playing music) and there was a time or two... but thankfully I didn't have to resort to Mickey D's!
CK
Post by: Mayo on October 28, 2008, 10:48:11 PM
Post by: Gregg on October 29, 2008, 06:34:12 AM
QUOTE(Mayo @ Oct 28 2008, 10:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Oh Man, eating at a McDonalds in Paris just seems wrong!
Like eating at La Madeleine in D.C.?
Post by: Xairbusdriver on October 29, 2008, 05:03:46 PM
Starbucks is again offering free WiFi to iPhones! Wonder if you have to order anything? Maybe I can just park outside...
Post by: kimmer on October 29, 2008, 06:14:20 PM
QUOTE(Mayo @ Oct 28 2008, 11:18 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Chris, one of my fav travel activities is discovering local coffee cafes treasured by locals.
Oh boy howdy. On our travels, we made a point of visiting local spots. We'd ask for tips on where to go and the motel folks kept saying, "There's an XYZ franchise down the road." So we finally started asking folks in stores and such. We visited some super places, enjoyed great food, met some delightful folks, got leads on great places to visit -- and drank some of the best coffee I've had (short of what we get around here).
QUOTE
As my dislike for Starsucks is equal only to my aversion to Wal-Mart
HAHAHA! I wanted some of the beautiful fall mums for my porch steps, but they were only being sold at Wally-World and so I did without the mums.
QUOTE
(Espresso cafes and independent book stores seem to be particularly vulnerable.)
I visited 3 independent book stores on our trip -- and came home one happy book reader.
Post by: krissel on October 30, 2008, 11:47:11 PM
Dad would come home from work every once in a while with two waxed bags of sheer delight. Inside were warm, crispy, gnarly shaped and heavily dusted donuts. They came from "The Doughnut Man", that is the name we gave him anyway. His 'store' was an old bus that he parked along a busy major roadway. In the bus was a complete setup for mixing dough, rolling out the donuts into wildly uneven shaped circles and cooking them in fresh oil, changed daily. After they were well done, he plucked them out to drain, then put them into the waxed bags and added a large scoop of confectioners' sugar while they were still warm into the bag. Some of the sugar would melt into the donuts and some would just cling in heavy clusters to the crisp exterior.
Sometimes Dad would take us kids with him to get the donuts. It was about a half hour drive but it was worth it. We knew that if we were standing with Dad while he was at the bus window giving his order we would get a free doughnut, warm and coated with sugar. It was impossible to eat one without getting the dust all over your face and clothes but oohh, it was soooo good.
We were all very upset when the Doughnut Man decided to retire and take his secrets with him. No one ever took his place in that area or in our hearts or stomach. We still talk about him today and our mouths water just thinking about those delicious tastes of heaven.
Post by: krissel on October 31, 2008, 12:09:14 AM
http://forums.egullet.org/index.php?showto...7927&st=151
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/251798#1338167
Post by: Gregg on October 31, 2008, 06:39:45 AM
Interesting that "The Doughnut Man" made the best "donuts".
Where does one get dontnuts?
Post by: krissel on November 01, 2008, 02:41:58 AM
QUOTE(Gregg @ Oct 31 2008, 07:39 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
How'd you do that??? It jumped to the middle of the page where the topic of interest was discussed!
In the first case you use the post number and add it to the main thread. In this instance though the numbering was one off and I had to adjust it.
The second thread has "permalink" which gives you a direct link to that particular post.
TS has something like the first example at the far right of each post. You will see the post #, click on it and a window drops down with a direct link to that particular post.
Funny thing is that at first when I tried to type donut, it was automatically corrected to doughnut. But after a while it stopped doing that and let me use the abbreviated version.
Post by: Gregg on November 01, 2008, 06:39:38 PM
QUOTE(krissel @ Nov 1 2008, 02:41 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
TS has something like the first example at the far right of each post. You will see the post #, click on it and a window drops down with a direct link to that particular post.
Funny thing is that at first when I tried to type donut, it was automatically corrected to doughnut.
Funny thing is that at first when I tried to type donut, it was automatically corrected to doughnut.
Never noticed that number before. I'm very focused. Yeah, that's it.
All I've got to say about the spelling of a certain pastry... ugh!