Orange Mocha Frappuccino!

Since the product placement of the Orange Mocha Frappuccino in Zoolander (2001), Starbucks has been part of the general subconscious. I have had the immense pleasure, not only to visit several Starbucks locations in North America, but also to be a Barista at Starbucks for four long years. So this means the bucks holds a soft place in my heart but also it means that when it comes to the products of Starbucks, I do indeed have some knowledge to share.

The one concrete thing about Starbucks is that no matter the location you go to, the drinks are all the same. You know exactly what to expect. However, depending on the location, the vibe and atmosphere can be severely different.

Here are a few of my favourite locations in the downtown core and walking distance from SAIT:

1330 15 Avenue Southwest, Calgary, AB- Wellington Square, just off of 14th st. It boasts a small cafe but speedy service. Great for picking up something on the go.

723 17 Avenue Southwest, Calgary, AB- On 17th Ave. This is a highly busy location most of the time filled with students from the high school next door, yet the baristas are super friendly and the drinks are super tasty. Don't go here if you plan to sit down for several hours using the free wi-fi.

1122 Kensington Road Northwest, Calgary, AB- Kensington. This location is quaint and has such character as far as Starbucks go. It's has excellent seating with a few cozy red chairs looking out to Kensington Road. I would recommend this location for intense coffee chats.

1120 16 Avenue Northwest, Calgary, AB- 16th street, across from SAIT. This location is so close to the school, why not try it out? The service is mediocre but there is tons of seating and a excellent view of 16 St.

Overall, Starbucks is consistent. The espresso beverages can be customized to your specifications. Starbucks by far has the strongest(best) coffee out there. If you want a jolt of caffeine to keep you awake, go get a Grande Pike Place brewed coffee. There is more caffeine in a Grande brewed coffee than a Grande latte.

One department where Starbucks falls short is in the espresso department. For the hardcore doppio drinker, the shots are terrible. For straight up espresso, you are better off hitting up a local coffee house.

What the F@%* Am I Ordering?

"What the F__ am I ordering?" is a common sentiment when one stares at then menu board at a coffee shop. All the names seem to jumble together and who can really make sense of it all? Mocha latte, cappa- what? "Just give me a coffee!" you scream and I don't blame you.

Before we begin our adventure, I thought it would be clarifying if we waded through all the coffee mumbo jumbo and make some logical sense. This will help when you are ordering in the future and it will also assist you so you know what exactly I am going on about. So here are some terms I have put into English for clarification purposes. Again, some of these you may be familiar with, and some you may not. However, learning and experiencing is critical to a proper adventure.

Brewed/Drip Coffee: This is your basic coffee from either a brewer or french press.

Affogato: Espresso shot served over gelato.

Americano: Espresso and hot water.

Breve: A beverage made with half and half cream.

Cappuccino: 1/2 espresso, 1/2 steamed milk, and 1/3 foam.

Corretto: Coffee with a shot of liquor.

Doppio: Double shot of espresso

Solo: Single shot of espresso

Espresso con Panna: Espresso with whipped cream.

Frappe: An iced coffee topped with whipped cream.

Frappuccino: Blended ice or coffee beverage specifically at Starbucks.

Cafe Latte: Espresso based beverage with steamed milk and topped with foam.

Caramel Macchiato: Macchiato means "stained". A Caramel Macchiato (specific to Starbucks) is like a vanilla latte except the shots of espresso are poured over top, not inserted in the bottom. The drink is then topped of with caramel drizzle in a cross- hatch pattern.

Mocha: Latte with chocolate syrup and whipped cream on top.

Red Eye: Brewed coffee with a shot of espresso.

Ristretto: A shot of espresso with less volume but a stronger taste.

Espresso Macchiato: A shot of espresso topped with a dollop of foam.

Africano: An americano but filled up half way with steamed milk and foam.

London fog/vanilla tea misto: A tea bag steeping in half hot water and half steamed milk with a shot of vanilla syrup.

Lungo: A long shot of espresso measuring more than the traditional ounce.

Cupping: A brewed coffee tasting, much like a wine tasting.

Barista: Your friendly neighbourhood "bar star", one who makes the espresso beverages.