Coffee Shop Journal

I’m back in Portland, Oregon for a few days of rest with my family and remembering once again why I love this city, the runner up in the “first city of coffee” category. Seattle wins, but Portland is not a bad coffee-loving city! I will admit, though, that I was already waxing nostalgic for my Santa Barbara balcony and the morning drive to the city Starbucks while we watched the city come awake. Santa Barbara is one of the most unique small towns I’ve been to: upscale mixed with homeless, weary shoppers sitting in Starbucks chatting with musical street people. It seemed to me one of the curiosities of Santa Barbara that a larger percentage of the already large street population seemed to be musical. There were guitars, guitars, guitars and one sitar in sight. Delightful. And I loved the Starbucks there. They had new pastries, tasty delights that seemed to perk up my morning. On our last day, my usual Iced Espresso breve with energy was handed over and David and I sat down to eat. A few minutes later the barista wandered to our table with another grande Iced Espresso. “I think I forgot energy in that one. Have this one, too.” Yes, Santa Barbara life was good, and I shall miss it.

And now Portland.

As you long-time blog readers here know, I love the hotel we stay at here precisely because there is a very friendly Starbucks in our parking lot! Yes, I can get to coffee quicker than I can get to my car. This morning we wandered in and spotted some familiar baristas from our last trip, and wonder of wonders — some of the unusual tasty treats from Santa Barbara.

“I know you,” the barista said, “You’re the people who visit family here. You are the guy who has great shirts. It’s been awhile. Welcome back!” Kudos to the staff of the Sequoia Parkway Starbucks in Tigard, Oregon. Well done.

Oh…and those tasty treats? They are a preview of the new “good for you” breakfast offerings that Starbucks is rolling out! You can read about it in the USA today here.