The Theological Ruminator
Nope, you're right. Starbuck's big thing is consistency, and to get that in their coffee beans, they over-roast them (burn them).
I know these things, because I work at Peaberry, which is a local competitor of Starbucks. A lot of our customers have mentioned that they don't like Starbucks either (and I don't think they were just trying to make me feel good!) :u) So bravo on your discerning taste!
I think Starbucks has good tea, though (which might be cheaper, I dunno), so if you have to go there, you might as well get something you like.
Or, you could find a local place that roasts their own beans (or buys their beans from a local roaster). A lot of times this kind of place will be really "into" getting their coffee just right, and often cheaper than Starbucks. when you or your buddies want to go out for coffee, say, "Hey, I'd kind of like to try something different for a change - let's try this place." If nothing else, you can always play the "we should support our local businesses, not big coorporations" card.
Not that Starbucks doesn't have some good points, too, but in my humble opinion, their coffee isn't among them, and working at a competitor store has made me see some of the downsides.
This is probably way more than you wanted to hear :u) Short answer - you aren't alone!
P.S. If you want to do a "big splurge", you could try a Cambridge Tea (which sounds really cool, and makes you sound quite knowledgeable when you order it - not that you're trying to impress!) It's basically the teabag of your choice put with a small amount (about 1/4 of the cup) of very hot water, which makes it rather concentrated. Then they fill up the rest of the cup with steamed (heated) milk. You could even make it at home if you want. :u) It's a very nice, lesser-known mild version of tea.
I like to put some honey in mine.
The other day, I got a frap light...it was okay, but i like the frap fat better - still it wasn't awful and probably worth saving the heart attack. normally, i get a peppermint mocha, which is really, really good. if you want good coffee - go to LaDuni.
I didn't realize texans drank anything but light beer. Who know they had stahr-buhx down thar.
My current favorite cafe is Kaladi Brothers. They roast all their own stuff on-site using a special method that reduces the acidity of the coffee. Their espresso machine is one of a kind, custom built and designed. They're pretty hard core there, but hey, best let the pros do it.
i don't know brian, but i'm curious where he's from. i know that JM is from Arkansas (well, i think anyway), so i'm wondering if brian is from such same state. if so, how on earth could you make such a remark about texas, when you come from the cousin-lovin' capital of the world? (assuming you are from arkansas...or west virginia)
and we drink regular beer too, though all i drink are imports.
I'm from Colorado. I brew the beer I drink.
Hey, don't bust on my home-state. Or I'll have Jim Bob and Billy Joe come down and take you out.
Who cares about coffee? Let's talk basketball! Go Lady Bears!
Oh, and I should point out that I was born in West Virginia and lived in Arkansas.
But I guess I should admit that my parents were ostracized because they were the first ones to marry outside the family.
Forget all that now. I'm a Texan! Turn up REK and get me a Shiner!
ah brian is from colorado...i can understand his seeming frustration with texans, because they have migrated north and now take up half of his state. he's wrong, but i see his where is aggression is coming from.
i respect you brewing your own beer...as long as it's good and you're not just cheap.
Inter-state rivalrys... aren't they fun? I hear that Brian's beer is very good. I intend to try some as soon as I graduate from seminary and its abstinance policy.
C'mon, y'all, give it for the Lady Bears. Or at least admit your envy!
John Mark, if you'd have kept going about 90 miles further south you wouldn't have those issues!
I was trying to be funny. No aggression. Ah well, it was a cheap shot. Yes, my beer is great, if I do say so myself! I'm drinking it right now. A chocolate porter, made using chocolate that i got in belgium.
All in all, with brewing your own, it's relatively cheap. Cheaper than buying microbrews off the shelf, but not quite as cheap as buying the 24 pack of milwaukee light.
Well, I have to thank you all for some very interesting comments. 
Brian, I am not offended by your swipe at all us Texans. Here is where I would put a clever retort if I could think of one right now.
Matt, while LaDuni looks very nice, remember that a key part of my problem is my "cheapness" and I checked and just plain coffee there is over $2.
Actually, I kinda figured you guys would bust on me here, but it's kinda nice to have the ammo that Anna's given me now! Thanks, Sis!
DeLocator
Check out this page to find independant coffee joints near you.
John Mark - you're a Texan? I thought you just migrated here. hmm...
Brian - I just now checked out your website. Were you just in Germany, Switzerland, and Belgium? In my brisk poke around, that's what I saw. Luxembourg? France? My man, it seems we have some stuff in common after all. I'm a huge fan of Donald Miller. I love beer with a full passion overflowing from my soul. I also love Europe with an equal intensity. I studied at the University of Maastricht (in Maastricht, The Netherlands) and have made frequent trips through Western Europe and parts of the Eastern side since the middle of high school. Have you ever been to Scandinavia? If you havnen't, GO! Anyway, good blog. I suppose I should stop now, because John Mark may forget that he's on a blog about him.
Indeed we were just in Germany Switzerland and Belgium, and Paris for about 4 hours or so.
Never been to Scandanavia, Spain, Ireland, Italy or Greece, all places I'd like to see. I end up making my trips with the specific idea of spending lots of time in few places rather than little time in lots of places. Thus, there are many countries yet to visit.
OK, back to the blog all about John Mark.
That's a really good philosophy on traveling.
Yes, please, no discussing such "foreign" topics.
Commenting by HaloScan
