Pages, Pucks and Pantry

Small Plates - March 8, 2011

  So today, Starbucks is touting their 40th anniversary. Have they really been around that long or does it seem like they've been around forever?

NEW LOGO - Starbucks new logo is being released on both cups and merchandise today (they mention just four cities...Beijing, Paris, London and New York..I can't seem to find out if it's just those cities or all over).  Notice the logo no longer incorporates the words "Starbucks". Guess they figure like McDonald's arches, that their new logo says enough. A few stores have also been said to have changed their signs with the new logo. Anyone seen the new logo on their cups today?

STARBUCKS PETITES - For their anniversary Starbucks is also debuting a line of "micro-sized sweet treats" which include cake pops (lets jump on the cake pop bandwagon Starbucks, but they are so last year!), mini-cupcakes, petite squares and whoopie pies. Each treat is said to be made with minimal ingredients and will be under 200 calories each.

There will be three kinds of cake pops: Birthday (170 Cal - Vanilla cake and icing, dipped in pink chocolate and white sprinkles), Rocky Road (180 cal - Chocolate cake and icing dipped in dark chocolate, rolled in mini-marshmallows and roasted almonds) and Tiramisu (170 Cal - Vanilla cake and Starbucks coffee icing, dipped in mocha chocolate and topped with a chocolate coffee bean). There are two types of mini cupcakes: Carrot Cake (180 Cal - Spiced carrot cake topped with cream cheese frosting, sprinkled with cake crumbs and carrot bits), Peanut Butter (170 Cal - Chocolate cupcake with peanut butter frosting topped with a mini peanut butter cup). One whoopie pie: Red Velvet (170 Cal - Cream cheese frosting sandwiched between two small red velvet cake pieces). Two sweet squares (traditional bar cookies): Lemon (120 Cal - Lemon curd on top of buttery shortbread drizzled with sweet white chocolate) and Salty Caramel (190 Cal - Salted Caramel and chocolate filling with a layer of crisp pretzels and pecans on top of a butter shortbread crust). I don't know about you but the Salty Caramel square with the Salted Hot Chocolate sounds like a great pairing! These little bites will run you $1.50 each or two for $2.50.

FREE SAMPLES - The good thing is that Starbucks will be giving away (while supplies last) free samples of their new Petites this Thursday (10th), Friday (11th) and Saturday (12th). All you have to do is buy a drink from them from 2 - 5 PM during those three days to get a sample.

COCOA CAPPUCCINO - Get ready to try a new coffee at your local Starbucks. Cocoa Cappuccino debuts today and features "caramelly espresso, bittersweet mocha sauce, steamed milk and a thick layer of silky foam". A tall with nonfat milk will run you 120 calories, with 2% milk 150.

TRIBUTE - As a "tribute" to you, the customers, Starbucks is releasing a new coffee (both in bean form as well as instant). It's called...wait for it...Tribute.

All photos from Starbucks. Check the Starbucks website for more info here: Starbucks.com

 

Small Plates - November 18, 2010

FREE STARBUCKS - Okay technically, it's 'buy one, get one free' but at least someone is getting a free drink. From today through Sunday, buy one of Starbucks signature holiday drinks and get one of an equal or lesser value free. It's only good from 2-5 PM which means I bet the stores will be pretty busy during that time frame.  The drinks in this promotion are the Caramel Brulée Latte, Peppermint Mocha, Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha, Peppermint Hot Chocolate, Gingerbread Latte, Eggnog Latte, Caramel Brulée Frappuccino, or Peppermint Mocha Frappuccino. For more info go here. I love the design of this years Starbucks holiday cups by the way.

BEST EGGNOG LATTE EVER - If you happen to live in the San Jose area and really like Eggnog Latte's, may I suggest you making a trip to Roy's Station in Japantown (corner of 5th and Jackson). They don't use flavored syrups in their eggnog latte's...whatever stuff they use really makes that latte shine. Actually, I happen to just like their coffee's in general. For more information on Roy's go here.

FREE SLURPEES - I realize it's a bit cold out there for some folks, but on Black Friday (November 26th) while you're out shopping, I bet you get a bit warm. Whether it's from traipsing from store to store trying to find that flat screen 52" plasma 3-D TV that someones selling for $400 or you're warm under the collar from fighting some idiot who jumped in front of you in line after you waited seven hours in the rain and he got the last tv at the reduced price...well, maybe a free slurpee will help cool you off. If you become a Facebook fan of Slurpees, you'll be able to download a coupon to receive a free slurpee on the 26th. Just don't use it to throw in the face of that jerk that got the last on sale tv! For more information go here.

Small Plates - December 7, 2009

PLAY WITH YOUR FOOD - You might not want your kids to see this post. It might give them an excuse to play with their food or, more importantly, make art. I can see it now "no mom, I can't eat my peas because I made an artistic representation of a Monet painting and it needs to go up on the Leftover Art blog". You'll just have to figure out how to play with your food without little Junior watching because you KNOW you're going to be playing with your food now that you have a place to showcase it. Thanks to Serious Eats for sending me in the direction of Leftover Art. Now excuse me because I think I can make the sauce and few pieces of pasta leftover from my lunch into ET. Or Edward from Twilight. Not really sure yet. Check out the blog here.

LET IT SNOW - It was pretty cold this morning when I woke up to go to work. The foothills were dusted with a healthy dose of snow. Which made me want a hot bowl of oatmeal for breakfast instead of a quick container of yogurt. Though my usual stop would be Starbucks, Jamba Juice this week is offering their hot oatmeal for a buck. Just print out the coupon and stop by a participating Jamba Juice anytime through December 11th and get one of their oatmeals for $1. Offer not valid in Texas or at airports. For more info and to get a coupon go here.

KANGAROO AND EMU FLAVORED POTATO CHIPS - Okay, I know I'm a big chip fan, but um, this may be taking things a bit too far. Yes, I know they say the chip would be vegetarian, but still, if the flavor was of kangaroo? I've had kangaroo and I'm not sure I'd want that in a chip (though the buttered popcorn flavor sounds down right tasty!). For more information go here. And for what it's worth, this is Australian chips we're talking about. Around these parts they'd probably go for turkey or eagle flavors...back off PETA that was a joke....

MACAROONS - I'm still on the fence as to whether I like macaroons or not. I've had them as "dessert" at several fancy restaurants and from a place at the Ferry Building.  At this point I can take them or leave them. Serious Eats says that Starbucks will be coming out with a limited edition box of 12 from December 13 until December 25. Just in time to see what all the fuss is about if you haven't tried them or to give as a gift for those that aren't able to get to France for the real stuff. For more info go here.

STICKY FINGERS - I never understand why some of these National Days that are listed come in the months that they do. Like today for instance. Today is National Cotton Candy Day. Are there any state fairs going on where one can get some cotton candy at this time of year? Do they think I'm headed to Santa Cruz Beach and Boardwalk when there is snow on the hills to get me some cotton candy? Now I know they sell the stuff in bags at The Arena during hockey games but still. Cotton Candy day should be in the middle of July or August. And I don't care how much of a Sharks fan I am cotton candy just really shouldn't be teal. I'm just sayin...

Image Source

Small Plates - November 23, 2009

RED MANGO -I've never been a big frozen yogurt fan. I've maybe had a handful of frozen yogurts over the years. I've always just preferred the taste of regular ice cream, or gelato. And quite honestly, I'm not all that fond of tons of fruits or nuts or candy on my yogurts. I'm sure that would have upped the yummy factor.

Then came Pinkberry and all the hype. Seems you couldn't turn round without hearing about how some celebrity just loves the stuff. But there was no Pinkberry around so I just kind of ignored the fuss. Then there is Chef Ben* and his blog "Cooking With the  Single Guy". Seems Chef Ben is a frozen yogurt connoisseur. He regularly visits fro-yo shops, gives reviews and rates them on his blog. He convinced me that I had to try this tart frozen yogurt that everyone fusses over. But his highest rated place, Red Mango, wasn't anywhere local to me.

That changed recently when I started going to a monthly scrap event at Scrapbook Depot in San Carlos. Almost right across the street was a Red Mango (next to Starbucks of course). I finally decided to try it out this past week. I went pretty basic, trying their original flavor and had it swirled with pomegranate, a seasonal flavor they were currently offering.

I had no idea how this stuff would taste. I really didn't see how it could be much different from that generic frozen yogurt stuff I've had before. But boy was I wrong. This stuff was amazing. Maybe because I like things tart or sour in general, but there was just a flavor and texture that I found wildly appealing with the Red Mango fro-yo. So much so that I thought about that dang frozen yogurt for days (which I don't do even after having some amazing ice cream or gelato!). Wow. Taste bud sensation. Still thinking about it.  Yes, I think I've become addicted. But according to Chef Ben's ratings, I started at the top with the best. And the good thing is I don't have to go all the way to San Carlos to get a fix. There is a Red Mango in Valley Fair (franchise owner of that one is Yul the winner of Survivor: Cook Islands). 

*Yes, I know you don't want to be known as Chef Ben just the Single Guy but you will always be Chef Ben to me...kinda like it will always be Candlestick or The San Jose Arena or Sunnyvale/Saratoga Rd...

STARBUCKS - A quick Starbucks update: new on the radar to me is Starbucks creation, the Caramel Brulée Latte. I liked it but it's a bit sweet for my taste. Kinda like a sweeter caramel frapp. Starbucks is now selling their instant coffee, VIA, in decaf packs. Not sure why they didn't offer these originally. Not happy that my 10% discount for having a gold card is going away. Yep, those cute little black Starbucks discount cards are going away as of December 26th. The new "discount" will be a program that offers free birthday drinks, free refills and free Wi-Fi. Big deal. I'd rather have my 10% off the food I buy, the coffee drinks I buy (they won't be giving free refills on Venti Caramel frapps now will they?) and the occasional cup or housewares I buy. Bah Humbug. I don't sit at Starbucks for hours so I don't need the Wi-Fi. Grumble.

HOCKEY RULES - My photographer friend Chuq who also knows more about hockey than I could ever forget, gave me a heads up on a new hockey blog. 87 in 107 is a hockey fan trying to learn all the rules in hockey. She started this project 107 days before the Olympics are to start in Vancouver (which it seems she is going to, color me jealous). She is attempting to learn all 87 rules by watching hockey games and figuring out how the rules apply. My favorite part is when she equates a hockey rule with real life. You can check out her blog here.

Caramel Brulee Latte

Small Plates - August 21, 2009

MONA LISA IN COFFEE - I've never seen the Mona Lisa up close and personal. Someday. But in the meantime I can try to recreate the Mona Lisa in coffee filled coffee cups. Oh wait. Already been done. It took 3,604 cups of coffee, using different levels of milk to create different shades of color. The "coffee painting" measures 20 feet high and 13 feet wide. It took eight people about three hours to make. I have enough trouble making my own cup of coffee much less creating paintings out of it! For more info go here.

MY COFFEE COSTS MORE - In case you haven't heard, in this recession where the price of things are dropping because no one has any money to buy stuff, Starbucks is raising their prices. As of yesterday, drinkers in certain markets will pay 5 cents more for a Venti cup of vanilla bean or coffee-flavored Frappuccino; 15 cents more for a Venti mocha or vanilla latte; and 25 cents more for a Venti caramel Macchiato. An additional espresso shot or an extra dose of milk or syrup will cost another 10 to 15 cents. On the cheaper side a tall latte or cappuccino will cost 10 cents less, while a tall hot or iced brewed coffee will be 5 cents cheaper. I usually get a grande latte. Sigh. While this is being rolled out to different markets at different times, San Francisco was one of those hit with the higher prices yesterday so I assume our area is now more expensive too.

FIERCE STARBUCKS! - Yes, I was a fan of Project Runways Christian Siriano. I found him cute, talented and funny as hell. It seems the "Fierce" man is collaborating with Starbucks to do some "holiday" projects with them this Christmas. November 17th is the day we find out what he is up to with the coffee chain (though I'm sure something will leak sooner). For more info go here.

CUP ART - Sometimes if I really need a cup of joe, I head during break times to Roy's Coffee in Japantown (yes, coffee, but they do sell teas). I noticed some "coffee cup art" showcased there today. Not the coffee itself, but folks drawing on the outside of the paper coffee cups. If you want to see some amazing drawings on Styrofoam coffee cups, check out this guy on flickr. His work is amazing (and for sale). Go here.

COFFEE ART - When I buy coffee at Starbucks it's usually to go. And it comes with a lid on, so if they are doing any fancy coffee art in my cup I never notice. At Roy's they basically bring you the to go cup lidless so you can see if they do any fancy pouring. Celebrating National Coffee Month, my friend Chef Barbie is showcasing some amazing coffee art every day of the month. Check out her blog here.

Small Plates - June 27, 2009

IT"S TIME - There is a little web site that you put in your zip code and it tells you whether it's iced coffee weather. Even though it's summer, the dang thing has been telling me "no" for a while. Thankfully today it said "yes" so hopefully the summer iced coffee weather is here. Considering it's going to be almost a hundred degrees here today, that is a good thing. http://isiticedcoffeeweather.com/

I SHOULD HAVE KNOWN - I order iced coffees from Starbucks all the time. And I know they have 90 calories. But it never occurred to me to think where those calories came from. It's because they sweeten their iced coffees with Classic Syrup. Calories I don't need. So next time I'll remember to ask them to leave out the syrup and save me some calories. For more info go here

STARBUCKS NEWS - Lots going on in the Starbucks universe. Instead of grinding coffee only in the morning, Starbucks will grind beans each time a new pot is brewed. Zagat, in this years Fast Food Survey, had Starbucks as the top fast food coffee. New stores built will be more eco-friendly (there is already a coffee bar that includes scrap leather from shoe and automobile factories).

NO HIGH FRUCTOSE - As of June 30th Starbucks is supposed to roll out some reformulated items without high-fructose corn syrup or artificial flavors and dyes (I think the Frapps are included in this but maybe not until the summer). This will also include removing preservatives where possible. They plan on serving more salads and "health conscious" foods too.

TO FREEZE OR NOT TO FREEZE - If you've ever wondered if you should refrigerate or freeze your coffee, if rules for beans are different when it comes to espresso, and why you shouldn't take your coffee back and forth from the freezer to the brewer each day, check out this article here. Do you store your coffee in aluminum or Mylar foil, bagged in double--even triple--layers of poly bags? Yeah, you need to read the article.

Bowl of coffee photo taken by Mrs. L on her iPhone

Small Plates - February 9

TACO NACHOS - Checking out some blogs recently I came across the fact that Jack in The Box was coming out with "Taco Nachos". Now being a huge fan of their (to some disgusting) regular tacos, this peaked my interest. Since Mr. L and I needed a quick dinner last night, I suggested we split an order of this new product.

For $1.99 you get about 3/4 of a cup of shredded lettuce. On top of that are two tacos each split in thirds. These seem to be smaller than the regular sized tacos that Jack serves (the ones that are two for a buck) though that could have just been our hungry stomachs saying they were too small. And it was just taco shell and the ground meat. On top of that was about three tablespoons of nacho cheese sauce and surprisingly six pickled jalapenos. I say surprisingly because normally I find when folks add jalapenos they are usually quite stingy. The nacho sauce was nice if you like that sort of thing. Cheese sauce can get old and clumpy but this had a nice flavor and seemed pretty fresh. I had read that this was supposed to be topped with some "fire roasted salsa" but we weren't served any.

The taste? The sum of its' parts. The lettuce on the bottom was worthless as there was no way to really incorporate it into the taco. The way they arrange the tacos in the little tray, they were overlapped so the cheese sauce was thick on several but barely there on the rest. It was nice though, having enough jalapenos for each taco slice. As for calories, I can't find it listed on the Jack site, but I do know that one of their regular tacos is 160 calories. I'll see if I can dig up some info. For a comparison as to what the dish is supposed to look like, check out below. Big difference from their promo shots and what we got right?

Would we order it again? Probably not. But I can tell you the thought of taking the regular Jack tacos, adding some jalapenos and dipping them in some nice nacho cheese sauce has now crossed my mind. But of course I wouldn't do that to my body now would I?

STARBUCKS VALUE MEALS - Starbucks, which seems to be on an economic slide, has come up with a "value meal" to entice folks to stop by and get a coffee and meal.  For less than $4 you can get a "tall latte and a slice of reduced fat cinnamon swirl coffee cake", a "tall latte and an oatmeal", or a "tall drip coffee with a hot breakfast sandwich (one of four sandwiches will be available)".

For $3.95 this "pairing menu" will start on March 3rd. The article here says these value meals will be available all day...which sounds kind of odd since the breakfast sandwiches weren't available at some places after the breakfast rush. I guess this means my breakfast sandwiches are here to stay?  Since every once in a while I like to stop and get me a latte and oatmeal for breakfast, cheaper prices on this work for me.

But I understand there will be "no substitutions". Which means if you wanted a latte with the coffee cake, no deal. Same if you wanted to switch out the coffee cake for say a donut or wanted a drip coffee with your oatmeal. You are pretty much locked in to what they say the deals are.

NEW SANDWICHES - Two new breakfast sandwiches will be available to go along with these "menu pairings"...along with the current Reduced Fat Turkey Bacon and their Sausage Breakfast sandwiches, Starbucks will be unveiling an Artisan Bacon Sandwich (a bakery-style sandwich made with a parmesan egg frittata, smoked bacon slices, and Gouda cheese on a hand-shaped artisan roll) and an Artisan Ham Sandwich (a combination made with a parmesan egg frittata, three slices of Black Forest ham, and mild cheddar on a hand-shaped artisan roll).

Small Plates - October 22, 2008

STARBUCKS DRIVE THROUGH - Since I rarely use a drive through window to get my Starbucks I'm still a bit taken aback when my assistant brings me a coffee and it has one of these preprinted labels. It certainly helps when you are getting more than one coffee for the office and trying to figure out which is which.

WINTER FLAVORS - The new flavors for this holiday season will launch November 28th. The flavors are Espresso Truffle (signature hot chocolate with espresso shots), Peppermint Twist (peppermint mocha with peppermint whip and chocolate shavings), Gingersnap Latte (gingerbread latte with candied ginger) and I believe the Eggnog Latte will be back.  New red holiday cups should be in stores Nov. 4th. Stores will be changing over to Holiday decor Nov. 26th, the day before Thanksgiving. I understand mint brownies will also be a new choice. And something called a Cinnamon Apple Stella. And then there is the Aged Sumatra. And don't forget the special Thanksgiving Blend Coffee Beans you can get starting November 4th. And I believe Shortbread Latte is coming, just not with the holiday drinks.

THE GOLD CARD - Did you know Starbucks card holders can get things free? Like a free coffee if you buy a bag of beans? Or free syrup added to your coffees? Though thats nice, sometimes it would be nice just to get a discount on my standard latte. Starbucks has listened to their regular customers and are going to be offering The Gold Starbucks card. Supposedly this card will get users 10% off all drink and bean orders. It will cost you $25 a year though. Registering your card will bring even more benefits. The Gold Cards should be available in November. Note that you cannot combine the Starbucks regular card with the Gold card (which means you can't get 10% off your drink AND get that free shot of syrup).

HAVE YOU FOUND THAT FOLKS TODAY ARE LEAVING YOU COMMENTS AND THEY ARE ALL IN CAPS? BEFORE YOU THINK PEOPLE ARE SHOUTING AT YOU, REALIZE IT'S INTERNATIONAL CAPS LOCK DAY AND PEOPLE ARE JUST PLAYING ALONG.....FOR MORE INFO GO HERE. THANKS TO THE PHANTOM FOR THE HEADS UP.