Ode to Starbucks

How do I heart thee? Let me count the ways...

Every morning around 8am I yearn for my favorite cup of Starbucks coffee, a "grande, no whip, non-fat, vanilla latte", thank you very much. Starbucks can make the most extreme coffee hater become an addict in a matter of a caramel macchiato minute. With all of their foamy, frothy goodness, how can anyone resist stopping in for just a sip?

Ordering is an art form. Have you ever listened to someone make their order? You can definitely tell the difference between a coffee newbie and an addict. It actually aggravates me to hear people go back and forth on what they want; know what you want, then order.
I have only gotten flustered at a Starbucks once. I went to order my usual vanilla latte, when I was informed their espresso machine was broken!!! The travesty. I looked frantically at the board. Words like, "hazelnut", "chai", "tazo", and "frappuccino" were all blurring together. I wasn't sure WHAT I was going to get. Luckily, my local barista knew just what to do. She made me a cafe au lait with a touch of vanilla and it was the best drink ever! Since then, I've also branched into getting an occasional Cinnamon Dulche as well.


Sure it can get costly and you're definitely paying for the experience as well as the coffee, but its worth it. Hell, throw caution to the wind and order a coffee cake too! Or perhaps a cinnamon bun is more your style? Whatever the case may be, indulge yourself with some Starbucks! You owe it to yourself!
In fact, I may head there myself... Because lets face it, you want to go where everybody knows your name...