Recently in Beverages Category

To celebrate 40 years of taking over every other corner of the world, starting in Seattle, Starbucks has a couple ways to celebrate this year. (I kind of joke about the every other corner part, you know what I mean.)
Not being a coffee drinker since I was probably 12 years old, it took me a lot longer than most to jump on the Starbucks grande latte, no foam, skim milk, coffee craze. (I don't even know if that's a real drink.)
It wasn't until I was introduced to the Frappuccino - frozen cappuccino - less than 10 years ago that I was sucked in. Though it's not a daily ritual, I admit I like to treat myself to an occasional caramel frapp - being caffeine sensitive, a little of that goes a long way for me.

First, in celebration of this milestone, Starbucks will offer one free Starbucks Petite to each customer purchasing any beverage on Customer Tribute Day, from 2 to 5 p.m. today, March 10, through March 12 at participating stores in U.S. and Canada.

Starbucks Petites are eight petite sweets, perfectly sized for an afternoon treat, that are made with only premium ingredients and all under 200 calories. The treats range from whoopie pies to mini cupcakes and more.

I took advantage of this deal today and cooled down with a sweetened iced green tea. I decided to try the red velvet whoopie pie. The size was definitely perfect. If I was a giant, it would be a crumb but trying to be lady-like, I took a few bites to devour this little goodness that was filled with a sweet cream cheese filling and topped with a red little glaze. Careful, there was a lot of red dye in the glaze which left me with pink fingers. This was actually my first whoopie pie and the cake was moist and delicious.

At $1.50 each, it would have to be a special occasion or a bad-day pick-me-up to grab one of these small desserts. I picked up a latte for a co-worker and she tried the birthday cake flavored cake pop with light pink frosting. She said the cake was moist and sweet. She had tried other cake pops before that were crumbly but was surprised how well this one held up.

Starbucks is also launching its Starbucks Tribute Blend that pays tribute to "customers, partners (employees) and the accomplishments of coffee farmers and roasters over the past 40 years." The new coffee is a blend of four coffees, from three coffee growing regions using three different coffee processing methods such as Aged Sumatra, that is semi-washed and aged; Sun-dried Ethiopian coffee that is naturally processed; Washed coffee from Papua New Guinea; and Washed coffee from Colombia.
The Starbucks Tribute Blend will also be available as Starbucks VIA Ready Brew.

WHAT'S YOUR GUILTY PLEASURE AT STARBUCKS?

To promote their new "however-you-want-it" Frappuccino options, Starbucks is holding a happy hour from 3 to 5 p.m. through Sunday, May 16, at participating locations.

Get your favorite Frappuccino for half-off and get options like decaf, no whip, soy, lowfat milk and more.

I don't drink coffee but I do love ice-blended cappucino beverages so I took advantage of happy hour yesterday.

But it made me wonder if this was more of a counter attack towards McDonald's for recently releasing their McCafe Frappe's, their own ice-blended sugar and caffeine loaded drinks.

I got to try the McCafe Caramel Frappe a few weeks ago and my first thought was it was way cheaper than Starbucks. The small was $2.29 and it was bigger than the "small" at Starbucks. 

For me, it was nicely blended with not a lot of caffeine, and it tasted creamy, more like a smoothie.

I'm caffeine sensitive and don't need much to get me going so it was perfect for me.

Those who need a bigger shot of caffeine may not be satisfied with the small or even the entire drink altogether.

Might as well take advantage of Starbuck's Happy Hour while it lasts. 

I was at a Californa Pizza Kitchen last month and not intending to have wine with my food, I went ahead and had a small serving any way - since they were free.

Trying to get ahead of other casual dining chain restaurants, CPK has launched its new redesigned wine list nationwide and looking to start a new "wine culture" at its restaurants.

To give diners a glimpse they are offering free wine tastings to diners ages 21 and over. Each week two featured wines are chosen and offered as tastings.

The selection of wines were handpicked by the restaurant's co-founders/co-CEOs Rick Rosenfield and Larry Flax. Most selections on the new list are priced under $10 for a glass but still considered high quality for their price.

The selection includes:                                 

-Sonoma-Cutrer Russian River Chardonnay

-Cakebread Cellars Chardonnay

-Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio

-La Crema Pinot Noir

-Stags' Leap Merlot

At my visit, I tried the pinot grigio, a white wine for those unfamiliar with wine, and the pinot noir, a red.

I'm not big on white wines and even though the Santa Margherita was tasty and a little woodsy, it was too sweet for my wine taste.

The La Crema pinot was nice and smooth for a more dry and bitter wine but it had the right amount of dryness which is not easily accomplished in many reds.

It's nice to see CPK step it up to compete with the many smaller upscale restaurants that are more able to switch up their wine offerings. I wonder if they'll also start offering pairing suggestions too.

Now, can I just have a truly small side salad for like $3 with my pasta? Please....