Perkdup

Everyone knows I like a little "kick" with my coffee. And that's just what you'll get with Starbucks 2019 Thanksgiving Blend . This year, it seemed a little smokier than I recalled.  Reminds me of a cross between a holiday blend and a Pike Place roast. I'm not even going to try to give you the origins of this one. I think if you're a dark-roast lover like me, you won't be disappointed. Perfect for "Friendsgiving" too! Planning to stash a couple of bags for a "rainy" day. Limited offering.

Every day should be National Coffee Day (in my humble opinion), but it's great that we get to share our love of coffee to those who might not be as caffeine-inclined.  I pre-ordered this special offering from Fonté Roasters in Seattle.   Guatemala Antigua Luis Pedro Zelaya .  Now, that's a cupful. It's flower, appley-tart, caramel with a baker's chocolate finish. You could say I'm having dessert for breakfast. Seriously, although this offering is over, you can't go wrong with any of Fontés coffee selections. For serious coffee drinkers, only. HAPPY NATIONAL COFFEE DAY!

For years, I've anticipated the time between Christmas and Valentine's Day when Starbucks would release the annual Casi Cielo offering. With Starbucks no longer selling coffee online and only select coffees sold in certain stores, imagine my sheer delight when I ran out of the house for coffee last night to discover a basket of my favorite Latin American blend. It's all the flavors I love roasted into one.  The chocolate/cocoa and Meyer Lemon.  I think this latest offering might be my all-time favorite. Just gets better with time. Going to stop up because after it's gone, there will be no more. Smiling as I write this post.

Do you go for the coffee or the experience?  I love coffee.  Good coffee. Great coffee.  Exceptional coffee. And, lately, I'm feeling completely underwhelmed.  Actually, downright dissatisfied. This is primarily due to the fact that my 9 to 5 doesn't afford me the time and leisure to spend 30 minutes waiting for a pourover.  Yes, I know.  That's what weekends are made for. Seriously, is it too much to expect the larger chains (you know who you are) to go back to the '90s and properly train your baristas to be more than just "servers?"   I don't see any "black aprons" these days.   Maybe coffee chains aren't looking to hire people with a "passion for coffee" anymore.  And that makes me really sad. For the past two weeks, my "Americano" has been a hurried shot with too much water.  Nevermind, my request to have only half cup of water.   And I know I'm not alone. Does anybody even know how or bother...

Sunday sipping with Starbucks ' small-lot Peru. I was lucky to find this in one of the Starbucks Reserve Stores.   The good thing about the small-lot coffees is that they're carefully crafted and roasted.  The bad thing is that once you get hooked, they're out of stock. That's why you have to enjoy it while you can. Dark and Rich.  Not woodsy.  Mild enough to drink alone.  Strong enough to hold its own with cheese and crackers. Since Starbucks no longer offers online coffee for purchase, you'll have to be very deliberate in keeping an eye out their Reserve (TM) stores. Highly recommended for Sunday Fun-Day or Monday through Saturday.

I've been watching a lot of the Sopranos lately.  And they drink a lot of espresso on that show.  Yes, I know I'm a little late on the Sopranos. Better late than never, right? Anyway, you can imagine my excitement when I got this new "Froth Pro"  Automatic Milk Frother from Capresso .   Capresso is more than coffee and espresso machines, they also have just about every coffee accessory you could want including just what it takes to make the perfect foam. I used Oatly Oat Milk with mine.  Love that stuff.  But you don't have to use oat milk, you can use any milk you like and you'll still get the results you want because this little baby does all the frothing for you. Forget about the manual frothers - you've got better things to do with your time.  Like enjoying a steaming hot latte. (*Capresso provided me with a free Automatic Milk Frother for purposes of this review.  Opinions are my own.)

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