Saturday, May 26, 2012

Starbucks Store Review: 433 Seymour St

Starbucks Store Review:

Location: 433 Seymour
Store type: Corporate
Card Payemts Taken: All
Mobile Payment Accepted: YES

My Experience Specifics:
Drink(s) ordered: Personal Iced Grande Nonfat Chai Latte
Food ordered: NONE
Merchandise ordered: NONE
Payment Method: Android Mobile

(Customer Service you recieved)
Service Score: 10/10
Service Comments: Fantastic Service! I have never been to this location and I will definately be back! The extremely friendly lady who served me had a great smile and a very approachable attitude.

(The Barista(s) who served you)
Barista Score: 10/10
Barista Comments: I was served by an amazing Barista at this location. I did not get her name but I should have... I definately will next time! She stricked up a nice coversation with me and called my drink by my name. I used my own personal cup she even had nice comments to say on the type of drink I ordered and thanked me twice when leaving hoping that I would be back and I for sure will! This lady whoever she is should be an model example of how all Starbucks Baristas should present themselves all the time at every store!

(The drink you ordered)
Beverage Score: 9.5/10
Beverage Comments: Since I ordered my Usual (Personal Iced Grande Nonfat Chai Latte) no one can make it as good as I can for myself (im not a barista there but at my cafe that i work it) other than that the nice lady made it beautifully!

(Atmosphere, cleanliness, signage, design, loca. within area)
Store Score: 8.5/10
Store Comments: The location is nicely situated in downtown near seymour and W.Hastings, the store was a little bit dimly lit for my taste but usually once I get my drink I dont tend to hang around in bux to long! usually not a reason to do so! but the lightin was a bit dim. I am also taking a point off because it was close to closing time for them so it wasnt fair that i didnt get to see them during a moring work rush and give them a real number!

OVERALL SCORE: 10/10
OVERALL COMMENTS: The amazing Barista did it for me! She is the reason this store deserves a 10!!! She made my day!!!

Friday, May 18, 2012

Esp.Van. presents Walking Coffee Tours!

Espresso Vancouver will be brining back our Vancity coffee tours!

your 30$ ticket for this 2 hour adventure down Commercial Drive will feature a visit to 3 local cafes! (1 drink at each cafe included) and a Brochure all about coffee!

Date are TBA!  Tickets are 30$ CASH payable to the Tour Guide at the Start of the Tour!

Check back for More information to come in the comming weeks!
Thanks!!!!!

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Chai, Chai, Chai!!! (What its all about)

Chai is a black spiced tea which comes in a concentrated form and features Ginger, Nutmeg, Cardamon, Cinnimon and pepper and mixed with black and green teas.

Due to its increasing popularity, chai tea is now produced by a large number of companies. These companies produce their chai tea in several forms, such as chai tea concentrate, chai tea powder, and chai tea bags. Additionally, chai tea drinkers can find flavored chai (such as vanilla or chocolate), vegan chai, organic chai, chai made with wind power, sugar-free chai, decaffeinated chai, etc. Some of the more popular chai brand are
  • Oregon Chai - concentrate
  • DaVinci Chai - concentrate
  • Torani Chai - concentrate
  • Tazo Chai - bags and concentrate (starbucks brand)
  • Chai Time - concentrate (orgranic and fair trade)
TYPES OF CHAI DRINKS:

Chai Tea Latte - Powder or Cocentrate steamed with milk or poured over steamed milk
Iced Chai Tea Latte - Cold Milk and Chai Concentrate over ice
Blended Chai / Chai Frappuccino - Chai Concentrate and Milk blended with Ice
Breve Chai - Chai Concentrate added to steamed Cream or Half & Half
Soy Chai - Chai Concentrate added to Steamed Soy Milk
Chai Cappucino - Chai concentrate added to steamed milk with a Big layer of foam
Chocolate Chai Latte - Chai Concentrate added to Steamed Chocolate Milk
Dirty Chai - A regular Chai Tea Latte with an added Espresso Shot
Vanilla Chai - A regular Chai Tea Latte with Vanilla Syrup added

Enjoy!

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Summer Drink Days!!! (Let the Party Begin)

The Month of May for me is my official start to Summer... With weather like this it should be as such anyways! So I think its time we talk Favourite Summer Beverages! I am sure we all have a favourite Summer Bevie! Weather you are a fan of the $1.00 Iced Coffees at McDonald's (small or medium only all summer long) or the CURRENT starbucks promotion (Half Price Happy Hour) only on till today (Awe)! 3-5pm! WOOHOO! We all have our favourites. You know that special drink that makes you excited to spend a day at the beach. Or the favourite flavor that reminds you of a special time in your childhood on vacation or with old friends. It even doesn't have to have a special meaning it could be something tasty that just cools you down on a Sticky HOT summer day or something nice to drink while enjoying a late night summer breeze with that special someone! Let me share some of my fave's and one that I am currently in love with...

In The Past Few Years I have Enjoyed...
- The Banana Buzz at Jugo Juice
- The Iced Venti Raspberry Passion Tea Lemonade at Bux
- The Artigano Grande Iced Mocha
- The Iced Grande Nonfat Chai Latte at Bux
- Artigano's White Chocolate Mocha Freeze
and... YES even on desperate days I have enjoyed McDonald's $1.00 Iced Coffee with Vanilla!

But!!!! THIS YEAR.... Starbucks has made my dream come true with the ULTIMATE SUMMER DRINK!!!!!!!!!

"The MOCHA COOKIE CRUMBLE FRAPPACINO BLENDED COFFEE!"


This Decadent Blend of Frappacino Coffee blend with Mocha chocolate and Chocolate Whipped Cream with Cookie Crumbled Topping blended with Ice and your favourite Milk Option makes this my Favourite Special Summer Treat!

*Best Part* - You can Customize this drink anyway you like it!

To Save Calories and be healthier you can...
- Ask for NONFAT or SOY milk (some stores have Almond or other options available too)
- Ask for NO WHIP CREAM
- Ask for the LIGHT Coffee Base (1/3 less Calories)
- Ask for Sugar Free Syrups
- Skip the Cookie Crumble on Top (BUT THAT'S THE BEST PART) Lol!

AND... to Make your Summer Complete Download a Fun sexy mix of Summer Hits to Jam to while enjoying your Summer Sensation Frappacino at any Beach, Lake, Waterpark or Summer Spot!
Make sure you go check out Starbucks Full Lineup of Great Summer Sensation Frappacino Drinks at: Create Your Own Frappuccino Mix! Try Great Favourites like the Caramel Light, Strawberries and Creame and the Java Chip with White Chocolate Mocha!

ENJOY RESPONSIBLY!!!

Vancouver's Best Coffee Haunts!

Here is my Current 2012 List of my FAVE Coffee Shops  in Town!
(I have included a reason behind each choice as to why i love them)

1. Starbucks - 2517 Commercial Dr at E.Broadway
- BEST OVERALL CUSTOMER SERVICE! - This location and this location only is like family to me! Been going here for 3 years almost bi-daily!

 2. Caffè Artigiano - 763 Hornby St at Robson St
- FAST SERVICE and When I ask for Extra Extra Sweet they are Mighty Generous! BEST ICED MOCHA IN TOWN!

3. Milano Coffee - 36 Powell St at Carrall St in Gastown
- A Brainchild of Brian Turko (Need i say more), Chic Location! - Try Classico or Turks Island!

4. Delanys Coffee House - 1105 Denman St. (English Bay)
- Personalized Service! They ask for and call you buy name

5. Turks Coffee (Turks on the Drive)- 1276 Commercial Drive
- Been on the Drive for a long time! The Original Turk Brainchild! - Try LaFutura!

6. 49th Parallel Coffee Roasters - 2152 W. 4th Ave. at Arbutus St.
- The Aroma alone walking into this place makes my heart swell with happiness!

7. Elysian Coffee - 590 West Broadway at Ash St 
- A Great lounge place to relax with friends or to read the paper. Friendly staff!
 

8. JJ Bean - Granville Island Public Market 
-Best strategically placed location. Very knowledgeable staff! Try an Iced Vanilla Latte
 

9. Laughing Bean Coffee - 2695 E Hastings St. 
- Best place to get Creative Latte Art! - a very "local people" hangout. Come for Seasonal and Holiday Latte Art! Great Designs!

10. Cuppa Joe Coffee Bar - 189 Broadway at Main St.
- Great Selection and Taste. Support the Lil' Guys in a sea of Corporate! Friendly Local Barista's! Skip the Tim Hortons accross the street and make love with the Little Guys!
 

Other Great Mentions: Moja Cafe, Wicked Cafe, Bump n' Grind Specialty Coffee, Continental Coffee and Prado Cafe! 

Friday, May 11, 2012

An Updated Look at Ordering at Starbucks!

Watch this youtube video below to get an updated look on how to order drinks the Barista way at your local starbucks!!!



A Quick Refersher:

Simply say your drink this way using our basic 8 steps--->

Step1. If its a Hot drink say Hot, If its Iced say Iced!
Step2. If Decaf say decaf, if its not decaf say nothing
Step3. If you want more or less coffee or shots then it usually has say the number or amount now, if your having the regular amount say nothing
Step4. Tell them your cup size (Tall 12oz, Grande 16oz, Venti 20/24oz) - say the name not the oz number
Step5. Any Changes in your syrups. Additions or subtractions or mixing of multiple flavors say them here and if your changing the amounts then say the number of pumps you want!
Step6. MILK - if your not getting standard milk then u tell them here...(Nonfat, 1% or Soy)
Step7. CUSTOM - This is the spot to ask for no foam or xtra Whip Cream or Caramel Drizzle or Lite Ice. all the speical customizations are placed here!
Step8. - SAY THE DRINK NAME LAST! - Latte, Mocha Frappuccino, Chai Latte, Caramel Macchiato etc...

Ex. - My Best friend Mels Drink:                                     My Drink:
(said in this order to the barista)                                       (said in this order to the Barista)       
Iced                                                                                  Iced
Decaf                                                                               Grande
Venti                                                                                Nonfat
Sugar Free Vanilla                                                          Chai Latte
Soy                                                                               
Latte                                                                             

- HOPE THIS HELPS!

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Robson Starbucks Kitty-corner to Another to Close!

Robson Street @ Thrulow St. is home to 2 Starbucks Locations both kitty-corner to each other. Both locations have been in their spot for over 20 years. Starbucks Canada says it's Not because of under-performance but because they are having issues with the Lease agreement with the owners! Check out the Video below for full details!!! ----> So sad to see you go!

http://www.cbc.ca/video/watch/News/Canada/BC/ID=2229178185

What people may not know is that There is another place in Vancouver where you can still find 2 starbucks accross from each other and thats on Granville Street Downtown between West Georgia and Robson St. Both Corperate stores with 1 inside the Sears building on the main floor and one accorss the street beside the London Drugs (A Fave Location of mine)!

Check it out and tell us about closures in your neighbourhood!

-Cheers