“Coffee should be black as Hell, strong as death, and sweet as love.” -Turkish Proverb

By Brooke. A. Brown

Starbucks Corp. recently announced that it would be closing nearly all of its shops in the U.S. today – that’s over 7,000 locations, half of which are situated directly across the street from one another.

I should probably clarify that the closing will be a temporary one, lasting just long enough (three hours, to be exact) for company officials, managers, what-have-you to administer a refresher course on espresso standards. Let’s call it a Barista Re-Boot Camp. Here are the details. (And if you find your local Starbucks closed, head fast to a Dunkin Donuts, which is leaping into the fray and from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. today selling small lattes, cappuccinos and espressos for 99 cents.)

So why is this necessary? According to Forbes.com, the world’s largest coffee house chain is seeing diminishing traffic due to increased competition, a poor economy and, apparently, sloppily prepared espresso beverages. Could it be that fast coffee service is not necessarily the best delivery method?

I’d say it’s quite encouraging that a mega-corporation such as Starbuck’s would, first of all, admit there’s a quality control issue. That takes guts. But it’s also impressive that they’re doing something about it in such a public way. That takes brains, not to mention an first-class public relations firm.

Not for nothing, but you’ve got less than an hour to satiate your Tuesday, February 26th late-afternoon Starbucks fix!

By Brooke A. Brown

Kanawha United Presbyterian Church is set to kick-off the Spring 2008 version of their popular Kanawha Forum program series on Wednesday, March 5. The always well-attended series offers a free, noon-time musical concert in the church’s sanctuary, and then a delectably gourmet luncheon in the adjoining fellowship hall. The luncheons, which cost a mere $10 and are lovingly prepared by an all-volunteer staff, are available by pre-paid reservations and always feature a soup, salad, bread and dessert, not to mention a beverage sampler of tea, coffee and, sometimes, lemonade.

The schedule, complete with a list of performances and detailed menu items, is as follows: (more…)

Click to watch ‘WineBoy’ Webcast

Ever get in a wine-drinking rut, sipping the same old, same old same old - chardonnay, pinot grigio, sauvignon blanc? Join ‘WineBoy’ John Brown for some tips on three alternative whites that will reinvigorate your palate and provide a nice change-up to the wines you usually select. Then WineBoy’s cowboy pal - Spud Dumplin’ - makes a guest appearance to show his displeasure over the abrupt departure of a certain football coach. Watch as Spud serves up some chuckwagon wisdom by sharing his poem: “Owed (Ode) to Coach Rod. ”

By Brooke A. Brown

Sorry for the lack of activity here of late, but I’m still recovering from a bad case of disappointment. True to my promise, I finally gave the SoupMan’s Seafood Bisque a try. And I only have one thing to say: ‘No Good Review for You!’

It’s not so much that the soup was un-delicious (as Homer Simpson might say). The flavor was actually quite nice, thanks in large part to a multitude of quality ingredients and a superb focus on seasoning. My problems with the SoupMan product, however, are three-fold. (more…)

Any loyal reader of this blog has undoubtedly witnessed many mentions of the person  I refer to at this time of year as my full-time Valentine – my wife, the Lovely Miss S. Just last month, Miss S celebrated a birthday (her 23rd, I think). Naturally, we celebrated with family, friends and food, and many gifts were rightfully lavished upon her. But it was her step-dad who was kind enough to send her a very special – not to mention delicious – birthday treat.

So delicious, in fact, that words have failed me. Luckily, Miss S herself was up for the challenge of describing such delectableness. What follows is her description of the Chocolate-Dipped Orange Wedges from Edible Arrangements.

Take it away, Miss S! (more…)