Free coffee day at Starbucks - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

passthru · 04-14-2010, 10:41 PM

As a Starbucks hater, I have many obvious (to me) negative reactions to this.

I have to wonder just how many people will go to Starbucks today. It would actually be cheaper to make it at home, unless you happen to work or live within walking distance. In case anybody's unaware, it only takes $30-$40 to invest in a really fancy top of the line French press. And the coffee produced by that and the massive expense of heating some water is way the hell better.
Nearly everybody who falls for free tree saving Starbucks "coffee" day will be using up gas to take away some money from their wallet and breathable air from the environment.

Breathable air.. isn't that what those trees are for?

Idyllic · 04-15-2010, 03:42 AM

I will I will !!!!!!! Thanks for the update, I love me a good cup of Starbucks Joe...... and free to boot. Ah..... Sumatra, Espresso, French Roast...... I make it at home also, every single day. I have been drinking coffee since I was 7 years old, had a coffee maker in my bedroom by 10th grade. LOVE COFFEE

There will be coffee, always. At least Starbucks is trying to bring awareness to the snobs. Every little bit counts, whereas mass marketed folgers quietly deforests more land for mediocre mega cans of pre-ground bitterland, Hola Juan Valdes, although he does drive a donkey, guess that's better than an SUV.

I'm coming mermaid, cup in hand, brew me an Americana, I'll pass on Pikes 7/11 Place, ewwww.

---------- Post added at 07:42 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:39 AM ----------

O.K. I'll plant a tree today, maybe a Japaneses Maple, with leaves the color of a robust and dense ruddy Sumatra, and toasty good. Ah, Coffee.

Leto · 04-15-2010, 04:09 AM

I received a Starbucks card as a prize (it had $10 on it) and rather enjoyed popping across the street for a quick "short Bold" every once in a while. Meanwhile at work, we have been provided with free A.L. van Houtte coffee just to stem the tide of employees crossing the street to go to Tim Horton's (and now Starbucks as well). I like the free offering as well, but there's something about the Starbucks French Roast that I like.

I purchased a passable French press for $14 a couple of years ago. It still performs a yeoman's effort in preparing my home brew.

Coffee, Dark Chocolate, Red Wine, Sea Bass, rare Striploin steak, Hockey, Poutine and Librarians.

Some constants in life are immutable.

passthru · 04-15-2010, 05:34 AM

I received a $25 Starbucks card so I went a few times. None of their employees know how to operate the espresso machine ;p

wooÐs · 04-15-2010, 05:36 AM

I adore Starbucks' brews and it's the brand I prefer over others.

I won't be driving over for a cup since I brew the stuff at home. But for folks who normally stop by Starbucks daily for their coffee, it'd be a nice little break for them to pick up a free cup. I'm not so sure too many would drive out of their way for one though. But if they do, I'm sure they'll consider it a nice treat.

Xerxys · 04-15-2010, 05:58 AM

They've been doing this here in NC all over. I just had breakfast at McD's because I wanted the free buscuit.

Quote:

Apr 14, 2010 (16 hours ago)
from Bargainist 88 people liked this

Tax Day Freebies 2010
That most dreaded of all days is almost upon us: Tax Day. After dropping your taxes in the mail, head to these places of business for free, or almost free, goodies. It's just their way off offering a little "Tax Relief".

Boston Market: Individual dinner plates BOGO Free
04/15/2010 through 04/18/2010.
Cinnabon - 2 Free Cupcake Bites on 04/15/2010 between 6pm and 8pm.
HydroMassage - Free massages 04/15/2010 through 04/18/2010.
MaggieMoo's - Free sample of MaggieMia's Ice Cream Pizza on 04/15/2010 between 3pm and 7pm.
McCormick & Schmick's - $10.40 dinner specials & drink specials at the bar.
P.F. Chang's - 15% off food purchases all day
Starbucks - Bring in a reusable travel mug & get free brewed coffee
Taco Del Mar - Free taco per customer
McDonald's - Select restaurants to offer BOGO Free Southern Style Chicken Biscuit
Subway - Free cookie for all customers
Chick-fil-a - Return before April 30th to receive the same order for free
T.G.I. Friday's - Diners receive a $5 gift card w/purchase of $15-$25 or a $10 card w/purchases of $25 or more

Some offers may only be valid at select stores/restaurants. See your local businesses for details.

Visit The Bargainist for more.

CandleInTheDark · 04-15-2010, 12:59 PM

What's with all this driving? Within a 20 minute walk, there are 6 Starbucks locations. I guess if you live in the 'Burbs...

My personal recommendation is to always buy a french press with a metal, spring-loaded filter and glass container. Never settle for anything less, or at the very least, make sure the spout has it's on strainer.

uncle phil · 04-15-2010, 03:33 PM

starbucks has the worst-tasting fucking coffee i have ever had the displeasure to move through my lips...

i could care less what they do...

Grancey · 04-15-2010, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CandleInTheDark

What's with all this driving? Within a 20 minute walk, there are 6 Starbucks locations. I guess if you live in the 'Burbs...

You don't have to brag about it.

We went/drove 15 minutes. Red got his fix.

FoolThemAll · 04-15-2010, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by uncle phil

starbucks has the worst-tasting fucking coffee i have ever had the displeasure to move through my lips...

Can't say I've been extremely adventurous, but of the 10+ places I've gone for coffee, Starbucks has been the best. Other places might've had better espresso or lattes or whatever, but Starbucks has been king of the drip coffee.

Leto · 04-16-2010, 02:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by uncle phil

starbucks has the worst-tasting fucking coffee i have ever had the displeasure to move through my lips...

i could care less what they do...

I suppose it's a matter of taste. I find their coffee to be quite strong tasting. Which I like. The other coffee chains provide similar brews, but the largest chain of all (Tim Hortons) sells a mild flavoured coffee. It is wildly popular, and I do drink it. It just isn't what I prefer. Starbucks (and Second Cup, Timothy's etc) all seem to make a drip brew that has more body and a stronger, bolder taste.

passthru · 04-16-2010, 05:04 AM

Where do you live that Starbucks isn't the most common? I had never heard of Tim Hortons until this thread.

Now that I think about it, I'm not sure I've ever had coffee at Starbucks, only espresso-based drinks that aren't filled with sugar and frosting. So if it's drip coffee it's probably impossible for them to burn

Baraka_Guru · 04-16-2010, 05:17 AM

I didn't get a free coffee. I'm trying to stay away from the stuff.

Starbucks is overroasted and heavily brewed. It's not for everyone. You must like really strong and generally burnt coffee.

And as far as Tim Hortons is concerned, it's as pervasive in Canadian culture as, say, apple pie in America. "Timmy's" usually goes hand in hand with travelling across the country and early mornings of hockey.

Some insights on travelling in Canada, Tim Hortons, and Starbucks:

YouTube - Ron James on Tim Hortons

FoolThemAll · 05-04-2010, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baraka_Guru

Starbucks is overroasted and heavily brewed. It's not for everyone. You must like really strong and generally burnt coffee.[/url]

No, that's the thing, I find overroasted and burnt coffee at OTHER 'better' places. Strong, sure, as I prefer it. Maybe the starbucks in my neck of Seattle are better?

Leto · 05-05-2010, 04:05 AM

Yes, I agree, I don't find the Starbuck's coffee to be burnt at all. It's usually well and richly roasted. they way I would do it at home. Compared to the milder roasts of some other chains, it may taste burnt. I have found Starbucks to be consistant.

Passthru, Tim Horton's is a popular doughnut chain, founded by the iconic (because of the chain?) hockey player by the same name. From Wikipedia:

Myles Gilbert "Tim" Horton (January 12, 1930 – February 21, 1974) was a Canadian professional hockey defenceman. He played in 24 seasons in the National Hockey League for the Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Rangers, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Buffalo Sabres. He was also a businessman and a co-founder of Tim Hortons, now Canada's largest restaurant chain. He died in an automobile crash in St. Catharines, Ontario, in 1974 at the age of 44

Tim's is all over Canada, and is North America's 4th largest publicly traded restaurant company, with 'emerging regional presence in the USA', Tim Horton's commands a 40% share of quick service restaurant traffic in Canada.

US Linky:
Tim Hortons

Gina_ · 05-05-2010, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leto

Yes, I agree, I don't find the Starbuck's coffee to be burnt at all. It's usually well and richly roasted. they way I would do it at home. Compared to the milder roasts of some other chains, it may taste burnt. I have found Starbucks to be consistant.

I too don't find Starbucks burnt tasting in the least. It's just lovely strong coffee and yes, very consistent. I brew it at home since I can buy it at the market and I can't tell the difference between one bag and the next.

I've tried other brands of other specialty coffees at several baristas around town and some of those are quite charry (for lack of a real word), but I have yet to get a bad cup of coffee at Starbucks.

04-14-2010, 10:41 PM	#1 (permalink)
passthru Addict Location: Portland, OR	Free coffee day at Starbucks As a Starbucks hater, I have many obvious (to me) negative reactions to this. I have to wonder just how many people will go to Starbucks today. It would actually be cheaper to make it at home, unless you happen to work or live within walking distance. In case anybody's unaware, it only takes $30-$40 to invest in a really fancy top of the line French press. And the coffee produced by that and the massive expense of heating some water is way the hell better. Nearly everybody who falls for free tree saving Starbucks "coffee" day will be using up gas to take away some money from their wallet and breathable air from the environment. Breathable air.. isn't that what those trees are for?

04-15-2010, 03:42 AM	#2 (permalink)
Idyllic Psycho Location: My House	I will I will !!!!!!! Thanks for the update, I love me a good cup of Starbucks Joe...... and free to boot. Ah..... Sumatra, Espresso, French Roast...... I make it at home also, every single day. I have been drinking coffee since I was 7 years old, had a coffee maker in my bedroom by 10th grade. LOVE COFFEE There will be coffee, always. At least Starbucks is trying to bring awareness to the snobs. Every little bit counts, whereas mass marketed folgers quietly deforests more land for mediocre mega cans of pre-ground bitterland, Hola Juan Valdes, although he does drive a donkey, guess that's better than an SUV. I'm coming mermaid, cup in hand, brew me an Americana, I'll pass on Pikes 7/11 Place, ewwww. ---------- Post added at 07:42 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:39 AM ---------- O.K. I'll plant a tree today, maybe a Japaneses Maple, with leaves the color of a robust and dense ruddy Sumatra, and toasty good. Ah, Coffee. __________________ you can tell them all you want but it won't matter until they think it does p.s. I contradict my contradictions, with or without intention, sometimes.

04-15-2010, 04:09 AM	#3 (permalink)
Leto Junkie Location: The Danforth	I received a Starbucks card as a prize (it had $10 on it) and rather enjoyed popping across the street for a quick "short Bold" every once in a while. Meanwhile at work, we have been provided with free A.L. van Houtte coffee just to stem the tide of employees crossing the street to go to Tim Horton's (and now Starbucks as well). I like the free offering as well, but there's something about the Starbucks French Roast that I like. I purchased a passable French press for $14 a couple of years ago. It still performs a yeoman's effort in preparing my home brew. Coffee, Dark Chocolate, Red Wine, Sea Bass, rare Striploin steak, Hockey, Poutine and Librarians. Some constants in life are immutable. __________________ You said you didn't give a fuck about hockey And I never saw someone say that before You held my hand and we walked home the long way You were loosening my grip on Bobby Orr http://dune.wikia.com/wiki/Leto_Atreides_I

04-15-2010, 12:59 PM	#7 (permalink)
CandleInTheDark Addict Location: Where the music's loudest	What's with all this driving? Within a 20 minute walk, there are 6 Starbucks locations. I guess if you live in the 'Burbs... My personal recommendation is to always buy a french press with a metal, spring-loaded filter and glass container. Never settle for anything less, or at the very least, make sure the spout has it's on strainer. __________________ Where there is doubt there is freedom.

04-15-2010, 03:33 PM	#8 (permalink)
uncle phil comfortably numb... Super Moderator Location: upstate	starbucks has the worst-tasting fucking coffee i have ever had the displeasure to move through my lips... i could care less what they do... __________________ "We were wrong, terribly wrong. (We) should not have tried to fight a guerrilla war with conventional military tactics against a foe willing to absorb enormous casualties...in a country lacking the fundamental political stability necessary to conduct effective military and pacification operations. It could not be done and it was not done." - Robert S. McNamara ----------------------------------------- "We will take our napalm and flame throwers out of the land that scarcely knows the use of matches... We will leave you your small joys and smaller troubles." - Eugene McCarthy in "Vietnam Message" ----------------------------------------- never wrestle with a pig. you both get dirty; the pig likes it.

04-15-2010, 05:34 AM	#4 (permalink)
passthru Addict Location: Portland, OR	I received a $25 Starbucks card so I went a few times. None of their employees know how to operate the espresso machine ;p

04-15-2010, 05:36 AM	#5 (permalink)
wooÐs Sitting in a tree Location: Atlanta	I adore Starbucks' brews and it's the brand I prefer over others. I won't be driving over for a cup since I brew the stuff at home. But for folks who normally stop by Starbucks daily for their coffee, it'd be a nice little break for them to pick up a free cup. I'm not so sure too many would drive out of their way for one though. But if they do, I'm sure they'll consider it a nice treat.

04-16-2010, 05:04 AM	#12 (permalink)
passthru Addict Location: Portland, OR	Where do you live that Starbucks isn't the most common? I had never heard of Tim Hortons until this thread. Now that I think about it, I'm not sure I've ever had coffee at Starbucks, only espresso-based drinks that aren't filled with sugar and frosting. So if it's drip coffee it's probably impossible for them to burn

05-05-2010, 04:05 AM	#15 (permalink)
Leto Junkie Location: The Danforth	Yes, I agree, I don't find the Starbuck's coffee to be burnt at all. It's usually well and richly roasted. they way I would do it at home. Compared to the milder roasts of some other chains, it may taste burnt. I have found Starbucks to be consistant. Passthru, Tim Horton's is a popular doughnut chain, founded by the iconic (because of the chain?) hockey player by the same name. From Wikipedia: Myles Gilbert "Tim" Horton (January 12, 1930 – February 21, 1974) was a Canadian professional hockey defenceman. He played in 24 seasons in the National Hockey League for the Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Rangers, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Buffalo Sabres. He was also a businessman and a co-founder of Tim Hortons, now Canada's largest restaurant chain. He died in an automobile crash in St. Catharines, Ontario, in 1974 at the age of 44 Tim's is all over Canada, and is North America's 4th largest publicly traded restaurant company, with 'emerging regional presence in the USA', Tim Horton's commands a 40% share of quick service restaurant traffic in Canada. US Linky: Tim Hortons __________________ You said you didn't give a fuck about hockey And I never saw someone say that before You held my hand and we walked home the long way You were loosening my grip on Bobby Orr http://dune.wikia.com/wiki/Leto_Atreides_I Last edited by Leto; 05-05-2010 at 04:56 PM..