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Woman's Coffee Goes Batty

YumSugar — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 14:00:00 -0700

In Cedar Rapids, IA, one woman got her Halloween trick several weeks early when she found a bat in her coffee.

The woman reported a bat in her house but wasn't too concerned about it. She then turned on her automatic coffeemaker before bedtime and enjoyed her coffee the next morning. When she cleaned out her coffee machine that night, she discovered the dead bat in the coffee filter. The bat was sent to a laboratory to be tested, where researchers determined its brain was too cooked by the hot water for them to determine whether it was rabid. The woman is currently undergoing treatment for possible rabies.

I've heard some food scenarios that are even more disgusting, but this one tops the list of strange occurrences! Does this remind you of any bizarre food experiences that you've had?

Source

Tasting Starbucks Small Batch Clover Coffee

YumSugar — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 11:25:14 -0700

Starbucks has been keeping itself busy. Not only has it developed a whole new line of food items, but the company has been working on a bigger product launch: its Clover Small Batch Coffee, a new offering that highlights high-end coffees. The new coffee program has two important elements: high-quality beans from varying origins, and specific coffee equipment known as Clover machines to brew the beans. The idea is to encourage customers to taste coffee like they would wine. Because like wine, coffee's origins, soil, and climate are reflected in its taste. At $11,000 each, Clover coffee makers aren't cheap, but they employ a vacuum-press process, turning out individually brewed, made-to-order cups that highlight coffee's true flavors.

This morning, Starbucks launched its Clover Small Batch Coffee Program in San Francisco (it has already been released in Boston, Seattle, and Portland). From a choice of five coffees, I selected the Ethiopia Nardos brew. The coffee was floral, and its notes of sweet brown sugar were enhanced when I took a bite of my croissant. At $2.75 for a tall, it was a treat well worth it.

Have you tasted Clover coffee yet? What did you think? To see if there is a Clover program location near you,

New McDonald's Commercials Take a Deeper Jab at Starbucks

YumSugar — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 11:30:50 -0700

In an effort to further promote its new McCafé coffee bars, fast-food chain McDonald's has released a new set of clips that make fun of the coffeehouse scene popularized by Starbucks, billing it as a stuffy store overrun with brooding intellectuals.

This isn't the first of the campaign against Starbucks: Earlier this year, we took notice of the new McDonald's site Unsnobbycoffee.com, which touts McDonald's coffee as simple, easy, and unpretentious when compared to Starbucks. The new commercials take this concept one step further. "Now we don't have to listen to jazz all day long!" one woman proclaims in the segment below. Check out the commercial for yourself and tell me: Do you find it funny, or is McDonald's, with its new segments that mock Starbucks, taking its ad campaign one step too far?

Get Flash to see this player.

Source

Dunkin' Donuts One-Ups Starbucks With New Special

YumSugar — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 09:12:23 -0700

Responding to the economic hardship, breakfast chain Dunkin' Donuts has come out with its version of a recession deal.

Beginning today, small hot and iced lattes will cost only 99 cents from 2 to 5 p.m. The new special, dubbed "America's Latte Break," is the doughnut chain's response to the Starbucks $2 afternoon coffee deal that ended last month. The restaurants will also offer a 99 cent Egg and Cheese Sandwich — all day long — with the purchase of a medium or larger hot coffee. Both specials will run through Nov. 11.

What do you think of "America's Latte Break"? Will it edge out the competition? Will you visit Dunkin' Donuts for afternoon coffee over Starbucks?

Source

Yummy Links: From a Vegan's Vengeance to Food Network

partysugar — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 06:45:42 -0700

If you love foodie fiction, check out this crime novel in which a vegan gets his vengeance. — San Francisco Magazine
These cheesecake pops are pretty and delicious. — GlamDish
Check out the new and improved Chow.com. — Chow
Learn everything you need to know about 16 varieties of potatoes.— The Kitchn
In what must be the most absurd announcement of the week, PETA has asked Ben & Jerry to make ice cream with breast milk.— The Epi-Log
Wine wipes will get rid of red wine-stained teeth. — Serious Eats
How to unclog your coffee grinder.— CasaSugar
Food Network's holding casting calls for the fifth season of The Next Food Network Star; do you have what it takes? — Grubstreet

Source

Food and Drink Factoids From Slow Food Nation

YumSugar — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 05:30:12 -0700

I learned a great deal during my experience at Slow Food Nation — not just about sustainable eating, but also all about gourmet food in general, from rice to coffee. To share all my foodie facts with you, I've put together a fun quiz. How much might you learn? There's only one way to find out!

Taste Test: POMx Iced Coffee

YumSugar — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:00:17 -0700

Pomegranates may have been around for thousands of years, but it wasn't until a few years ago that the fruit took off with the launch of pomegranate drinks such as POM Wonderful. Suddenly, the übernutritious specimen became the world's hottest fruit. Its tart, brambly flavor began appearing in everything from cocktails to salad dressing. When I heard POM had developed a coffee drink, I had to find out what the hype was about. Did this beverage have pomegranate juice mixed in with its coffee? As it turns out, POMx Iced Coffee contains pomegranate extract for its antioxidant benefits, but no actual pomegranate juice. The 10-ounce drink, which is currently only available on the East Coast, comes in two flavors, café au lait and chocolate, and costs $2.99. The drink contains Rainforest Alliance-certified coffee, fat-free milk, and organic cane sugar. To find out my impressions of the drink,

Latte Art: Love It or Hate It?

partysugar — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 04:00:28 -0700

As Starbucks's dominance slips, I hope more people will turn to local coffee shops for their daily caffeine fix. The number one thing I love about my neighborhood cafe, Murano, is that the cappuccinos come with a pretty foam heart. In my opinion, the best coffee drinks are made with love, and latte art of any kind demonstrates a true passion for coffee-making. How about you: Do you appreciate latte art?Source

Latte Art: Love It or Hate It?

Love it

Hate it

Undecided

Starbucks Announces $2 Afternoon Drink Deal

partysugar — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 11:16:52 -0700

Starbucks has announced its plan to offer an afternoon discount to morning customers. Present a receipt of your morning beverage after 2 p.m. and you can order any iced grande coffee drink (including Frappuccinos!) for just $2. The promotion begins on Tuesday and runs until Sept. 2. According to Brad Stevens, the vice president of customer relationship management, the discount is a no-brainer:

I think we've kind of hit the nail on the head. It's easy for baristas to implement and it's easy for customers to understand.

Since Starbucks's iced drinks are a little pricey the concept is quite clever. However, I rarely order two Starbucks drinks in one day, so I don't know how often I will be able to use the discount. How about you? Will you use the discount?

Source

Yummy Links: From Kitschy Kitchens to Top Chef 5

partysugar — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 06:45:12 -0700

Decorate your kitchen with these kitschy, retro-glam finds. — Hostess with the Mostess
Make gourmet coffee at home. — Slashfood
New to cooking? Check a beginner cookbook out of your library. — Chow
Just how good are Starbucks's smoothies? — Baking Bites
Get to know David Chang of Momofuku fame a little better. — Serious Eats
Take a look at San Francisco's just-planted Slow Food Nation Victory Garden. — CasaSugar
Cookthink gets a stylish new makeover. — Cookthink
Learn how to make crispy and delicious fried green tomatoes. — The Kitchn
Help McDonald's name its new dollar menu. — The Epi-Log
Calling all New Yorkers: be on the lookout for the filming of Top Chef Season 5! — Eater

Source

Morning News Anchors Drink McDonald's Coffee (For Cash)

partysugar — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 11:10:59 -0700

Morning News Anchors Drink McDonald's Coffee (For Cash)
Each morning news anchors on Fox's Las Vegas affiliate sit in front of very visible McDonald's iced coffee cups, part of a product-placement deal. The fast-food chain sponsors the two-hour morning news-and-lifestyle segment, but instead of commercial breaks, the advertisement happens during the news.

Yummy Links: From Wooden Bowls to Masa Harina

partysugar — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 07:45:12 -0700

Check out CasaSugar's exclusive interview with wooden bowl crafter Nick Stagg. — CasaSugar
Is it okay to eat on public transportation? — Chow
A new study shows that consumption of coffee might be good for you! — Slashfood
An easy way to clean your grill is by rubbing it with raw onion. — The Kitchn
McCain vs. Obama: how their culinary choices may affect the presidency.— The Epi-Log
Edible chic: finger food rings. — Serious Eats
What exactly is masa harina? — Baking Bites

Source

Is Your Local Starbucks Closing?

partysugar — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 12:15:51 -0700

By now you must have heard that Starbucks is closing 600 of its stateside coffee shops. Last week Starbucks released the official list of the closing stores with a grand total of 616 closures. The closing stores are company-operated stand alone locations; no bookstore, super market, or airport Starbucks will be shuttered. A recent study by analyst Sharon Zackfia, found that 54 percent of the closing locations are within two miles of another Starbucks. The study also breakdowns the closures by region:

The central part of the country will lose about 13 percent of Starbucks stores that are operated directly by the Seattle company. The Southeast will lose 10 percent, the Northeast 8 percent and the West 5 percent.

After checking the list, I'm relieved to see that none of the Starbucks I frequent are closing. To find out which stores are vanishing in your neighborhood, check out the complete list and

Starbucks to Do Smoothies, Subway to Do Coffee

partysugar — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 11:15:47 -0700

With reality stars posing as fashion designers and singers turning into restaurateurs, it's no surprise that Starbucks and Subway would expand into something other than caffeinated beverages and sandwiches. Tomorrow Starbucks is scheduled to launch a new smoothie line. Called Vivanno Nourishing Blends, the smoothies come in two flavors: Orange Mango Banana and Chocolate Banana.

Scrambling to increase sales with innovative new products like smoothies, Starbucks has reason to worry: Subway is testing out a cafe concept. The Subway cafes will be larger than the existing sandwich shops with comfortable seating, wi-fi, espresso drinks, gelatos, and paninis. Subway isn't the first fast-food chain to expand into coffee, both McDonalds and Burger King have been heavily promoting coffee drinks.

What do you think about these announcements? Will you try a Starbucks smoothie or Subway coffee?

Source and Source

A Starbucks on Every — Er, Every Other Corner?

YumSugar — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 11:15:54 -0700

Perhaps it's a bad sign when your company's ubiquity becomes the butt of jokes; I particularly loved The Onion's suggestion that Starbucks would open a store in the bathroom of another Starbucks. So I wasn't surprised to read the news that the all-conquering coffee chain is closing 600 US stores.

Whether you're a Starbucks fan or a hater, I bet you know a thing or two about the company's crazy reputation for having a store on every corner — or maybe now it's every other corner? Take my Starbucks by the numbers quiz to find out.

Source

Test Your Coffee I.Q.

partysugar — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 03:00:04 -0700

You may drink it everyday, but do you know any other coffee drink besides the one you order? For example, what exactly is an Americano? Find out now when you take my quiz.

I'll list the definition and you match it to the drink's name.

Source

Yummy Links: From Better Tasting Coffee to Emeril Live

partysugar — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 06:45:47 -0700

Sick of the horrible tasting office coffee? Here are ten ways to make office coffee taste better. —The Epi-Log
Find the farmers market closest to you and discover recipes that feature the farm fresh products. —Culinate
M&M's premiums look so pretty I can't wait to get my hands on a bag.— Candy Blog
Learn all about Spain's most underrated wine: Sherry. — The Kitchn
Before you make homemade ice cream, read these tips for sweet creamy success. — Serious Eats
Help bring bitters back by making them at home. — Chow
What to eat before and after you work out. — FitSugar
Miss Emeril Live? Five never before seen episodes will be airing soon on his new network: Fine Living. — Fine Living

Source

Yucky Link: Starbucks to Bring Back Burnt Coffee

partysugar — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 07:45:06 -0700

Due to popular demand, Starbucks will bring back their bolder — burnt tasting — roasted coffee. If you prefer your coffee burnt, you can request the bolder variety. —The Consumerist

Do You Take an Afternoon Coffee Break?

YumSugar — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 11:45:05 -0700

In the afternoons, it's not uncommon to see several Sugar staffers heading out for a coffee break. Maybe it's the postlunch sleepy slump or a sudden craving for sunlight, but the cafes in our block get crowded around 2 or 3 p.m. Are you among the throngs near your office?Source

Do You Take an Afternoon Coffee Break?

Yep! I need my afternoon caffeine like clockwork.

Sometimes, if I'm having a slow-moving day.

No — I'm strictly a morning coffee person.

Coffee break? You mean, the break I take from my constant caffeine consumption?

I don't drink coffee.

Other — I'll tell you in the comments.

Name That Dish!

partysugar — Sat, 31 May 2008 07:00:17 -0700

Like coffee popsicles, the dessert pictured below is usually enhanced with coffee flavor and needs several hours to chill before serving. Do you know what it's called?

Vietnamese-Style Coffee on a Stick

YumSugar — Wed, 28 May 2008 11:15:31 -0700

Over the long weekend I finally got around to experimenting with my new popsicle mold. The final result was perfect for the hot Summer months and a coffee lover's dream, a coffee popsicle! I used Vietnamese-style coffee — a simple concoction of sweetened condensed milk and strong coffee, traditionally served over ice — as my inspiration. These frozen delights were cool, refreshing, and oh so delicious. Packed with a caffeine punch, these popsicles are super simple to make. The hardest part is waiting for them to freeze!

This popsicle recipe can easily be altered to suit any coffee taste so feel free to add vanilla, mocha, or chocolate. To learn how to freeze your favorite coffee beverage, please

Yummy Links: From Seasonal Maps to Passion Fruit Souffles

partysugar — Tue, 27 May 2008 09:00:01 -0700

Epicurious has a new map that will help you know which ingredients are in season at your local farmers markets. — The Epi-Log
When did the world of coffee get so slutty?— Chow
Speaking of coffee, check out this hysterical list of the eight most annoying types of people you'll find in Starbucks. I'm totally number six! — Holy Taco
Hot pink, zebra prints, and shiny disco balls make a fabulous look for a bachelorette party. — Hostess with the Mostess
Purchase hard to find Thai produce and pantry items online.— The Kitchn
Learn how to properly store beer. — SlashFood
What signs do you look for when choosing a restaurant? — Simply Stated
Fake a four-star restaurant dessert with this recipe for passion fruit souffle. — Chefs Gone Wild

Source

Starbucks Splash Stick: Love It or Hate It?

YumSugar — Sat, 24 May 2008 04:00:21 -0700

Starbucks recently rolled out their new splash sticks, and our very own PetSugar is gaga for them. They're like stirring sticks only with a special plug on the top to keep coffee from spilling out. I think it's a genius idea — I have a hard time walking without spilling stuff all over myself — but I can see where some of you might dislike it. It's creating more waste and isn't very green. So what do you think? Are you into this stirring stick?

Starbucks Splash Stick: Love It or Hate It?

Love It

Hate It

Undecided

Starbucks Wants to Give You a Boost

YumSugar — Thu, 15 May 2008 09:00:37 -0700

Believe it or not, I don't drink much coffee. I cut it out of my life and now only indulge every so often, more for flavor than for the wake-up boost. However, I know there are quite a few of you, who absolutely can not live without your morning cuppa. If you're in that camp, then I have some interesting news for you. Starbucks is launching an energy boost.

Their new option, called +Energy, is a blend of B vitamins, guarana, and ginseng. For 50 cents, it can be added to any existing drink. Now you can have your caffeine boost AND an energy boost all at the same time. When asked why they were doing this, Starbucks spokesperson Bridget Baker said:

It's a perfect match for active lifestyles. It's a way of meeting that demand and addressing that need.

And if you're too active to actually stand in line for a drink, starting next month they'll offer a ready-to-drink version for grocery stores, convenience stores, and any other places their ready-to-drink products are sold.

So has anyone tried the +Energy boost? Did it make your coffee taste differently?

Source

Dunkin' Donuts Offers Some Tax-Day Relief

YumSugar — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 16:03:51 -0700

Doing some last-minute work on your taxes this weekend? Well maybe they'll be a bit easier to do if you know there's a reward at the end of the tax-form tunnel. Next Tuesday, April 15, Dunkin' Donuts is offering a bit of tax-day relief in the form of a free donut. However, I should warn you, much like your taxes, you need to read all the fine print. The donut is only free when you buy any sized hot coffee. If you're interested, find a Dunkin' Donuts store near you.

Get Mugged!

YumSugar — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 01:05:42 -0700

Maybe it was all the coffee talk this week, but when I saw these cute fruit mugs that TeamSugar member fairy_MK bookmarked, I decided to go on a hunt for a new coffee mug. I checked out ShopStyle Living and found way more options than I expected. To see some of my finds, scroll through below.

Discover Starbucks' "Venti" Announcement

YumSugar — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 13:18:31 -0700

This morning Starbucks had their "venti" announcement, and I don't know about you guys, but I was a bit ~~bored~~ underwhelmed. I know they're trying everything they can think of to turn things back around, but a huge cryptic press release for 30 minutes of free coffee? That's right from 9-9:30 a.m. PDT (12-12:30 p.m. EDT) they were giving out free samples of their new Pike Place Roast. It's their new everyday coffee and is — according to several folks who tried it — smoother and less burnt tasting than normal. If you missed out there will be sampling vans roaming the country over the next few months, alternatively, you could just go in and try it for yourself.
In addition to their new blend, there were actually a few more notable changes. Most significantly is the logo. The green encircled two-tailed mermaid — OK, how come I never noticed it was a two-tailed mermaid? — has been replaced with the old-school two-tailed mermaid logo — which I might add, has way more boobage going on — and the words "Fresh Roasted" also appear.

They have also finally added some perks for folks with a Starbucks Card. If you have a prepaid Starbucks card you should be able to get syrup and milk options for free, free refills of brewed coffee, and a complimentary tall beverage when you purchase whole beans. It's not a full rewards program, but it is more than you got before.

So tell me, do you think these changes are going to help Starbucks out? Or are you just sick of hearing about all the changes?

Move Over Latté Artists, The Amazing Latté Printer Has Arrived

YumSugar — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 03:01:51 -0700

You may have seen beautiful latté art before, but have you ever seen latté art with text? How about cups of joe with intricate patterns and images? If you haven't, then you're in for a treat. Inventor Oleksiy Pikalo has taken an old X-Y flatbed plotter — a machine similar to a printer — and converted it into a latté art machine. With it he can program different images and patterns to display on top of his morning coffee. This image is one he created, and you can see the machine at work — it's really pretty fascinating — when you watch the video. To check it out, just

Starbucks Buys Fancy-Pants Machines, Also Promises to Treat You Better

YumSugar — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 05:00:00 -0700

Yesterday, many wild announcements were made during Starbucks' annual shareholder meeting. It's no secret, they've been making a lot of interesting changes, but some of the announcements were quite surprising. While the launch of their own social networking website is shocking, it was actually their purchase of Coffee Equipment Company, the makers of the fancy-pants Clover coffee machines.

Clover coffee machines cost $11,000 each and are thought by many coffee snobs to be "amazing, absolutely amazing" — those are quotes from actual coffee snob friends of mine. The Clover machines will be put into select markets, and rumor has it that non-Starbucks cafés will no longer be able to purchase them.

Other changes that they announced included improved automated espresso machines that grind beans fresh for each drink, as well as a new coffee blend and a rewards program. That's right, they're finally going to give you that soy milk or vanilla splash for free. It's about time, no?

So what do you think, will these changes alter the way you think about Starbucks?

Source

Roast Coffee Beans with a Hot-Air Popcorn Popper

YumSugar — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 16:22:57 -0800

Want to roast your own coffee beans, but don't want to splurge big bucks on a home coffee roaster? Then try using a hot-air popcorn popper. Sweet Maria's has a full how to, and the folks at KK just put it to the test.

You order unroasted green beans, and put them in the popper like you would popcorn. As the beans roast (they're not going to pop like the popcorn does), the bean casings separate. The skins will float up and make a big mess. However, after a few minutes, you'll have wonderfully roasted beans — they'll need to be cooled, but you can use them like you would normal.

At least, this is how it works in theory. I personally haven't tried it, and I don't have an air-popper at the moment. But I might just have to go out and get one. How about you? Would you try to roast your coffee beans this way?

Coffee and Tea, Please

partysugar — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 07:56:31 -0800

Unlike the seasonal changes in fruits and veggies, the consumption of coffee and tea remains constant year round. It's no surprise that even though warm weather is almost here, the Yum Market on TeamSugar is full of coffee and tea accessories. From teapots to cappuccino machines and coffee beans, you are eager to enjoy the rich brown beverages. Being an avid espresso drinker, I love this floral print espresso cup and saucer set. CupcakeGal10 saved these teeny cups that scream Spring! If you're crazy about coffee and tantalized by tea, browse the collection below.

Geeksugar has put together an article that explains how to bookmark on TeamSugar. Check it out for more details!

Does He Know How You Take Your Coffee?

YumSugar — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 15:25:11 -0800

Do Tell: Does He Know How You Take Your Coffee?
I'm not sure where the concept originated, but when your significant other knows how you take your coffee, it's assumed that your relationship has really made it, so to speak! I'm sure we all have a specific way we like our coffee but do tell ladies, does your significant other know just how you like it?

Does Coffee Dream of Electric Chocolate? New Starbucks Chocolate Reviewed

YumSugar — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 08:30:31 -0800

This summer a press release went out with limited fanfare. The folks at Hershey's were teaming up with Starbucks. At the time there was very little news available, other than an upcoming Starbucks-branded premium chocolate. The news piqued my interest, but there was no word on when the products would hit the shelves. Turns out it's today.

Using the expertise of Artisan Confection Company — a division of Hershey's that includes Scharffen Berger and Joseph Schmidt — Starbucks has created a line of products to sell in stores. There are three types of chocolate bars, tasting squares and filled truffles. Thanks to FabSugar — who hand-carried these samples back from New York — we were lucky enough to give them a try. If you want to learn more about each flavor, as well as what we thought of them,

Handpresso: Love It or Hate It?

partysugar — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 01:03:13 -0800

I'm one of those people who gets a double shot of espresso each and every morning. Naturally, I got super excited when I saw this handy little gadget, the Handpresso. It's a hand-held contraption that produces tasty espresso anywhere, anytime. After watching the video, I imagined myself toting one in my oversized handbag. I could offer passengers waiting for the bus little glasses of espresso! Only when I read the fine print — it needs hot water to function — did I realize this might not be so cool. Still the luxurious thought of espresso anywhere, anytime entices me. What do you think? Is the Handpresso great or destined for a doomed fate?

Handpresso: Love It or Hate It?

Love It

Hate It

Undecided

Our Long National Nightmare Is Over

YumSugar — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 10:56:26 -0800

Our Long National Nightmare Is Over
Not to be outdone by The Daily Show, Stephen Colbert also shows us what happened when he had to wait for his Starbucks coffee.

Full-Caffeine Eclipse

YumSugar — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 10:41:31 -0800

Not that Starbucks needs any more free publicity — which is what some folks are calling their retraining shutdown — but last night on The Daily Show, correspondent Jason Jones talked about the shut down. In this clip, Jones tries to figure out what to do during the "full-caffeine eclipse." My favorite parts include when he asks his local deli owner for a fancy drink only to be greeted with a completely blank expression. Or perhaps it was when he wanted to know where the "douchebags with laptops" were.

Tell me which part is your favorite, watch the clip when you

Did Your Starbucks Improve?

YumSugar — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 15:15:13 -0800

As you know — or maybe found out on accident — Starbucks retrained its employees last night. So did it help?

I did a very unscientific poll at the Sugar HQ, and the responses ranged from "I didn't notice anything different" to "Totaaaalllly. It was 100 percent better tasting." Several folks thought the staff seemed more cheerful, but they thought perhaps it was because of the nice weather. Sort of a mixed bag really, but not one complaint.

However if there had been complaints, there's a new policy that would have helped out. Starbucks has stated that if the customer is not happy, it's not happy. The new post-training promise is, "Your drink should be perfect, every time. If not, let us know and we'll make it right."

Another change that also went into effect this morning is that instead of pouring shots straight into the cups, they're going into shot glasses first. This way the baristas can see the quality of the shot, something they didn't do before.

So tell me, have you been to a Starbucks today? If so, have you noticed any changes?

Source

Would You Bring a French Press to Your Office?

YumSugar — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 07:13:31 -0800

Recently, we've been assaulted by the aroma of tasty coffee brewing in the Sugar HQ kitchen. Seems that some one has gotten sick of the day-to-day, and has brought in their own delicious beans and a French press. The whole thing got me wondering about the extremes we go to in order to get a good cup of joe. So tell me, would you bring a French press to your workplace?Source

Would You Bring a French Press to Your Office?

Yep, I already have one there!

Yep, I can't believe I haven't done this already!

Nope, my office actually has good coffee.

Nope, it's not worth the effort. I'll drink the sludge.

I get my coffee from cafes, Starbucks, etc.

I don't drink coffee.

Other — Tell us what you think in the comments!

Dunkin' Donuts Hopes to Cash in on Starbucks' Closures

YumSugar — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 07:28:31 -0800

Don't forget, your local Starbucks is closing this evening. From 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., they will be closed for retraining purposes. To take advantage of this closure, rival Dunkin' Donuts is offering small lattes and cappuccinos for 99 cents today from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. So if you need your caffeine fix, head over to your nearest Dunkin' Donuts. And if you want a little chuckle then check out their commercial, which clearly pokes fun at Starbucks. To do so, just

Starbucks Is Closing Its Doors For Three Hours

YumSugar — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 11:40:51 -0800

If, on Feb. 26, you head to your local Starbucks after work and discover that it's closed, don't say I didn't warn you. On that Tuesday, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Starbucks will close all of its standalone stores. The three-hour shut down is so that the employees — about 135,000 of them — can be retrained. Spokeswoman Valerie O'Neil said:

We will have all new standards for how we create the drinks. They will be trained in creating the perfect shot, steaming the milk, and all the pieces that come together in a drink.

It's really about ensuring that the customer experience that we provide is the best that it can be.

Starbucks has been going through a lot of changes lately, and the retraining of all of its employees is part of the plan to revive the brand and sales.

If you're trying to figure out how you'll survive without Starbucks for those three hours, I should mention that the nearly 4,000 kiosks inside of grocery stores, airports, etc. may remain open. Those employees will be trained around the same time, but not necessarily on that same day.

Would You Pay $20,000 For a Cup of Coffee?

YumSugar — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 10:47:04 -0800

Would you pay $20,000 for a pot of coffee? James Freeman did.

When the man behind San Francisco's cult favorite Blue Bottle Coffee decided to open his first café — a step way above the original kiosk — he took the plunge and purchased a $20,000 halogen-powered coffee siphon bar. The bar, which is imported from Japan, is the only one like it in the US and is really a sight to behold. In fact, it doesn't really look like a coffee maker; at first glance you might even think it's some sort of gadget from Journey to the Center of the Earth — or perhaps some weird device found on the Lost island.

However, I'm here to tell you that it is indeed a coffee maker. It uses a technique known as siphon or vacuum, where water rises from the bottom chamber to the top. We recently met up with Freeman and he and his crew gave us the lowdown on how it works. To find out just what a $20,000 coffee bar can do,

News Flash: Starbucks Tests Dollar Cup of Joe

YumSugar — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 12:16:03 -0800

News Flash: Starbucks Tests Dollar Cup of Joe
Last week, many of you thought that Starbucks' removal of organic milk from their menu wasn't the best move for the company. As part of Starbucks' efforts to identify with its customers, they've been experimenting in the Seattle area selling a $1 "short brew" with free refills.

Mommy Alert! Miscarriage and Caffeine

YumSugar — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:15:31 -0800

Mommy Alert! Miscarriage and Caffeine
Contrary to what was reported in this Mommy Alert two weeks ago, a recent New York Times article says there is evidence that caffeine poses a risk to pregnant women.

Rachael Ray Refuses to Work Without Her Coffee

YumSugar — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 03:18:31 -0800

Our pals over at Grub Street are reporting that Rachael Ray might not be the perfect Dunkin' Donuts spokesperson. After all, shouldn't a spokesperson like the product she's hawking? In a second-hand story, Rachael is being quoted as calling Dunkin' Donuts coffee sh*t. She also refused to continue until someone brought her HER coffee, which happened to be Starbucks coffee.

I'm not sure if this is true, but it does sound rather diva-like. What do you think, would it surprise you if this was true? Perhaps she was just upset about the shake-ups at her magazine?

Also, would you agree with her? Do you like Dunkin' Donuts coffee?

Source

Coffee Cake Two Ways — Beginner and Expert

partysugar — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 15:27:31 -0800

Having an excellent recipe for coffee cake in your repertoire is a must. Coffee cake is wonderful on many occasions, it's delicious at brunch, scrumptious in the afternoon, and tasty after dinner. Basically, it's good anytime you would want to drink coffee. Coffee cake is also a wonderful gift because it is simple to make and easy to transport. To ensure you add a recipe to your collection, I've found two — a really easy one for beginners and another for experts — so choose one and

A Whole Latte Beautiful Art

YumSugar — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 12:01:18 -0800

This past weekend, my friends and I found ourselves waiting in line for some tasty coffee. When our orders came up, we each had some cutesy latte art — hearts, leaves, etc. — and it got me wondering about latte art in general. Some baristas really take pride in it and there are many clever designs out there. I recently came across this video that walks you through several different designs, including rabbits and stars. The unknown barista is very inspirational; after watching it, I wanted to give it a try myself!

To check out the video and get inspired,

Starbucks' Brings Back Founder Howard D. Schultz

YumSugar — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 09:10:32 -0800

Starbucks' Brings Back Founder Howard D. Schultz
How does an international company — whose stock fell 50 percent just last year — begin to make a comeback? Starbucks' solution is to bring back their big shot. As of Monday the founder of the company, Howard D. Schultz, has returned as chief executive with hopes that he'll turn the company back around.

Would You Try Cat Poop Coffee?

YumSugar — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 13:57:16 -0800

Would You Try Cat Poop Coffee?
I like coffee. I like cats. But . . . filter my coffee beans through the intestinal tract of a cat? Hells no! A cup of this joe, loosely known as "cat poop coffee," is considered an exotic delicacy.

Can the McCafe Take On Starbucks?

YumSugar — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 11:13:31 -0800

This Fall, your local McDonald's is going to experience the biggest change in 30 years: baristas. That's right, according to the Wall Street Journal, McDonald's locations nationwide will install coffee bars that serve up cappuccinos, lattes, mochas, and frappes. They will be located at the front, near the registers, and customers can watch their drinks being made; a big departure from the rest of the food prep. In addition to coffee, there is also talk of smoothies and bottled beverages.

Interestingly enough, the McCafe — as it's being branded — has already taken off worldwide, but I wonder how they'll do here. I'm curious to see what happens. As the article states, there's been a bit of a learning curve; not all McD's patrons know what a latte is. However I'm sure once their customers figure it out, they'll be ordering them in no time. What do you think? Is the McCafe a threat to Starbucks?

To check out a video of the espresso machines at work in the test McDonald's in Kansas,

Starbucks Gets Skinny For the New Year

YumSugar — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 08:01:31 -0800

Starbucks recently announced their new "skinny" drink ordering system, it's a system that's been in place for years, only it didn't have a name before. If you'd like your drink to be sugar-free, with non-fat milk and without whip cream, you can now order it "skinny" instead of listing off the criteria. I'm glad to see that Starbucks is bringing it to people's attention, however not everyone is loving the name. In fact, one barista has even gone as far as to write a letter to the corporate office.

The unnamed barista's letter reads more like a manifesto, however she does have some good points. She believes that the new ordering system will be confusing, especially if a customer wants whip or wants whole milk. Personally I don't think it's that weird, that's like having a regular, but with no-whip or non-fat. She also thinks it's one more thing for the customers to get confused by. I'll have to agree on this one, I still can't figure out why the tall is the small. However her biggest pet peeve is that she thinks it's politically incorrect. She points out that they don't call the whole milk versions obese, and she thinks overweight customers and employees might be offended or weirded out by it.

So what do you think? Do you have an opinion about Starbucks' skinny ordering system? I don't have a problem with the name, although I do wonder just how "skinny" these skinny drinks really are.