Cafe 84

I happened to be reading the local newspaper which has little interviews with business owners around town. I came across one of those interviews that happen to be for a coffee shop that opened up locally just about a month ago.

It just so happened that we were in the mood for a five minute date and I mentioned that I saw, in the newspaper, an advertisement for just the spot. Off we went on one of our adventures. We love to go try new places.

This little coffee shop was located in the new 'live-work' complexes that are appearing here. The name of the shop is Cafe 84. Upon entering the cafe, we were greeted by a very friendly coffee-making person. She was very patient and even helpful with the selection process. My husband and I placed our order for an iced latte, his with raspberry flavoring, mine with caramel flavoring.

The coffee was full of flavor and enjoyed immensely. As we were sipping our delicious beverages, my husband decided to order a cherry ginger biscotti which was absolutely wonderful and maybe because we didn't have enough caffeine already to push us to the limit, a small drink which escapes me at the moment but it had double the caffeine and was yum-o.

The only con's I found with this place was how small it was on the inside. That doesn't leave room for private conversation or does it allow for too many people to hang out at one time. The other thing was that she made a negative comment about my beloved Starbucks not having very good beans which left her in quandary as to how they are so popular. They also don't take credit cards/bank cards right now so bring some cash if you go.

Even so, we highly recommend giving this place a try. Their simple menu is easy to read and the staff is extremely helpful and courteous. I even think the pricing is lower than Starbucks. You won't be disappointed.

McDonald's Mocha Latte

McDonalds now is serving latte's. On one of our trips home from the doctor's visit, we decided to stop and get our three year old some lunch and try one of their Mocha Latte's. Now, I realize, that after making it a habit of drinking a quality latte from Starbucks that my taste buds are used to a certain level of taste. So keeping this in mind, I took my first sip. Then I took a second because the first one wasn't quite what I expected. The second sip was not either and neither was the third and fourth.

After several attempts to enjoy the latte from McDonalds, I gave up.

My opinion:

Two thumbs down.

It reminds me of drinking very old coffee that has been nuked a few times. Although, maybe this is a brilliant idea of theirs to efficiently get rid of their old coffee from the morning that didn't get all used up. Add some sugar, ice and maybe chocolate and you have yourself a Mocha Iced Latte to sell to customers for a mere discounted price (compared to Starbucks) of $2.87. If that is what you are looking for, you've got a deal. But don't let the tantalizing commercials fool you into purchasing a latte-want-to-be.

January's New Drink: Cinnamon Dolce Latte

From time to time, Starbuck's introduces a new drink. This months is the Cinnamon Dolce Latte. I absolutely love this coffee drink and it has been moved to my favorite's list.

Here is a description of it from their website:

Cinnamon Dolce Latte:
One of our most beloved beverages is back. And this time you can choose to enjoy it with sugar-free syrup.

To make this treat, we combine our rich espresso and steamed milk with the warm comforting flavors of sweet cinnamon, butter and brown sugar.

I highly recommend you give this one a try. I give it a two thumbs up!

Parent Night Out: Laser Tag and Starbucks

Last night my husband and I had the pleasure of playing laser tag with a group of friends that also homeschool. We took time out for an activity for us without our children. We had a great time shooting one another and zipping around zapping our targets. (Cannon and Enforcer...my eye's are on you...wait till next time muh hahaha).

After we wore ourselves out, we went on over to Starbucks. We had a great time together and had fun sitting around chatting, sipping our coffee's and enjoying our treats. I, again, was blessed with another opportunity to connect with them.

A dear friend of mine bought me some coffee beans from Starbuck's for my birthday. A kind I haven't tried before. I absolutely love it. While we were there last night, I decided to pick some more up as we were running low at home. Again, a Starbuck's employee who was very friendly and helpful told us that this particular coffee means 'almost heaven' and gave us a free sampling of it. I must agree with him....I strongly recommend the Guatemala Casi Cielo. It is almost like heaven.

It Begins...

I've had many a good time at Starbucks. I've had dates there with my husband, I've had coffee there with a single friend or a group of friends, we've had Mom's Night Out there, and I've even gone there by myself. Whatever the occasion, I'm always met with a smile and helpfulness that goes beyond the normal employee requirements.

My coffee fetish didn't start at Starbucks though. I first became hooked when I tried a toffee coffee at the local Tim Horton's. But then my beloved Starbucks came to town and I quickly switched over. I am not a stick to one kind of drink kind of gal. I like to try them all. I am often asked if I've tried this or that and I love to share my opinion with you :-) I also like to try, on occasion, the treats that they have to offer.

I have had the pleasure to introduce many of my friends to this fabulous little nook in the world. It has been neat to see so many of them 'get the vision' I have for this place. Starbuck's to me, is a bit of a respite, from all that is going on around me. It helps me take a much needed deep breath, it helps me connect with friends, and it helps me connect with my husband.

One of the most fun things that my husband and I do is when we are out and about or on vacation, we try different coffee places. We've been to several in Grand Rapids, Traverse City, Mackinaw and all around. A couple of my friends suggested that I start a coffee blog and I thought it was a splendid idea.

Check back ever so often to see how coffee and it's host places have blessed my life. ...and if you have a question about a particular drink or treat, leave it here on my blog (or if you know my in person, ask...I'd love to be the one you enjoy your first coffee drink with) and I will try to answer most promptly.

For now....I encourage you to give it a try, you won't disappointed!