Grabbing Java on the road! Starbucks or other?
Jan 8, 2012 | 12:02 pm
#91
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I feel the same way about the coffee from Cafe du Monde; it really can only be eaten with those delicious and always messy beignets.
When you first posted about them, I had a flashback to a very sticky spring day, sitting with friends, watching the first signs of life returning to make the French Quarter somewhat 'normal'. For months after Katrina MSY was a ghost town, then slowly populated by military, then contractors and aid workers, and finally the first few tentative visitors came back. It was easy to find a table that Sunday morning, but it was a good memory of things starting to improve.
When you first posted about them, I had a flashback to a very sticky spring day, sitting with friends, watching the first signs of life returning to make the French Quarter somewhat 'normal'. For months after Katrina MSY was a ghost town, then slowly populated by military, then contractors and aid workers, and finally the first few tentative visitors came back. It was easy to find a table that Sunday morning, but it was a good memory of things starting to improve.
Exbay;
Thanks for the tip. I'm pretty healthy and pretty lean. As an endurance athlete, I actually have to be careful not to get too gaunt. But I know just being lean does not mean you are healthy. Most of the time, I eat very healthy. Once in a while, I have a "Cheat Day"
Last edited by RobbieRunner; Jan 8, 2012 at 12:11 pm
Jan 8, 2012 | 8:21 pm
#92
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Just be careful if you are concerned about nutrition or eat there on a regular basis, because their sodium content is actually higher than many 'typical' fast food places (and of course the reason why so many like the doughnuts is that doughnuts are mostly the two delicious things - fat and sugar 
)
It's like Panera Bread; I know a lot of people think that going there instead of McDonalds for instance is a 'healthy' switch, but if you look at their nutrition listings it is pretty shocking.
AM, I know that you said a few times now that you are trying to eat healthier foods, so you may want to look up their nutrition charts. One sandwich (just the sandwich, not including the soup) can be more than your daily allowance of sodium, FYI.
And then there is that rumour that the whole reason WHY Tim Hortons has so many people addicted to their coffee is that they add salt to the beans (or the brew).
Salt has traditionally been used to cut the bitterness of some coffee.
)It's like Panera Bread; I know a lot of people think that going there instead of McDonalds for instance is a 'healthy' switch, but if you look at their nutrition listings it is pretty shocking.
AM, I know that you said a few times now that you are trying to eat healthier foods, so you may want to look up their nutrition charts. One sandwich (just the sandwich, not including the soup) can be more than your daily allowance of sodium, FYI.
And then there is that rumour that the whole reason WHY Tim Hortons has so many people addicted to their coffee is that they add salt to the beans (or the brew).
Salt has traditionally been used to cut the bitterness of some coffee.
Jan 8, 2012 | 9:00 pm
#93
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 6,964
Thanks for the tip. I'm pretty healthy and pretty lean. As an endurance athlete, I actually have to be careful not to get too gaunt. But I know just being lean does not mean you are healthy. Most of the time, I eat very healthy. Once in a while, I have a "Cheat Day"
But many people seem to think that Tim Horton's, Panera, etc are better choices than McDonalds.
Ancien Maestro, your Tim Horton's meal that you listed has almost 2,000mg of sodium. You'd actually be better off having a Quarter Pounder and fries, believe it or not. Like the Starbucks treats, it really is eye opening to see that what you may think of a healthier choice really isn't. Just some advice as you have mentioned wanting to eat better, and many people have fallen into the trap of believing that certain foods are better when they aren't. Tim Horton's definitely falls into the junk food category, and is actually one of the more unhealthy places to eat. I'm not a fan of McDonalds and don't eat there, but they do in fact often some better choices if one chooses wisely.
Jan 8, 2012 | 9:25 pm
#94
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With your username, I wasn't worried!
But many people seem to think that Tim Horton's, Panera, etc are better choices than McDonalds.
Ancien Maestro, your Tim Horton's meal that you listed has almost 2,000mg of sodium. You'd actually be better off having a Quarter Pounder and fries, believe it or not. Like the Starbucks treats, it really is eye opening to see that what you may think of a healthier choice really isn't. Just some advice as you have mentioned wanting to eat better, and many people have fallen into the trap of believing that certain foods are better when they aren't. Tim Horton's definitely falls into the junk food category, and is actually one of the more unhealthy places to eat. I'm not a fan of McDonalds and don't eat there, but they do in fact often some better choices if one chooses wisely.
But many people seem to think that Tim Horton's, Panera, etc are better choices than McDonalds.
Ancien Maestro, your Tim Horton's meal that you listed has almost 2,000mg of sodium. You'd actually be better off having a Quarter Pounder and fries, believe it or not. Like the Starbucks treats, it really is eye opening to see that what you may think of a healthier choice really isn't. Just some advice as you have mentioned wanting to eat better, and many people have fallen into the trap of believing that certain foods are better when they aren't. Tim Horton's definitely falls into the junk food category, and is actually one of the more unhealthy places to eat. I'm not a fan of McDonalds and don't eat there, but they do in fact often some better choices if one chooses wisely.
Anyways, I don't want to be lectured on how many grams of sodium is in my sandwich, nor do I care or keep track.. If I'm craving something, my body needs it so down it goes 2,000 mg of sodium or not. I'm more concerned about transfats, and how that shrinks the brain honestly..
Anyhow, it may not be healthy, but I do drink Tim Horton's hot chocolate once in awhile..
Jan 8, 2012 | 11:39 pm
#95
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 6,964
There's nothing wrong with a little junk food every now and again; I'm just under no illusion that my Krapfen are remotely healthy!
Actually, that is one thing which annoys me about coffee places; so often they have mediocre or bad baked goods. Starbucks is an example. One of the 'best of the worst' items on the menu is non-veg suitable, and everything else is really unhealthy or just tastes unpleasant to me.
Does anyone remember Torrefazione? It was the high end version of Seattle's Best Coffee before Starbucks bought both and killed them off. Actually, some of the SBC locations also had decent baked goods.
And if ever in Berlin, in the Leipziger Strae there is an oddity. Not only is it a drive through (unusual unless it's a McDonalds McDrive in Germany), it is a coffee drive through, and a Hawaiian themed one! (Cahoona) I've only ever used the walk through window. The coffee isn't overly special but being greeted by Aloha at a coffee drive through metres from where the wall once stood is an experience I have done a few times, mainly for the bizarreness factor, or if I happen to be walking past.
However for excellent coffee and ever better baked goods and pastries and chocolate the Chocolate Caf above nearby Fassbender and Rausch on the Gendarmenmarkt is the place to go.
Actually, that is one thing which annoys me about coffee places; so often they have mediocre or bad baked goods. Starbucks is an example. One of the 'best of the worst' items on the menu is non-veg suitable, and everything else is really unhealthy or just tastes unpleasant to me.
Does anyone remember Torrefazione? It was the high end version of Seattle's Best Coffee before Starbucks bought both and killed them off. Actually, some of the SBC locations also had decent baked goods.
And if ever in Berlin, in the Leipziger Strae there is an oddity. Not only is it a drive through (unusual unless it's a McDonalds McDrive in Germany), it is a coffee drive through, and a Hawaiian themed one! (Cahoona) I've only ever used the walk through window. The coffee isn't overly special but being greeted by Aloha at a coffee drive through metres from where the wall once stood is an experience I have done a few times, mainly for the bizarreness factor, or if I happen to be walking past.
However for excellent coffee and ever better baked goods and pastries and chocolate the Chocolate Caf above nearby Fassbender and Rausch on the Gendarmenmarkt is the place to go.
Jan 9, 2012 | 12:54 pm
#96
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 371
Sounds like you found your personal sweet spot--good coffee at a reasonable price with minimal effort. Or maybe you just got used to it! If it works should you change it? I would be tempted to try a better storage container and avoid freezing, and see if that makes a difference.
Jan 9, 2012 | 3:09 pm
#97
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,305
I haven't used Starbucks in years !
I take a Nespresso Pixie + 5 sleeves of capsules with me whenever, and wherever I travel. It will even fit in a carry-on.
I have been given Starbucks redcards as gifts, and I in turn just give them away.
I take a Nespresso Pixie + 5 sleeves of capsules with me whenever, and wherever I travel. It will even fit in a carry-on.
I have been given Starbucks redcards as gifts, and I in turn just give them away.
Jan 9, 2012 | 9:47 pm
#98
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There's nothing wrong with a little junk food every now and again; I'm just under no illusion that my Krapfen are remotely healthy!
Actually, that is one thing which annoys me about coffee places; so often they have mediocre or bad baked goods. Starbucks is an example. One of the 'best of the worst' items on the menu is non-veg suitable, and everything else is really unhealthy or just tastes unpleasant to me.
Does anyone remember Torrefazione? It was the high end version of Seattle's Best Coffee before Starbucks bought both and killed them off. Actually, some of the SBC locations also had decent baked goods.
And if ever in Berlin, in the Leipziger Strae there is an oddity. Not only is it a drive through (unusual unless it's a McDonalds McDrive in Germany), it is a coffee drive through, and a Hawaiian themed one! (Cahoona) I've only ever used the walk through window. The coffee isn't overly special but being greeted by Aloha at a coffee drive through metres from where the wall once stood is an experience I have done a few times, mainly for the bizarreness factor, or if I happen to be walking past.
However for excellent coffee and ever better baked goods and pastries and chocolate the Chocolate Caf above nearby Fassbender and Rausch on the Gendarmenmarkt is the place to go.
Actually, that is one thing which annoys me about coffee places; so often they have mediocre or bad baked goods. Starbucks is an example. One of the 'best of the worst' items on the menu is non-veg suitable, and everything else is really unhealthy or just tastes unpleasant to me.
Does anyone remember Torrefazione? It was the high end version of Seattle's Best Coffee before Starbucks bought both and killed them off. Actually, some of the SBC locations also had decent baked goods.
And if ever in Berlin, in the Leipziger Strae there is an oddity. Not only is it a drive through (unusual unless it's a McDonalds McDrive in Germany), it is a coffee drive through, and a Hawaiian themed one! (Cahoona) I've only ever used the walk through window. The coffee isn't overly special but being greeted by Aloha at a coffee drive through metres from where the wall once stood is an experience I have done a few times, mainly for the bizarreness factor, or if I happen to be walking past.
However for excellent coffee and ever better baked goods and pastries and chocolate the Chocolate Caf above nearby Fassbender and Rausch on the Gendarmenmarkt is the place to go.
When we need the energy, our motto is eat.. but I'm watching more carefully for myself nowadays what I input.. but once in awhile theres' no problem with a nice big fat treat..
Jan 10, 2012 | 6:47 am
#99
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My wife is a size zero, and she can still eat a horse, binge on chocolate, etc.. and still remain a size zero.. but her descendants are European.. perhaps thats' the secret?
When we need the energy, our motto is eat.. but I'm watching more carefully for myself nowadays what I input.. but once in awhile theres' no problem with a nice big fat treat..
When we need the energy, our motto is eat.. but I'm watching more carefully for myself nowadays what I input.. but once in awhile theres' no problem with a nice big fat treat..
Hey! Life is SHORT! You have to enjoy once in a while. The way I look at it, I eat healthy 5 or 6 days a week, then I eat whatever I want on my cheat day, within reason. I won't sit down and eat a whole chocolate cake or something like that, but I'll enjoy a treat or two on a cheat day.
Balance! That's the key! Exercise, make decent choices when eating, enjoy a treat once in a while, and all usually will be well.
I've got friends that NEVER EVER eat anything they consider bad. NO cookies, NO cake, NO sweets of any kind, no breads, no pasta, no this, no that. They eat like Trappist Monks. Only Salad with a teaspoon of vinegar dressing, some whole grains, and lean fish. That's fine, but once in a blue moon have a small plate of something you like. Life is more fun that way IMO!
Coffee to me is a real addiction if I don't control it. I simply love it. What's funny? I hated it for 35 years of my life. Then one day, I had a cup. The rest is history!
What's the old expression? "You Are What You Eat, so Avoid Rump Roast!"
Good thread! Thanks guys and gals.
Jan 10, 2012 | 7:59 pm
#100
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We have a lot in common AM. My Sig Other is also a Size ZERO, and her favorite drink? Hot chocolate. At least two cups a day. It's her narcotic.
Hey! Life is SHORT! You have to enjoy once in a while. The way I look at it, I eat healthy 5 or 6 days a week, then I eat whatever I want on my cheat day, within reason. I won't sit down and eat a whole chocolate cake or something like that, but I'll enjoy a treat or two on a cheat day.
Balance! That's the key! Exercise, make decent choices when eating, enjoy a treat once in a while, and all usually will be well.
I've got friends that NEVER EVER eat anything they consider bad. NO cookies, NO cake, NO sweets of any kind, no breads, no pasta, no this, no that. They eat like Trappist Monks. Only Salad with a teaspoon of vinegar dressing, some whole grains, and lean fish. That's fine, but once in a blue moon have a small plate of something you like. Life is more fun that way IMO!
Coffee to me is a real addiction if I don't control it. I simply love it. What's funny? I hated it for 35 years of my life. Then one day, I had a cup. The rest is history!
What's the old expression? "You Are What You Eat, so Avoid Rump Roast!"
Good thread! Thanks guys and gals.
Hey! Life is SHORT! You have to enjoy once in a while. The way I look at it, I eat healthy 5 or 6 days a week, then I eat whatever I want on my cheat day, within reason. I won't sit down and eat a whole chocolate cake or something like that, but I'll enjoy a treat or two on a cheat day.
Balance! That's the key! Exercise, make decent choices when eating, enjoy a treat once in a while, and all usually will be well.
I've got friends that NEVER EVER eat anything they consider bad. NO cookies, NO cake, NO sweets of any kind, no breads, no pasta, no this, no that. They eat like Trappist Monks. Only Salad with a teaspoon of vinegar dressing, some whole grains, and lean fish. That's fine, but once in a blue moon have a small plate of something you like. Life is more fun that way IMO!
Coffee to me is a real addiction if I don't control it. I simply love it. What's funny? I hated it for 35 years of my life. Then one day, I had a cup. The rest is history!
What's the old expression? "You Are What You Eat, so Avoid Rump Roast!"
Good thread! Thanks guys and gals.
At 36.. I'm turning a corner towards better health and awareness. I used to let everything go, but nowadays I take the time to prepare for the times ahead.. But, such as life.. I used to eat for the sake of eating and not wasting.. so a new attitude where I eat what my body tells me to eat is important..
Plus drinking hot tea, has helped me avoid sickness and keep an acute immune system.. I haven't got sick yet this holiday season.. and it feels my body kicking out everything bad because of the vegetable and tea intake..
So yeah, the desserts come when I feel like it.. but tonite and last night, I didn't feel like having any.. and that's ok.. I skip it because my body says I don't really have to have dessert..
Jan 11, 2012 | 4:33 pm
#101
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No, but I'm 6'1" and I like Chinese food. Does that count? 
I envy you. I wish I did more Tea. I had a rough bout with health last year, and finally went to a Chinese doctor. He gave me Accupuncture, with electric stimulation. Then prescribed a daily dose of tea that he mixed up. It worked.
The way I look at it, the Chinese have, what, 3,000 plus years of medicine behind the culture? VS Western medicine's 200 years. It was worth a shot.
OK, so tomorrow, I'll only have ONE cup of coffee in the morning, and the rest of the day... Chinese TEA! Done deal!
I envy you. I wish I did more Tea. I had a rough bout with health last year, and finally went to a Chinese doctor. He gave me Accupuncture, with electric stimulation. Then prescribed a daily dose of tea that he mixed up. It worked.
The way I look at it, the Chinese have, what, 3,000 plus years of medicine behind the culture? VS Western medicine's 200 years. It was worth a shot.
OK, so tomorrow, I'll only have ONE cup of coffee in the morning, and the rest of the day... Chinese TEA! Done deal!
Jan 11, 2012 | 9:11 pm
#102
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No, but I'm 6'1" and I like Chinese food. Does that count?
I envy you. I wish I did more Tea. I had a rough bout with health last year, and finally went to a Chinese doctor. He gave me Accupuncture, with electric stimulation. Then prescribed a daily dose of tea that he mixed up. It worked.
The way I look at it, the Chinese have, what, 3,000 plus years of medicine behind the culture? VS Western medicine's 200 years. It was worth a shot.
OK, so tomorrow, I'll only have ONE cup of coffee in the morning, and the rest of the day... Chinese TEA! Done deal!
I envy you. I wish I did more Tea. I had a rough bout with health last year, and finally went to a Chinese doctor. He gave me Accupuncture, with electric stimulation. Then prescribed a daily dose of tea that he mixed up. It worked.
The way I look at it, the Chinese have, what, 3,000 plus years of medicine behind the culture? VS Western medicine's 200 years. It was worth a shot.
OK, so tomorrow, I'll only have ONE cup of coffee in the morning, and the rest of the day... Chinese TEA! Done deal!
You know, green tea in a bag without sugar tonight tasted pretty much like the chinese tea i'm accustomed to drinking all my life.. without the tea leaves floating on the bottom of course..
And you're one up on me, as I've never tried acupuncture.. or have drank an entire cup of coffee..
I should try a chinese herbal medicine shop for alternative medicine.. haven't been in one since a kid..
Jan 22, 2012 | 12:44 pm
#103
Join Date: Apr 2011
Programs: Delta, American, United
Posts: 217
If you are in San Francisco, try Blue Bottle or Four Barrel, they are top notch coffee roasters. In Portland, OR, try Stumptown, Heart Coffee Roasters, or Cellar Door! There are so many in Portland, you could go on a coffee crawl, and then a pub crawl to sample the local beers after getting cracked out on amazing coffee...
