Results tagged “Coffee” from RCNow

Peppermint, pumpkin and winter dream lattes will be free this Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. The Holiday Open House offer is at all California locations.

Does anyone out there know what "winter dream" is?

I'm definitely not a morning person, which is why I needed to stop at Starbucks before my 9 a.m. assignment yesterday.

Behind me was a chipper man too chipper for his own good.

"Good morning, I love you!" he told the barista.

"I love you? I've never heard that before."

"I'll have six shots of espresso with half and half foam and lots of love. So, shot, love, shot, love, shot, love, shot, love, shot, love, shot, love and foam. ... How do you do the love?"

"I just smile while I pour it."

It's nearly impossible to keep up with the latest comings and goings of Rancho businesses. Let's start with the good news.

The center on the northeast corner of Foothill and Rochester is shaping up. There's a new Subway, Kiwi Frost (frozen yogurt, I'm guessing) and Maui Wowi coffee. The Costa Mesa-based Chronic Tacos, wedged between Subway and the frogurt place, is opening Friday.

Over on Kenyon near Albertson's, Bad Ass Coffee will host its grand opening party on Saturday. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., customers can get a free Kona coffee at 11460 Kenyon Way #108. The Hawaiian themed shop has free Wi-Fi and that's pretty bad ass in my book.

Also, I noticed near Richie's Diner, a Shakey's Pizza is coming soon in that plaza that's sort of Victoria Gardens but not really.

Some businesses haven't found any luck this year, however. Camille's, a Fourth Street sandwich/salad spot, has closed. So has Dinner My Way, the meal prep store on Haven and Base Line. The Daily Bulletin and Inland Living magazine gave some attention to these meal prep businesses two years ago. At one time, there were four of these concept stores in the city. After a quick Internet and 411 search, it appears with Dinner My Way closing, there are now none. 

Note to editor: Am I allowed to use the word "ass" on my blog?
 

Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf will offer a free 12 ounce holiday beverage on Nov. 11 from 5 to 8 p.m. Pick from Holiday Blend coffee, Winter Dream Tea, Winter Dream Tea Latte, Peppermint Ice Blended & Latte, and Espresso Mint Chip Ice Blended.

All the California and Arizona stores are participating. The one in Rancho is on Haven and Foothill, across from City Hall. 

I was in line at the Starbucks on Base Line and Haven the other day when a lady wearing a black and white blouse ordered an "upside-down zebra." I asked her what that was exactly.

"I don't know but it's really good," the zebra drinker said.

I don't know why she ordered it upside-down but when I was at the same Starbucks earlier this summer, (I like that one because it has a lot of desk space and it's close to my bank.) I heard a woman order an upside-down venti caramel macchiato. For a second I thought Starbucks started making Dairy Queen-like blizzard drinks, the kind that's so thick, the server turns it upside down for an impressed look in exchange. But my right-side-up barista explained that it just means the caramel syrup is served in the bottom of the drink as opposed to on top.

"Some people think it mixes it more that way," said the barista.

I haven't been this excited about a secret menu since I first discovered in high school what "animal style" meant.   

Summer, the season I hate the most, is over. I'm pleased.

Here in Southern California, we have no indication that autumn has arrived. We turn the air conditioner from "full blast" to just "full" as we watch the leaves stay green.

Our only indication that fall's here is the change in the Starbucks menu. Pumpkin spice frappuccino and peppermint white chocolate mocha have replaced the fruitier, lighter and more caffeinated varieties. To be honest, I'm sad to see the summer drinks go. Caffeine is the only reason my byline keeps popping up in the paper and I'm afraid anything warm and chocolaty might lull me to sleep.

This summer, Starbucks pushed their double shot + energy beverage, which is basically two shots of espresso with Red Bull. It had a whopping 225 milligrams of caffeine, which is nearly three times the amount in one can of Red Bull. I think my byline appeared in the paper four times that day. I had a similar experience at Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf with their ultimate ice blended mocha, which is basically an iced mocha with crushed espresso beans. Would you like little pieces of coffee in your coffee? Yes please!