FREE STARBUCKS "REFRESHERS" TOMORROW!

Starbucks Cool Lime Refresher

Between 12 to 3 PM tomorrow across the Country, participating Starbucks Stores will be serving-up their new Refreshers free to Customers.  Of course, there's a limit of one per Person, but you do have two Options to choose from: Cool Lime and Berry Hibiscus.  I've tried both and they are amazing, containing Green Coffee Extract for a bit of a kick. 

The Berry Hibiscus is complete with Berry Chunks in it and the Cool Lime is almost like drinking a Mojito... without getting slizzard of course.

Enjoy!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

STARBUCKS HAPPY HOUR IS BACK: HALF-PRICE FRAPPUCCINOS

Starbucks Frappuccinos

It's back!  Starbucks is inviting all of us to celebrate Happy Hour beginning this Friday, May 4, 2012 through Sunday, May 13, 2012.  The Promotion which runs between 3 to 5 PM gives you Half-Price Frappuccinos and especially exciting this year is that there will be a new Mocha Cookie Crumble variety!  Note that this is valid only at Corporate Stores.

Slurp, slurp.

(Photo credit: Starbucks)

JASON WU TARGET COLLECTION TO BE SOLD AT ONE-DAY ONLY POP-UP SHOP IN TORONTO

Jason Wu's Milu the Cat, seen in his Target Collection

If you're as excited for Target's Canadian launch as I am, you'll be pleased to know that an exclusive Pop-up Shop will be opening in Toronto for one day only next week, showcasing the limited-edition Jason Wu Collection. Pieces will be priced between the $10 and $45 mark with the Shop operating between the hours of 12 to 6 PM. Up to 3,000 pieces will be sold and Vancouver-raised/Taiwanese-born Wu himself is slated to make an appearance.  Canadian Fashion Guru Brad Goreski also might be making an appearance. All proceeds will go to the United Way!

The Pop-Up Shop will be located at 363 King St. West (at John St.) on February 23, 2012.

To browse some of the pieces from his ultra-cute and affordable Collection, click here.

In addition to this, it was just announced this week that Starbucks will be partnering together with Target Canada stores also!  More reasons to loiter.  Hurry up, 2013!

(Photo credit: Jason Wu)

CANADA'S TOP TEN FILMS ANNOUNCED

Still from A Dangerous Method

Last night Canada's Top Ten Films were announced by the Toronto International Film Festival to honour the v. best in Canadian Film. Titles honoured, many which were screened at TIFF 2011, include the following:

Edwin Boyd

A Dangerous Method

Monsieur Lazhar

Keyhole

Take this Waltz

Café de flore

Starbuck

Hobo with a Shotgun

Marécages

Le Vendeur

I'm ashamed to admit I haven't seen any of them yet, although I will be seeing David Cronenberg's A Dangerous Method v. soon!  Staying true to its commitment to Canadian Film, each of these will be showcased over the next month at the TIFF Bell Lightbox here in Toronto.  

Click here to view the Schedule for Screenings.

(Photo credit: eOne Films)

2011 STARBUCKS "RED CUPS" ARE OUT!

2011 Starbucks Red Cups

Are you reddy?  Those of you Mavenati who know me well will know that this actually is something I look forward to every year!  Starbucks' latest line of Red Cups for the Holidays have just hit the stores and although they really aren't that different from last year's, donning a similar font and aesthetic, I love 'em!

Have you gotten yours yet?

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

DIRECTOR LEN WISEMAN SPOTTED AT STARBUCKS

Len Wiseman & Mr. Will-W.

Director/Writer Len Wiseman is responsible for the internationally-successful Underworld Franchise and he has been in Toronto for the past month working on a remake of Total Recall starring Colin Farrell, who we spotted last week.   A fourth installment titled Underworld: New Dawn shot recently in Vancouver, is due in theatres next year and to-date its predecessors combined have earned nearly $300 million worldwide.

I spotted Wiseman at Starbucks today while grabbing an Americano, which he also happened to be ordering from the Bar, with a Snack.  The handsome California native donning a Knit Cap and multiple layers on this chilly Afternoon, was nice enough to pose for a quick Photo together before getting ready for a Dinner Date with one of my favourites, the beautiful Kate Beckinsale.  The Actress also stars in the new Wiseman project filming in the City.

In a random act of kindness last Sunday, onlookers tell me that Wiseman and Beckinsale had treated a Homeless Man to some icy Starbucks beverages.  Amazing!  And almost as nice as once incident back during TIFF 2009 when Farrell had taken a Homeless Man out, buying him some new clothing!

The $200 million-budget Total Recall continues to film at Pinewood Studios through early September and we should soon be expecting Stars Bryan Cranston and Jessica Biel here too.  In a bit of casting news, Will Yun-Lee is the most recent addition to the Ensemble.  He also is here filming Cobu 3-D with BoA and Derek Hough (both spotted at the Glee Live! In Concert! show last night).

"BORN THIS WAY" EXPECTED TO SELL BETWEEN 500-700K COPIES IN DEBUT

Lady Gaga

Many of us are wondering how exactly it is that Lady Gaga can get away with charging $0.99 for her new Disc Born this Way digitally on Amazon.com - a move which caused disruptions to the online retailer's servers on release day, Monday.

Gaga's Manager Troy Carter tells the Associated Press, "I am more concerned about Piracy and people stealing the music. If you can get somebody to experience the music at that sort of price for one day only, I think it gets a lot of attention for the album".  Despite sounding somewhat defeatist, this is a realistic picture of what Music Buyers are thinking these days and if you can't change how they think, why not adapt?  Gaga's Team has adapted and are being rewarded for their responsiveness.

Gaga is a prime example of how an Artist can thrive in this Digital Age of Music through more than just about selling albums - we have to look at Artists overall and the various channels they can exchange their influence for monetary gain.  This can mean Fan Merchandise, Concert Ticket Sales and Business Deals with Companies, which help draw attention to the fact that the Artist has a new Album out.

Carter predicts that Born this Way will sell between 500-700k copies by the end of the sales week, which seems somewhat deflated compared to a decade ago when artists like N Sync could push 2.4 million copies of their CD in its first week of release. 

HALF-PRICE FRAPPUCCINOS AT STARBUCKS

Starbucks' Mocha Coconut Frappuccino

Yes!  Best time of the year.  Between May 6-15, 2011 from 3-5 PM, Starbucks will be celebrating Happy Hour.  Frappuccinos will be half-priced for everybody!  More importantly, Starbucks will be bringing back my favourite - the Mocha Coconut Frappuccino. *brap! brap!*

RSVP here on Starbucks' Facebook Frappuccino Page.

HAPPY 40TH BIRTHDAY, STARBUCKS!

Happy 40th Birthday Starbucks!  In celebration of our favourite Coffee Chain's special day, they are giving away some treats to their loyal customers who buy a beverage between March 10-12, 2011.  Although stock and dates my vary, you can get a Starbucks Petite Pastry: Cake Pop, Mini Cupcake, Sweet Square or Whoopie Pie with the purchase of a beverage between 2:00 to 5:00 PM.  Cups donning their new Logo will debut today also.

I am anxious to try their Cake Pops, although I'm pretty confident they aren't better than mine.  I'm just saying!  Anyone who disagrees is cut-off!  LOL

To many more years of delicious and convenient Americanos and Lattes.  Love you, *$!

Watch Starbucks' new 40th Birthday Television Spot in full below:

LITTLE NICKY'S COFFEE

Little Nicky's Coffee and Donuts

My latest obsession is 1930's-inspired Little Nicky's Coffee, tucked away at the corner of Peter x Queen in Toronto's Entertainment District.  Brewing nothing but Organic Fair Trade Coffee, their bold and robust Dark Roast is something to experience.  Paired with Organic Cream and Raw Sugar, you are getting nothing but the best and a Size Large is in-and-around the $2.00 mark - cheaper than a Grande at Starbucks.  It was so good that I left, savoured, pondered and decidedly went back for seconds.... before caving in and ordering a half-pound of Grounds too!

Asides from Coffee, they also an array of Homemade Baked Goods like Cookies and Muffins  also, while catering to the Lunchtime Crowd with an offering of Sandwiches.  The one defining item on the Menu here is their Homemade Donuts - irresistibly aromatic, moist in texture and finished with a light dusting of  Powdered Sugar; a half-dozen simply isn't enough. 

Little Nicky's Coffee is located at 375 Queen St. West.  Thank me with a dozen of those Donuts.

STARBUCKS ANNOUNCES NEW "TRENTA" CUP SIZE

A Cup donning new Starbucks Logo

As if a Venti wasn't already overkill, Starbucks has announced plans to launch in Limited Release this week a new Cup Size for its customers called the Trenta, at 31 oz.  The Cup, which was made available previously in Test Market cities, fared positively enough last year to be made available allover the U.S. and presumbly Canada by the beginning of May 2011.  A Trenta will cost approximately $0.50 U.S. more than a Venti.

Although I foresee a demand with Cold Beverages in the Trenta size seeing how Ice Cubes can take up an inordinate amount of space in a Cup, there is no way I could finish that much Coffee.  Could you, Mavenati?

To recap, these are the Starbucks Cup Sizes:

Short (not listed on Menu) - 8 oz.

Tall - 12 oz. 

Grande - 16 oz. 

Venti - 20 oz.

Trenta - 31 oz.

(Photo credit: Starbucks)

STARBUCKS INTRODUCES NEW WORDLESS LOGO IN MARCH

The Evolution of the Starbucks Logo

She's getting a sexy makeover!  The famous Starbucks Siren is getting a new look with the Coffee giant announcing today that they plan to simplify their Logo by removing the words "STARBUCKS COFFEE".  Employees in Seattle were the first to see the new design earlier today, marking the fourth time the Logo has changed since 1971.

STARBUCKS INTRODUCES ITS 2010 RED CUPS

Starbucks' 2010 Red Cups - Venti to Short sizes



Quickly becoming a new Cultural Icon, Starbucks' 2010 Red Cups are quickly surfacing around the world, continuing with its traditional November release. This year marks the tenth year in which the tradition has been observed and although often confused with Starbucks' support for the (RED) Campaign's fight against AIDS in Africa, the Cups serve no more than to spread a bit of festive Holiday Cheer.

This year's Cups appear a bit more minimalistic in design in comparison to previous years, but look great nonetheless!  The Barista at my building's Starbucks was sweet enough to give me samples of each size for you to peruse the differences in inscribed messages.

Also now in-stores are the retailer's annual selection of Holiday Favourites including the:

WHERE TO GET A GOOD COFFEE IN TORONTO

The age-old question of where to get a good cup of Coffee in this city just might not be unsolvable after all.  I'll admit it - I'm a bit of a lush.  I don't do Brewed Coffee unless I have to absolutely and there are no other options.  I am of the mentality that I'll pay the extra dollar for the Coffee if it tastes that much better and it's served to me like a dignified human being.  I love Espresso and after having invested in a no-frills Espresso Maker myself two years ago, I just haven't been able to go back ever since.  My father loves Instant Coffee out of convenience and it makes me cringe when I go back home and he tries to serve me a cup of that stuff. And don't get me wrong - I'm loyal to Starbucks like fans are to Oprah, but sometimes I like to try new things and treat myself. Perhaps I can recommend a few fantastic spots if you ever visit the city. 

In the heart of Yorkville is five-star The Hazelton, which is pretty much where every celebrity in-the-know stays now.  The hotel has easily surpassed Four Seasons Hotel as the place to stay for the Hollywood Elite with its chic ultra-modern decor and moody dimmed lighting.  Situated in the hotel is the marvelous ONE Restaurant, which the likes of Geri Halliwell, Kylie Minogue, Emma Bunton and Sarah Jessica Parker have enjoyed.  The service is outstandingly friendly and if you don't feel like partaking in the pricey fare, a delicious, fully-bodied Cappuccino or Latte can be enjoyed at $6 with a twig of Biscotti.  You're paying for the experience you must remember and while you're there, why not pair it with a delicious Coconut Cream Crumble topped with Lime Powder?  It's decadently creamy and full of chewy goodness, coming highly recommended by the staff.  All desserts are $14, but there is an assortment of pastries served throughout the day like Pain au Chocolat and Muffins at approximately $8 a pop.   You might as well go all out though and go for the desserts by renowned Pastry Chef Tony Accettola.  You just never know who you'll see here.

 (Cappuccino at The Hazelton, Coconut Cream Crumble)

PRODUCT WATCH: STARBUCKS' DARK CHERRY MOCHA LATTE

It was only a matter of time before we whined our way to justice.  The Starbucks Dark Cherry Mocha Latte is coming to Canada and the U.S. this spring finally after being offered as a seasonal selection internationally.  And I love my Barista for letting me try it first. 

Its Espresso and Milk base is unapologetically masked by its rich and thick Mocha flavouring, accented with the syrupy sweetness of Dark Cherry essence.  Like a box of Cherry Cordials, but much higher in calories and caffeinated.  Yes, I'll have Whipped Cream and Chocolate Syrup (or Shavings) with that.  Thanks.

Also, check out the gorgeous aesthetic of these Sakura-themed Starbucks Cards which have just been released. It's as if their Product Development Team have tapped into my mind and extracted everything I liked love out of it!  These are becoming somewhat of a Collector's Item for me.

BUFFALO, NY VERSUS TORONTO, ON - A RETAIL SHOWDOWN

On a whim, I decided today to visit Buffalo, the second most populated city in New York state.  Known mostly to those of us in Toronto for its Cross-Border Shopping, Buffalo's economy is very much driven by the retail industry.  Depending on how quickly you drive, it would normally be a two hour trip each way and although I haven't visited in quite some time, today's visit turned out to be well worth it.

At the Fashion Outlets on Military Road, I found a Burberry Dress Shirt for $60 US, which is almost unheard of since higher-end fashion retailers like Holt Renfrew and Burberry's actual Flagship Store in Toronto charge well over $200-$300 per shirt alone.  I am ecstatic about this find and also found myself a tie in a classic Burberry print, which happened to be lost under a pile, for just $40 US. The tie would normally retail at around $150 US.  Amazing.

I was completely unaware that the Fashion Outlets also had a Brooks Brothers store. The American retailer has the distinction of being the longest surviving men's clothier in existence, specializing in high-end classic looks.  You'll find many tailored cut dress shirts and wool pieces here.  Although I found a couple fantastic ties,  I am most in love with my Purple/Orange Bow Tie which the staff there kindly gave me a tutorial on how to assemble. For $22 US, this was literally a steal as similar quality Bow Ties in this city can retail for about $100 CAN.   The shop has many neat items like guides on how to properly toast at a party and books on Etiquette, which peaked my interest. I definitely need some lessons in that!

I am perpetually obsessed with foods from my childhood which I would see on American television, but nowhere to be found on Canadian shelves.  Two items I've always wanted to try are Mrs. Butterworth's Table Syrup and Smucker's Goober Grape.  I  remember seeing television ads of the former, where the bottle would come to life and an endearing Mrs. Butterworth would talk to receptive children.  As an adult I've been spoiled by the taste of Organic Maple Syrup, but I am still curious to see what this really tastes like.  The latter is a combination of Concord Grape Jelly and Peanut Butter intertwined in one product.  I can now die happy with my two jars in the cupboard.  Cannot wait to open it!

PRODUCT WATCH: STARBUCKS RED VELVET CUPCAKES

They're back.  My beloved Starbucks is re-introducing Red Velvet Cupcakes once again, as they did last year for Valentine's Day.  Although the origins of the cupcake trace back to Californian Cupcake authority Sprinkles, Starbucks' delicious adaptation of the recipe is more than adequate.  Rich, moist and smothered in Cream Cheese frosting with red candied adornments, it tastes as sinful as it looks with its combination cocoa and vanilla batter.  Starbucks also has delightful Double Chocolate and Vanilla Cupcakes available, which you can buy also in groups of four at a discounted rate. Moregasmic.

Thanks Leslie for the reminder.

PRODUCT WATCH: STARBUCKS CARAMEL BRULEE LATTE

Happy Monday. I must say that I live for Starbucks' line of Holiday Beverages. This year they are bringing back traditional Latte favourites like Eggnog, Espresso Truffle, Peppermint Mocha and Gingersnap. This year's exciting addition is the Caramel Brûlée Latte and my Barista gave me an early preview of it this morning. The Latte launches tomorrow... and it is stellar. A creamy caramel-Espresso base, a foamy top and crisp burnt sugar adornments. Mmmm. All the taste, all the calories!