Starbucks reveals “Via” on National Coffee Day
Whether you knew it or not, September 29th is National Coffee Day! Coffee fans from around the nation are celebrating their love of the world’s greatest beverage. Over 400 billion cups of coffee are consumed each year, and on National Coffee Day many places are ready to give away free cups at no expense to you.
Starbucks is taking National Coffee Day as an opportunity to unveil its new instant coffee called “Via Ready Brew”. The product comes in cute packages (similar to Crystal Lite On the Go) and is a perfect to discreetly place in a purse or briefcase. Starbucks says it took 20 years to come up with the perfect instant brew. Though revolutionary, Taster’s Choice and General Food International already have a delicious line of instant coffee available in single serving packages. Next year, Via will also be available in grocery stores. Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz expressed, “Based on the success we’ve had, we feel strongly that we’re sitting on a very big opportunity. What’s going to sell Via at the end of the day is that (it) delivers in the cup. Most people will not be able to tell the difference.”
What’s so great about Starbucks?
I’m a Starbucks fan. I am. Don’t get me wrong, but I live in a relatively small Mississippi town. And yes, we do have a Starbucks, which I love to visit, but I also love the independent coffee store in town. Unfortunately, business there doesn’t seem to be booming, and I fear that it will go out of business. If so, it will be the 2nd independent coffee shop that has gone out of business since the arrival of Starbucks.
I don’t really get it. As far as the environment goes, the independent shop is comfy and homey with plush couches, free Wi-Fi, and coffee tables that give the impression that customers are just relaxing in their own homes. On the other hand, our Starbucks is relatively small, and though they have a small seating area, it has a more “restaurant” feel.
And the coffee? I consider myself a coffee connoisseur, and the coffee at the independent shop is equally as good. Starbucks does stay open longer, and therefore, it’s more convenient for coffee addicts like myself, who don’t require coffee only in the early morning hours. However, what is it that makes Starbucks the “go to” coffee place, crushing the hopes and dreams of independent shop owners in small towns like mine?
Dark Roast Coffee Jelly and some more..
On July 2, Starbucks Philippines introduced its latest feature beverage: Dark Roast Coffee Jelly.
Yesterday, they started offering the following drinks: Dark Roast Coffee Jelly Frappuccino, Caramel Dark Roast Coffee Jelly Frappuccino and Iced Vanilla Dark Roast Coffee Jelly Latte. Together with these new drinks, they also included the following food products in their menu: Spanish Sausage and Egg Wrap, Farmhouse Cheese Quiche, Chicken Parmesan on Turkish Pide, Chocolate Marshmallow Cake and Very Berry Cheesecake.
I was able to try out the Dark Roast Coffee Jelly Frappucino yesterday and boy, was it heaven. The jelly was interestingly smooth, mixing it with my favorite coffee frap. I’m still yet to try the two other drinks and the new food offerings, as well. Being the dessert lover that I am, I’ll probably try the Chocolate Marshmallow Cake and Very Berry Cheesecake.
Ahhh.. just talking about it makes me hungry and craving for coffee. If you’re Filipino, go to your nearest Starbucks and give it a try. 
Do baristas annoy you?
You walk into your favorite coffee shop, find a good spot, mark your temporary territory with a book or an invaluable belonging, walk over to the counter, and look up the menu. You’re thinking of what to order, when a familiar voice cuts in, “Hi (name)! Let me guess. Non-fat white chocolate mocha, no whipped cream, and chocolate eclair?” It’s the barista, naming your usual order which you’ve been getting for the past how many weeks.
On the one hand, it’s flattering that he or she actually remembers your name, your usual order, and even correctly associated it with your face. On the other, it’s a bit presumptuous. What makes him or her think that you don’t have enough sense of adventure to try out something new right now? Do you look like the kind of person who can’t help but stick to his boring old routine? Non-fat? Aren’t you looking more fit today, so that you deserve a calorie-laden frappuccino with double servings of whipped cream?
Next situation. You’re in the mood for a quiet, relaxing day. What could be a better setting than your neighborhood cafe, with that steady buzz of coffee brewing, the subdued chatter that blends into white noise, and the soft jazzy music playing in the background? You settle into a comfy chair, open your chosen feel-good book or magazine, and then suddenly, that familiar voice again asks you, “Hey (name)! How are you doing?” You smile politely and say you’re fine, thank you very much. You’re about to go back to your book when it cuts in again. “Oh, you’re not working today? Are you on leave?” Again, it’s flattering that he or she remembers you, and some things about your life which you probably shared bit by bit through your frequent visits. But isn’t it obvious that you just want to enjoy some quiet alone time? And, it’s not like you’re old buddies.
Do baristas annoy you?
Coffee and Dessert at Starbucks
Through the years, Starbucks has established itself not only as a place where you can get great-tasting and caffeine-loaded coffee, but also as the perfect venue for finding comfort food. Their desserts have been raved about my many.
One of my favorite desserts from this coffee shop is their Banoffee Pie. It’s served in a small, thin aluminum container, like a baby pie pan. And this little container is full of delicious banoffee goodness. Sliced bananas, cream, toffee, and crust – it’s comfort in a little pan.
Another dessert that I like is their honey-glazed donut. Fine, it’s not technically a dessert, but it’s a treat to my sweet tooth. It’s soft and not too sweet. It’s just right – and so is its price. I think it’s the cheapest item in their display counter.
My friends also like their Mango Madness and Oreo Cheesecake.
If you suddenly find yourself craving for something sweet with your cup of coffee, proceed to your nearest Starbucks.
Cider In The Coffeehouse?
I saw this over on <a href=”http://simpsonsparadox.com”
8 ) Caramel Apple Crack at Starbucks.
I don’t know if the Starbucks in China has this, because I was too busy slurping up all the real-bean coffee and then getting the jitters. I don’t know what’s in it, either. I asked Stick and he thinks maybe it’s sunshine and rainbows and highly addictive chemicals.
Note: This is not a paid advertisement, but if Starbucks would pay me I would totally advertise the Apple Crack. In fact, I’d even call it by its proper name.
What do you think?
Via Simpson’s Paradox » Blog Archive » Thanksgiving.
Frappachinos
Starbucks makes wonderful Frappachinos. I love them. There are many great flavors to choose from.
A frappachino is a frozen coffee drink that is made by blending ice with coffee. There are light and decaf versions available. Some great flavors from Starbucks include the Strawberries and creme, or the minty chocolate chip. I prefer the second.
Some special frappachinos have been introduced for limited times during the year. I loved the Toffe Nut blended creme, which was a whipped creme topping and nut toffee sprinkles on the top.
Another great special frap is the Maple Blended creme. It reminds me of eating a warm pancake breakfast. Very very good.
There was a pumpkin one that they brought out in the fall as well that is a seasonal beverage now. It has pumpkin spices added to it.
I prefer to get the frappachinos in the summer or spring. In my opinion they are a refreshing treat that can help cool you down. But any time of year is good for a frappachino. Enjoy one today.
Starbucks teas
Starbucks has a wonderful selection of teas to choose from if you are not into coffees. They are part of the Tazo teas. You can pick from black, green, white, or herbal teas.
IF you like black teas order the Awake tea, or the Chai, which is a blend of teas and spices. You may opt for the Chai Tea Latte as well.
For green teas there are China green tea, the green ginger, Zen, Matcha Green tea concentrate, or the decafinated Lotus. I prefer the Zen tea, as it is accented with both lemon and mint. The Lotus is my second favorite.
For white teas there is the Berryblossom tea, which is flavored with white cranberries and blueberries.
Herbal tea selections include the following: Calm, African Red Bush, Passion, Passion iced tea, Sweet Cinnamon Spice, Wild Sweet orange, or refresh. I really like the refresh which is made with mint leaves, but I did not care for the wild sweet orange.
So if tea is your thing, head on over to Starbucks and order some today.
Coffee types
Starbucks has many great coffees to choose from when you visit. You can opt for mild, medium, bold or extra bold flavors. If you like mild coffees you could try the Breakfast blend, which is very light bodied. Or opt of the medium choices, which include the decaf Kona blend, the Kona blend, or the Bella Vista blend, which is from Costa Rica and is very popular. There is also the House blend, a blend of Latin American coffees.
If bold is what you desire, go with the Cafe Esteme blend, a sweet flavored coffee. Or try the Cafe Verona, which is their most popular. You could go with this in decaf as well. Pick the Expresso roast if you desire a dense sweetness.
If extra bold flavored coffees are your thing, try the French Roast or the Gold Coast blend coffee. You may desire to choose the Italian Roast or even the Sumatra, which is very full bodied and not full of acidity.
Anyway you want it Starbucks coffees are great. They all have distinct tastes and are wonderful.
What I love about Starbucks
Starbucks is a trend starter. They start to introduce coffee house in a cool cozy place. They aim to provide relaxation to people who are stress from work or studies. Nowadays, the starbucks coffee shop is the hang out of every people in different genre.
Of course, I love the mixture of coffee the Starbucks prepare. Especially, the mocha frapuccino with hazelnut syrup. Yes, you can create your own mix of drink with different syrups. They also serves other kinds of coffee, teas and fruit shakes. Aside from drinks, they also serve pastries. I love their oreo cheesecake and waffle with chocolate toppings. What I love most in this coffee shop is the ambiance. It is cozy and the music they played soothes to relax my mind. I am glad that Starbucks reinvent this style that everybody will love.
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