Peet’s Not Pau in Kailua
Peet’s is making progress with their Kailua location, but it looks like they have a ways to go before opening. And it appears they’re expecting a large contingent of customers riding in on bikes.
Addiction
Second Sip (First Iced) Review of Starbucks Caramel Flan Latte
The first sip of Starbucks’ new Caramel Flan Latte was surprising, so I had to try a second sip (or I should say a second drink, especially since it was free today). This time I went iced, non-fat, and no whip. I know, I know, where’s the fun in that, but I also got a chocolate caramel muffin so I had to offset them calories.
The iced version looks much lighter in color than the hot variety, and usually, the lighter the color, the sweeter the taste. On second sip, the iced CFL didn’t taste as dark as my first sip and felt more “swirly.” It’s sweet, not quite Caramel Macchiato, but little more custardy.
Not Yet Google Starbucks in Kaneohe
At least over the Christmas season. My last check on December 21, 2013 of the Starbucks Windward City location in Kaneohe showed its Wifi network still powered by AT&T. While the captive portal interface has adopted a distinct Google Now look, the network speed still isn’t Google-esque.
One Sip Review of Starbucks Caramel Flan Latte
After my initial sip of the new Starbucks Caramel Flan Latte, here’s my review:
This is darker than I would’ve thought.
I was expecting sweet, light, custardy. But instead, the drink tastes “dark” like the chocolate. There is, of course, the caramel whip cream which helps balance out the entire drink.
What is a Caramel Flan Latte? Here’s a description from a receipt I got.
Oh about that caramel-infused whip cream with caramel drizzle. It looks like this in real life.
Next, I need to see what an iced flan tastes like.
Almost Peet’s Coffee Kailua
The future home of Peet’s Coffee in Kailua is built. It’s almost time.
Google Starbucks Hits the Aloha State
Did you notice that web surfing at Starbucks Hawaii has gotten a lot faster? At least in the Downtown Honolulu area, Starbucks Wifi is now powered by Google, replacing AT&T. So don’t be surprised when you see this login screen on your smart device.
Yup, you are connected to a legit Wifi network.
Speedy, speedy!!
Thanks to Wayne’s World for the screen shots while walking around different Starbucks downtown locations.
Holiday Gift Guide 2013: “Expresso” Makers
I know “expresso” is one of those mistakes you commonly hear people say instead of espresso. But as a gift this year, why not give an express way of making espresso? There’s the popular and moderately priced Nespresso U
If you want to give a coffee addict an even fresher experience, you must look into the Bonaverde Roast-Grind-Brew coffee machine. This Kickstarter project will turn fresh green coffee beans into a fresh cup of coffee. Yes, it roasts the beans then grinds them to brew a cup. While backing this project is done, keep an eye out on the Bonaverde web site to pre-order the machine.
Holiday Gift Guide: Starbucks Gold Metal Card
There was the Starbucks steel card nearly one year ago, and shortly, a more limited golden hued metal card will be available for $450 (which includes $400 in Starbucks credit).
5000 steel? Imagine only 1000 gold cards for sale.
Let’s go down the golden checklist for 2013:
- Gold iPhone 5s
- Nike rose gold FuelBand
- JUICIES+ gold cable
- Golden Pop-Tarts
- Zojirushi stainless steel mug (in champagne gold)
- Starbucks golden card (consider yourself blinged)
Cyber Monday Does Not Mean Starbucks Verismo
Did you see Starbucks one-day Cyber Monday special of $25 off of a $60 purchase? This includes free shipping as well, but alas, the Verismo systems are exempt from this offer. The Verismo models have recently come down in price, available at $99 for the 580 model. Imagine if you got an additional $25 off of the reduced price – a no brainer buy.
Maybe instead, it’s time to load up on Verismo pods?
Starbucks Espresso Tumbler Now Available
Maybe, sorta, it depends. Some Starbucks locations have been selling the new tumbler that gets you free espresso-based drinks in January 2014. Yes, although they’re supposed to be available on Black Friday (November 29, 2013) at a $10 discount, a few stores are now selling them at the regular $75 price tag. Expensive, right?
Let’s think about this. The tumbler is a grande size, and let’s conservatively assume a $4 price for an espresso/latte drink. After 19 drinks, you’ve paid for the tumbler. Supposedly it’s one free drink per day, but I’m not sure how that’s enforced, so you could get the 19 drinks in less than 19 days. Assume a higher priced grande drink, and you’ll recoup your investment faster. Yes, you won’t be earning Rewards stars while using the tumbler, but at a free drink after 12 stars, you’ll miss out on one, maybe two freebies.
Anyways, if you’re a caffeine addict and want something more than brewed coffee, you’ll rationalize the price of this tumbler. Good luck finding one!
Your Pre and Post Black Friday Spot
Black Friday shopping craziness is at an all time high with stores opening before Black Friday. But just know this. Before, after, or even both, this 24-hour Starbucks drive thru in Kaneohe is your Black Friday ally. You know you’ll need that coffee to get in gear or to stay in gear to push through all that shopping.
Good hunting!
Starbucks Tiered Dashes
Naughty, naughty Starbucks. The popular coffee brand knows how to create caffeine addicted customers. While Starbucks has had its Star Dashes since 2012, they’ve gotten to be experts at tailoring the dashes. For the past few dashes, the goals have differed, assumedly based on your visits and buying habits.
Don’t go very often? Starbucks knows and gives you the creampuff dashes like buying four drinks to receive $5 in credit. Easy right? But once the coffee from those four drinks infuses in your system, you’re on your way to caffeine addiction. All to get back $5, and you know that $5 is just going to feed your addiction. For us already addicted, Starbucks throws us a pittance with $5 after 10 transactions or $10 after 16 stars.
For this 2013 holiday season, what kind of dash offers have you received? I’ve heard of:
- 4 for $5, 6 for $10
- 5 for $5, 8 for $10
- 7 for $5, 10 for $10
- 10 for $5, 16 for $10