Category Archives: Coffee

Scoping out the Mega-QuikTrip

Feb. 17, 20124:29 p.m.

The new coffee bar at the new QuikTrip.

A friend used to call QuikTrips “the Disneyland of convenience stores.”  And that was YEARS AND YEARS before the actual Disneyland of convenience stores opened in January  at 625 S. Hillside.

I finally stopped into the new QT this morning to see what all the fuss was about, and WOW. The QuikTrip of the future is pretty amazing, and I didn’t really think QuikTrips could be improved upon.

The most impressive additions I saw included an entire wall dedicated to every flavor of iced tea an iced tea fan could dream up, from blueberry to mango. The number of colorful “freezoni” options, QT’s version of a slurpee, was staggering. That section of the store looked as though a frozen rainbow had exploded.

There’s also a new counter, staffed by an employee who can make specialty coffee drinks, fresh smoothies and ice-cream mixes. I didn’t see anyone taking advantage of that option this morning, but it’s tempting.

The store is huge, and you have to hunt a little to find what you’re looking for. The check out counter was set up in a straight line rather than an L-shape, which isn’t in improvement, in my opinion. I like the classic setup, where you can stand on either side of either cash register and feel like you’re closer to the front of the line.

The new store has all the fresh foods, both hot and cold, stocked in the other stores in town. Though alas, the Mega-QT STILL stocks only Miracle Whip, no mayo, in its grocery section. Why? There is no explanation I can accept.

If you’re out and bored and thirsty this weekend, I’d definitely recommend you make a stop at the new QT. It’s as close to Disneyland as we’re gonna get.

By Denise Neil | Tags: Filed under Coffee, Frozen treats | Comments

Question of the week: Best hot drink?

Dec. 7, 201111:03 a.m.

Suddenly, it’s c-c-c-c-cold outside. Not quite the school-canceling cold from earlier this year, but definitely an uncomfortable cold.

Doesn’t a hot drink sound good?

This week’s question: What’s your favorite hot drink served in Wichita? Where do you get it, and how would you describe it?

For me, it’s probably a hot chai latte, frothy with sweetness and exotic spice. I like the one at Starbucks, but I’m sure it’s brewed well at some local coffee shops, too.

What’s your favorite? Answer in the comments section below.

By Denise Neil | Tags: Filed under Coffee, Question of the week | Comments

Starbucks giving away free drinks through Sunday

Nov. 17, 20119:43 a.m.

I always get excited each year when the red holiday cups return at Starbucks. Why, that’s a more sure sign of Christmas than anything I know of.

But this might be even more exciting.

From 2 to 5 p.m. today through Sunday, customers who buy one holiday beverage at Starbucks can get one free. Holiday drinks include the peppermint mocha (my favorite), the gingerbread latte and the caramel brulee latte. I shot this photo of the promo sign while waiting in line at the Kellogg and West street Starbucks drive through just a few minutes ago.

Although drinking coffee after noon is generally a bad idea for me, not getting free Starbucks is an even worse idea.

By Denise Neil | Tags: Filed under Coffee | Comments

Happy National Coffee Day

Sept. 29, 201110:42 a.m.

I celebrated National Coffee Day (which is happening RIGHT NOW, FYI) by pulling into a Starbucks drive-thru, cursing at the unusually long line of cars, going inside to order and then begging for half-n-half because of course the dispenser is always empty when I’m there. (I’m feeling a little less edgy now that I’ve had a few sips. Whew. The magic of coffee.)

If I’d had time to drive out east, I could have gotten a free 12-oz. cup from Krispy Kreme, which is treating its customers in observance of the day. Anyone know of any other free or cheap coffee out there today? I hear that 7-11 and Caribou Coffee stores also are giving away free coffee, but we don’t have those in these parts.

Coffee is certainly something worth celebrating, and I feel that way even more now that I know that my morning cup may be the only thing keeping me from total and utter depression.

Insert your ode to coffee in the comments section below.

By Denise Neil | Tags: Filed under Coffee | Comments

The flavor of fall has arrived

Sept. 2, 201110:45 a.m.

Now if fall would just arrive, we’d be good.

The weatherfolk are promising some more seasonal temperatures by the end of this weekend, and if they know what’s good for them, they’d better follow through on those promises. I, for one, have had enough of this blazing inferno. But I digress.

One of the surest signs that fall is actually on the way is when the pumpkin-flavored coffees arrive. Starbucks‘ popular pumpkin spice latte will officially return on Tuesday, but I’m told that anyone who asks for one starting today can get one.

As of Thursday, Scooter’s Coffeehouse locations also added fall drinks to the menu, including pumpkin lattes, chai tea, caramel apple cider and more. Scooter’s has drive-up locations at 3480 N. Ridge, 7399 W. Central, 13335 W. Maple, 626 S. Andover Road in Andover and First and Main in El Dorado. There’s also a Scooter’s on the Newman University campus.

Does anyone know of other coffee shops serving up the flavors of fall?

By Denise Neil | Tags: , Filed under Coffee, Seasonal treats | Comments

Trenta!!

Jan. 19, 201110:10 a.m.

You’ve no doubt by now heard about the Trenta, Starbucks’ new 31-ounce beverage size. (That’s bigger than your stomach, according to one blogger.)

Only iced drinks will be available in the Trenta size, which rolled out this week in 14 states, not including Kansas. Everybody else’s Starbucks will introduce the new cup size on May 3.

The drinks will cost 50 cents more than the Venti, which contains 24 ounces. Trenta is Italian for “30.” Guess the “Trentuno” didn’t have the same ring.

In the spirit of the Trenta, please enjoy this apropos movie clip from the 2008 Paul Rudd movie “Role Models.”

By Denise Neil | Tags: Filed under Coffee | Comments

Free peppermint mocha

Nov. 18, 20109:55 a.m.

starbucksStarbucks is attempting to get even more people hooked on its incredibly decadent holiday drinks with a buy-one-get-one-promotion.

From 2 to 5 p.m. today through Sunday, those who buy one holiday flavored drink at Starbucks get one free. Choices include the caramel brulee latte, peppermint mocha, gingerbred latte, eggnog latte and more.

My vote, for the record, is for the peppermint mocha, which somehow tastes even better served in one of those festive red Starbucks cups.

By Denise Neil | Tags: Filed under Coffee, Restaurant specials | Comments

Very sneaky, Starbucks

Aug. 31, 20102:37 p.m.

HOThe other day I was driving home when I noticed something peculiar: A highway sign informing me that I could find a Starbucks if I exited Kellogg at Seneca Street.

Huh? I exit Seneca Street every day, and if there were a Starbucks nearby, believe me, I’d know.

Then it hit me. Yes, there is a Starbucks off the Seneca exit, but it’s two miles and a whole bunch of stoplights to the south, past Pawnee.

I do not like deceptive highway exit signs. If you tell me to exit for Starbucks, I expect it to be right off the exit. Not a five-plus minute drive away. This is especially bizarre considering the fact that just exits later at West street, a westbound Kellogg driver can find a Starbucks immediately off the highway

When reporting on Starbucks’ new breakfast sandwiches last week, I was told by a manager that the stores at Seneca and Pawnee and at 21st and Amidon would be the only two not participating because they were the lowest performing stores. Perhaps that explains all of this, especially considering that an exit sign at K-96 and Meridian directs exiters to the 21st and Amidon store, also several miles and stoplights away.

Now that my complaining is over, a little Starbucks good news to report: PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE IS BACK AS OF TODAY!!!

By Denise Neil | Tags: Filed under Coffee | Comments