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| - Starbucks Sell By Date; Reached!
Over-roasted, Over-rated, Over-hyped and Overpriced.
At the risk of being lynched by my neighbours here in Bridgeland, let me provide you with my objective view of why I have fallen out of love with Starbucks Coffeehouses or whatever they now call their old-fashioned rundown, dull and dreary spaces. Littered with poorly selected loose furniture nearing it's design life, and stained with coffee and infused Tazo chemicals called flavoured tea.
I remember the early 90's in Vancouver, when Starbucks and Chapters competed for my attention and dollars. It was never about the ridiculous cost of the latte, or the ridiculous cost of a Guatamalian Antiqua with Wings, it was about the sensational pleasure of savouring some of the finest coffees and friendliest people, in an environment that was inherently intellectual, cool, comfortable and upbeat. I would have paid $25 for a Turkish Coffee made in a proper Ibrik, and served in a demitasse, if they had it available.
How times have changed. Desperately trying to maintain loosing market share and offer "innovative" coffee and food alternatives, we have a selection of cold slurpee coffees and teas, infused with God knows what, chemicals and creamers, we have their latest amazing product!!! Instant Coffee.
I'm sorry, Walking into any Starbucks location now is a painful experience. The service generally is bland, boring and disinterested. I can go into the store a few times and there is no recognition that they've served you a week ago!
These zombies (baristas) obviously live in a Starbucks world, where they simply steam, they grind, they pour, they roast, and they appear to be miserable at the best of times.
I take my coffee very seriously, and I expect great coffee and great service when I am paying top dollars for that pleasure. Starbucks no longer delivers on that promise or pleasure.
Do yourself a favour. Toss a coin and select a small unpretentious coffee shop close by you. It will probably be a better bet!
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