Perkdup

I'm still mad at Starbucks for discontinuing its online web ordering.  Everyone is busy and we can't always go into a store to pick up coffee. I miss the convenience of shopping for Starbucks in the comfort of my home.   However, I must admit the fact that I get to browse the aisles of the larger stores really does open my eyes and mug to selections I might otherwise miss in an online rush. I had actually gone into the store for a newspaper (yes, I said newspaper - I'm old school) when I noticed the beautiful bag of Rift Valley Blend (part of Starbucks "Passport" Series).  You may remember this coffee from years ago and if you don't here's to something new! It's dark and chocolate.  Just the way I like it.  Strong but not bitter and goes really well with a morning bun.  Or buttered toast.  Okay.  Maybe I had a morning bun and buttered toast. It's Sunday.  I'm treating myself. Starbucks Rift Valley Blend 14.95 per pound

In New Orleans, Monday is red beans and rice and laundry day.  In my house, it's French Laundry blend day. Received my package of Equator Coffees  just in time for my first load of the day. A blend of Ethiopia, Brazill, Kenya and Columbia coffees.   If it's good enough to be served at French Laundry Restaurant in Yountville, it's certainly good enough for me! $18.00 for a 12 ounce bag.

I did not want to face this day.  We've had more than our share of rain and it's really made my mood bad. Good thing, I saved this Fonte Ethiopian Yirgacheffe  for a rainy day because it's helping to lift my spirits. Funny how a great cup of coffee can do that.  Turn a frown into a fully-caffeinated smile. I always enjoy a good dark roast.  Fonte never disappoints. Limited offering at $20.00 for a 12 ounce bag.  

I 've said it before.  I've yet to find a Starbucks small lot Reserve (TM) Coffee that I don't like!  The Sun Dried Brazil did not disappoint. For the past two mornings, I've paired it with a scone from Batter Bakery in San Francisco.  Yesterday's scone was strawberry and almond.  Today, I'm enjoying fig and walnut.   The scone goes so well with the roast.  Actually, I think the roast would probably do just fine even without the scone.  But I like to have something in my other hand when I'm holding my coffee mug! Starbucks Reserve Sun Dried Brazil from the Val Verde Estate (Limited Offering) Notes of green apple and dried plum with a brown-sugar sweetness.

What do you get when you put dark chocolate, molasses and currant in a cup?  You get a wonderful blend of African coffee (Old Katy's Tanzania* Blend). The melding of the flavors combined with the perfect dark roast makes for an absolutely delightful morning (or afternoon). Pairs wonderful with a sharp cheese and buttery crackers.  Or homemade ginger snaps.  You don't have to go to Texas to enjoy Old Katy Coffee .  These fine folks will deliver it straight to your door. *Limited offering.  Coffee selections vary, but they're all excellent!

I looked everywhere for the Starbucks Reserve Guatemala San Isidro .   All of the stores I searched were completely out.  That's the thing about Reserve coffees, they seem to sell out quickly.  I guess that's why they're "reserved." And since you can no longer order online at Starbucks, you have to do things the old-fashioned way.  Brick and mortar.  Which is a good thing in many ways.  It forces you to interact with other coffee lovers and see the new offerings. But, I digress.   So, I looked everywhere and couldn't find the Guatemala San Isidro.  I was so consumed with snagging a bag that I took an Uber across San Francisco to the Reserve Store on Chestnut Street.  Found it! It's 18.00 for an 8-ounce bag of beans but so worth it.  Chocolate-y, toasty deliciousness! I really wanted to show you the coffee, but I forgot to post about it and when I went this morning to make a pot, all I had left were a few beans.  Howev...

Okay, so I broke my own rule this weekend and had iced coffee.  I almost NEVER drink cold coffee. Never say never.  My daughter teased me for not having an open mind.  And since I love Ariana Grande so much, I gave in and I'm really excited. The Starbucks Iced Caramel Cloud Macchiato   is not only Ariana Grand Approved - it's Coffee Lover approved as well. Layers of fluffy foam over espresso with vanilla flavored syrup and a drizzle of caramel over ice. This could be habit forming!