Another shot of espresso, please

Miss,what can I get for you? I quickly browse the menu above me, already knowing that I’ll choose the same old thing. “I’ll have a double tall, non-fat, no whip, light-ice mocha.” Digesting my over-the-top order, the cashier (probably rolling her eyes in her head) swiftly repeats my order to the barista, who rushes to the machine to pump some fresh espresso into my cup. Handing over nearly $4 (expensive, but its worth it!) I quickly glide to the next counter to secure my drink before someone else grabs it. This can happen quite often, given the fact that most patrons drive to the store, park illegally and get the surprise ticket after picking up their drink.

Yes, this is a Starbucks story! Without a doubt, this coffee habit has slowly evolved into my everyday addiction. Although I hear daily complaints about how expensive it is, and how people much prefer Tim Hortons, this store offers customers a whole lot more than just a cup of black coffee and donuts (so policemen – up the ante and head over to starbucks from now on!!).

Whether it’s a latte, cappuccino, macchiato, tazo teas, apple cider, or lemonade....Starbucks has it all. Okay, I admit they don’t have alcoholic drinks. BUT! the LCBO does sell Starbucks liquors (added bonus for coffee addicts!!). And once upon a time, I found Starbucks ice cream in Barbados. Unfortunately, I haven’t seen it in Canada yet. However, you can always substitute the ice cream for a mocha, vanilla bean, strawberries/cream or caramel frappucino.

Presently, the only thing I dislike about Starbucks (yes, i do dislike some things), are those new breakfast sandwiches. It’s not the taste or the look, but the awful smell that is left lingering when they are warmed up in the oven. Yuck! To be brutally honest, people should stick to the croissants or muffins which are always offered in Godzilla-sized portions. Unfortunately (another negative), the store only labels certain items with their nutritional content and not others (probably because they don’t have much nutritional value – but there still so tasty).

Okay, so instead of raving and ranting about my own experiences, tell me one of your worst or best Starbucks experiences. Preferably the best experience (don’t try to deter me from my addiction!)

In the meantime, here are my recommendations for your next Starbucks visit:

Drink (for tea lovers): Tall non-fat, no water tazo chai latte.

Drink (for coffee lovers): Tall caramel macchiato. (If you have a sweet tooth, ask for an extra pump of vanilla – so delicious!!)

Snack: Im a diehard chocolate chip cookie fan, but try the chocolate oat fudge bar (try to avoid the corner pieces which have more oat and less chocolate, and ask for a middle piece instead)

Note: Starbucks items went up by 3 cents!! (Let’s blame it on the economy people, not just on Starbucks)