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3 Golden Starbuck Tips
| 10.13.2005
I know what you're thinking. What the hell does Starbucks have to do with the mantra of hoverblog ("Hoverblog highlights meaningful, design-related content, links, events and other neat stuff"). The answer? Everything! Coffee makes the world feel better about design, gives me energy to keep this blog up, is a place I go every morning before work and seems to be one of the more fashionable hangouts for creative types. Not convinced yet? Then file this one under "and other neat stuff."
So patronizing Starbucks is less of a religion and more of an addiction. I'm not really addicted to Starbucks but more to espresso. Starbucks just happens to be the only establishment (3 of them) on my route to work everyday. I can't believe the types of drinks people order at these places. After all my years ordering the same modest drink (doppio macchiato), I heard one called the other day that left me feeling like the most inadequate over-caffeinated freak on the planet. And the barista called out..."Can I have a venti triple shot decaf carmel skim pumpkin spice latte with 2 pumps of hazelnut double cupped to go?" After I heard that I wasn't sure weather to cry or throw up. A few people standing over by the pickup counter all started to look down at their paper and in different directions as to not be associated with this particular drink. Through the small crowd, I quickly spotted the rightful owner to be. It was easy. He was the only one paying attention to the barista while waiting for the drink to be made. I couldn't resist. So in Larry David fashion, I walked over to him and told him I've had a desire to try this drink and was it still good with the 2 pumps of hazelnut in it? "This is the most delicious drink!" he said as he put a hot sleeve around the cup. "I wish they had this year round." All I could think was that this poor bastard doesn't know that pumpkins only grow in the fall.
OK. OK. I just wanted to set the stage properly before I give you the rightful message of this posting.
1. If your order comes to a penny over an even amount ($3.01 for example) and the cashier doesn't take a penny out of the tip jar, don't tip. I know if sounds a little harsh but money talks.
2. Many times, baristas are busy chatting or multi-tasking beyond their capabilities. If you're ordering a latte or other milk-based espresso drink, they will many times pull the shots first while they're steaming the milk. Getting milk to 180 degrees takes about a minute longer than pulling the shots. So the shots of espresso sit around cooling off and getting bitter while the milk is being heated. This makes the drink taste less than desirable. If this happens, ask to them to pull the shots again. They will gladly do it cause they know they've been caught.
3. If you buy a pound of coffee, you're suppose to get a complimentary cup of coffee (well, not quite complimentary...you just paid $5 more for that pound of coffee than if you bought it at Stop & Shop). Now if you buy two pounds, you're suppose to get two complimentary cups of coffee. Now if you're solo, you can't drink two cups by yourself. You can trade those two complimentary cups in for a specialty drink. They don't advertise this but if asked, they will accommodate. I recommend a venti triple shot decaf carmel skim pumpkin spice latte with 2 pumps of hazelnut double cupped to go!
posted at 12:38 AM
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2 Comments:
Double cupped... is Starbucks making lingerie now?
Uh, thanks for nothing, Mr. Hoverblogger. I am trying to give up espresso drinks this month and reading that post just gave me the itch again... must... fight... urge.
I think you told me more about Starbucks than I wanted to know.
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