Starbucks Surprise

Have you tried the big chocolate chip macadamia cookies at Starbucks? They are perfectly moist and crunchy at the same time, exactly the kind of cookie to satiate any cookie craving. And for 55 pesos, quite a steal considering you didn't have to buy the ingredients and make it yourself. (I've often thought of how wonderful it would be to receive a box of such decadent bliss...)

I decided to treat myself to one the day after Valentine's day. Upon paying, the barista congratulated me for winning a customer voice receipt.

Wha?

Ironic of its name, its an extra long receipt that tells you to take an online survey of their service and as a thank-you, it gives you a customer number that you fill in the receipt, and when you bring it back to any Starbucks you get a complimentary tall beverage of your choice. Oh happy day!

So I did it. It asked questions like if the people at Starbucks were happy and friendly, if the establishment was clean and inviting, and if the barista recognized me or any of the group I was in in by the type of coffee drink that was ordered. People at Starbucks must think you look like a big cup of coffee.

So after visiting the same Starbucks a few days later, around lunchtime, Shaz bought her new favorite, Peppermint Frap while a cute little barista with a tray full of mini samples came out and offered us to try the new Honey Orange Latte. With a little dollop of whipped cream on top, it was heaven, especially compared to the recession coffee we've been buying due to its incomparable price of 12 pesos (anyway, the vendo coffee I get is still Roast & Ground. It says so on the front).

That little pick me up was so delicious in fact, that when I claimed my free coffee, I ordered it.

Sometimes good things really do come in small packages because when I got my tall version, it seemed it was a big cup of whipped cream and orange milk with just a hint of coffee. I usually would complain and ask for a new one, but I got embarrassed as I didn't even buy this one.

So that's the last time I'm buying, I mean, drinking Starbucks. At least with the recession coffee, you know you get what you pay for!