So it appears we Aussies don’t like Starbucks enough for them to hang around. They’re closing 61 stores in Melbourne, and I, for one, am delighted to see them go. (My husband is another who feels the same way.)
Like all good coffee drinkers, we were curious when Starbucks opened here. We’d heard of the name, of course. So we gave it a go. Actually we were stupid enough to go to two different Starbucks franchises, three times. (Not each, though.) But each time we left disappointed. The coffee was awful, for a start. And it was cold. But the food was bad, too. The final time we paid a visit to Starbucks, I ordered a piece of cake that was doughy and actually left me feeling ill. I didn’t manage to finish the coffee I’d ordered as it was just making things worse.
So that was that. We avoided Starbucks from then on out. And now, hopefully, those premises will be taken over by real coffee shops.
Long live the real barista!
In the meantime, here are some real coffee lenses to savour:
Making the perfect cup of coffee, by 1SquidAddict
Interesting, fun, & Informative Things About Coffee, by TheCoffeeCorner
The Most Expensive Coffee in the World, by Naiza
And let’s all go argue with Julie:
STARBUCKS vs. DUNKIN’ DONUTS — Coffee WARS!, by JaguarJulie
(Maybe American Starbucks employ qualified baristas, but they don’t here in Aus. These kids just can’t make a decent cup of coffee and there is no way “Starbucks make the best coffee” is a statement you can make here in Australia.)
July 31st, 2008 at 11:35 pm
It’s overrated and way overpriced!
They are shutting some stores here too - I think people are realising it’s costing them too much.
I was in Melbourne 20 years ago - loved Phillip Island, and also Soverign Hill - although it was freezing there!
July 31st, 2008 at 11:40 pm
Our favorite place here is Dunn Brothers. And we have to go past our local Starbucks to get there.
Hubby swears their cappacino is way better than Starbucks and I love the dark mocha latte. And they’re just the nicest people ever and there are way more comfy seats than at Starbucks. And free wi-fi!!
August 1st, 2008 at 8:34 am
Tony: I’m really glad you got a chance to visit Philip Island and Sovereign Hill - not many visitors get there because they’re such a distance from the city. But really worth it! Sov Hill has a sound and light show at night now called “Blood on the Southern Cross”. Very dramatic.
Susan: One of the Starbucks we went to is literally placed in the middle of a walkway of a shopping mall. You can walk around it, but some people have to walk through it if they need to cross sides. It doesn’t have the same feel as sitting on the open sidewalk having a coffee and watching people walk by; it’s just annoying.
August 1st, 2008 at 9:21 am
I totally agree with you. Every time I’ve gone to Starbucks for coffee I was disappointed. The coffee was awful. Every time. Also any snacks I bought weren’t all that good - some were terrible. I haven’t been to Starbucks in years.
For a really good cup of coffee here in Northern California, look for Pete’s Coffee. Now that’s something to get excited about.
August 1st, 2008 at 5:46 pm
I’ll have to put that one on my list if I end up in your part of the world. Thanks for visiting, Linda.
August 23rd, 2008 at 7:47 pm
I agree with you completely. I like the nice local cafe with the handsome barista for my coffee. There’s something about keeping it local that appeals to me.