Starbucks JP Laurel and the new Crème Brûlée Macchiato

I first heard about Caffè macchiato from my 7 year old niece Anya - she is an experienced Choco-coffee drinker in Australia. It is also known as espresso macchiato, a coffee drink made out of espresso with a small amount of milk.



And there is no better place to learn and taste a macchiato than in the new Starbucks JP Laurel store. It is a historical place which has been restored by Starbucks instead of doing full alteration by exposing the high ceiling, restoring the original wood moulding that wraps the soffit and keeping the wood sun breakers behind the store’s perimeter glass wall.

The building represent the distinct look of 70’s architecture. And to complement the look and feel of this heritage concept store, the following elements were used: high wainscot wrapped around columns, high backed banquette and large framed photographs of Manila during the '70s.



It's a good place to pause and reminisce about the old days. When people were unhurried and enjoyed learning. Perfectly match the experience with the warm creamy mix of crème brûlèe flavored syrup and freshly steamed milk marked with bold Starbucks® espresso - topped with velvety foam and finished with a roasty, dark caramel drizzle on top.

Crème Brûlée Macchiato is also available as iced and blended beverage, but for old time's sake - I always prefer hot drinks during down time.



If you are feeling the classic vibe of the JP Laurel store and want to let your coffee take you back in time, then try the Starbucks Anniversary Blend. This coffee is aged for three to five years prior to roasting. The aging process adds depth, smoothness and complex flavor to its already full-bodied, smooth character. Perfect with the buttery taste of French Toast (also from Starbucks). Match made in heaven.



But for the new branch, I propose a toast for one of the most memorable and Pinoy New Breakfast Items from Starbucks:



I've enjoyed this too with the Starbucks Anniversary Blend (at home) and it was a delightful feeling <3 If you don't have a French Press or Coffee Maker, you can still get Starbucks VIA Instant Brew.



But then again, nothing beats the Starbucks experience especially on a branch that is brimming with heritage. Customers can enjoy a unique Starbucks Experience at this store as early as 6:30am during weekdays and 7:30am during weekends. The store closes at 1:30 am on Fridays and Saturdays and 12 am during the rest of the week.

Until the next coffee break :)

Style Scene: Starbucks Launch VIA Ready Brew

You'll never be without great coffee again. It's Starbucks in a fresh foil pack, instant, just add hot water.



Woke up super early for this! The much awaited "instant Starbucks" or "Starbucks 3 in 1" is finally here. Officially, it's called the Starbucks VIA Ready Brew. VIA means "road" in Italian, coffee on the road and anywhere you go.



Given two cups, one made with the instant coffee, the other brewed - I wasn't able to tell the difference. I actually mistook the instant coffee as the brewed one. Fail.



Brought home some Starbucks VIA Ready Brews home, I shall test with my housemates if they taste the difference. I bet they won't!


Starbucks Philippines with Starbucks International representatives happily hold up the ready brews.

Here are the crowd including me.


I want this to be my uniform.


Guests waiting for their coffee while munching on cookies



The Philippines is the third country out of Northern America and Canada to have the ready brews. Second to Japan! Did you know that the instant coffee industry in the Philippines is worth Php 30 Billion?! At least now we have another choice :)


Noey Lopez


DJ Host of the day


Partners



Grab your Starbucks VIA Ready Brew now at your favorite Starbucks Coffee Shop. Available in packs of 3's and 12's. Stylish packaging included ;)

FOOD: Starbucks Ready Brew now in Manila!

I'd die for these ready brews! Thank you Starbucks for making the Philippines the second country (next to Japan) in Asia to enjoy the Starbucks VIA® Ready Brew.

Before we only have the 3-in-1's, I admit I am a sucker for those sachets but I am kinda embarrassed to let others see me using it. Just says I don't know how to make my own coffee.



Put the Starbucks logo on anything and you get a stylish, up another level, product. I'd be proud to have not one but several Starbucks 3 in 1 (if I may call it that) anytime! More than 10 million sticks have already been sold in Starbucks stores throughout Japan.

Starbucks VIA Ready Brew Teaser



I say, just wait 'til the Pinoy caffeine addicts including me and you, get our hands and mugs on them Starbucks Ready Brew. I will find these sticks handy whenever I visit desserts shop which is quiet often, yet most of them don't have a decent cup of joe. Just ask for hot water, voila - Starbucks wherever.

“We know there is a significant opportunity in the Philippines marketplace for Starbucks VIA® Ready Brew since nearly 100 percent of retail coffee sales come from instant coffee*,” said Howard Schultz, chairman, president and ceo, Starbucks Coffee Company. “We know rapid innovation for Starbucks VIA® and creating opportunities to further increase awareness and trial of Starbucks VIA® broadens our overall customer base both in the U.S. and in international markets.”



Dear Mr. Schultz, please send me a VIA Bearista :)