It's Starbucks' world and we're all just living in it

As I read through other people's blogs I notice that I'm not the only one referencing Starbucks...I've seen Jordon, Christy and Tom make references so I know it's not just me who has a fascination with the world's greatest coffee company. I especially appreciated Christy's post mourning the end of the Christmas Blend season...gold.

This week I picked up a bag of Starbucks' Casi Cielo coffee. It's one of my favorite but only comes out once in a while when the beans are in season. I have two regular favorites (Verona and Yukon) but I really dig the Casi Cielo when it's available. You may or may not know that when I go to SB I almost always order the bold coffee of the day with 3 pumps of Hazelnut....the hazelnut is key. The Casi Cielo goes great with the hazelnut and that's one reason why it's so good. Some coffees have a distinct flavor in themselves that fights against the syrup flavors but this coffee really works well with the syrups. That being said I don't have the flavor syrup at my house so I'm drinking it straight up. I drink a lot of coffee but would admit that I'm not so much a connoisseur...I wish I was so I relish the chance to drink coffee straight up at home and really learn what it is about the blend that I like. I'm still learning to judge my pallette so I won't describe this coffee but I will say that you should check it out if you get the chance.

In other Starbucks/Chester news....my grandparents gave Nevada and I some money for Christmas to buy ourselves something nice. With some of the money I was able to pick up "Pour Your Heart Into It" by Howard Schulltz (CEO of Starbucks). I'm only 2 chapters in but I'm loving it. I love Biographies and this is my first business biography. Schultz shares his feelings and describes how Starbucks captivated him from the start. He was working successfully in NY but he wanted to be doing something he was passionate about and when he met the SB founders he was in his happy place. I can't wait to delve deeper into the story and learn about what makes SB tick. I'll let you know how the book goes...it's captivating so far. I want to leave you with a quote...some people ask me why I like Starbucks so much, "you can get good coffee everywhere" they say...the reason is summed up by Schultz:

"Starbucks stores have become a Third Place- a comfortable, sociable gathering spot away from home and work, like an extension of the front porch. People connect with Starbucks because they relate to what we stand for. It's more than great coffee. It's the romance of the coffee experience, the feeling of warmth and community people get in a Starbucks stores." (p.5)