Originally Posted by
greggarious
Also is it just me or is Starbucks outside America better?
I went on a walking tour in Paris that met outside a starbucks, and ended up buying an espresso shot since I didn't want to wander too far. It seemed a lot better than what I've had at home the few times I've gone to Starbucks.
I frequent the Starbucks near Paddington Station in London (since I stay at the Novotel near there often) and a few in Paris. I don't really recall the Coffee or Espresso being any better than stateside. Maybe it's because in London I try and get to a Cafe Nero when I can for something different and in Paris I just go to one of about a dozen cafes that I like.
Based on this, I think mentally I am prepared for foreign cafe coffee to "taste better" to me. Whether or not it ACTUALLY does is another matter. My brain is programmed to expect better coffee in Europe.
YET, the Starbucks in London always seem packed compared to Cafe Nero. The Londoners must think that Starbucks is better. More brain programming.
You can't be a profit in your own land.
Now, for a REAL kick in the head, I prefer Cuban Coffee in Miami Beach. Yowza. That stuff would wake the dead.