So YES I am that person who goes everyday usually once but sometimes twice to Starbucks. Case in Point: When we were planning our summer getaway to Emerald Island NC, Saltys dad called to tell me he had done a search and that there is a Starbucks two towns over. So I take my routine trips everyday quite seriously.
I also have been known to choose certain Starbucks that are not the closest to me but the one that 1. Doesn't burn the espresso 2. I like to get to know the Baristas (as I'll be seeing them everyday..kind of like a second family 3. Some choose only to put out half and half, and 2 percent and not the low fat milk and also some choose not to have sweet and low. I thought all the Starbucks had to be the same but I am apparently very very wrong about this.
I live in Miami Beach so I started at the one in Mary Brickell village: Parking impossible, lines all the time, although their staff moves quickly in taking orders, no real face time with said barista no real feeling of family. They do make a good doppio though (and by the way that is a double espresso) and I always order a side of grande ice. Why do I order this way? I like to get the hot doppio, then pour in myself two sweet and lows and let them dissolve before pouring over the ice. This brings out the full flavor of the sweet and low. I then like to pour it over the ice and add half and half and a splash of low fat. I then stir and it’s delicious. Back to this certain Starbucks. I like that you can have your dog there (my dog is a King Charles named cider) and sit outside next to a fountain.
Then there is the Starbucks on Coral Way in the Gables: Parking good, horribly burnt espresso, no lines and you have to ask every time for the low fat milk, which they then give you a cup full and I use a splash so big waste of milk in my mind. That also means big waste of money so someone needs to write a letter to the manager. It's so bad I often give a loud sound of dismay when I drive by this one.
Target in Midtown: Parking a bit of a problem because you have to park on 3rd level and take elevator down, baristas little to no smiles ever, and then this happens. Every time I ask for the grande cup of ice on the side they say no and show me a cup the size of a tall that they only give ice away in. So then I have to buy a grande cup of coffee ask them then to spill it out before giving it to me and fill it with ice. They don’t like this but they do it unhappily for me. Also, rarely do they have the low fat milk out.
Starbucks in the Eden Rock Hotel: This one is closest to my house and the valet people know me so I pull in throw my keys at one of them "wink" run up the stairs, door is opened for me and then my heart sinks because there are 25 tourists staying at the hotel in line. I finally though began eye contact with certain employees that would give me a wave (meaning were making yours) just run up to the front and drop off the money. But then new people hired and although I really like their espresso it’s just too much a chance to take for me.
AND THEN HEAVEN!!!!!!
Biscayne I think either 61st of 59th street: Parking beautiful, Baristas all awesome, each one uniquely different, each one has a gleaming smile. We interact, they know my kids name, they know Saltys name and they know mine AND have even given me the nickname of "doppio" to cute. They literally are my ray of sunshine. They make the perfect doppio, perfect cup of ice and are always fully stocked with the low fat and sweet and low. So to all in Miami this Starbucks is by far the reigning Queen in the city. And a big hello to Jose, Elizabeth, Alex and Victoria I will see you tomorrow morning.
No comments:
Post a Comment