In the spirit of conciliation, and because I am in the land of Starbucks this week, I just gave them another try.

In the end I had a triple child size latte (in order to have the right ratio of espresso to milk)

I'm sorry, but I still don't like it. It still isn't to my taste. The espresso left a very bitter taste, and the milk isn't quite right - it doesn't have that richness and creaminess found in other independent coffee places in the US, or in Europe.

I've also compromised in past by ordering a tall black eye made with Pike Place. (In place of ordinary filter coffee) The Pike Place isn't horrid, but again the espresso leaves an odd taste.

So, for those of you who like Starbucks, WaWa, Dunkin' Donuts, or what to me is the very worst, Tim Horton's, please enjoy a cup for me there. I'm sorry, I just cannot find the pleasure in their products.