I engage in Starbucks bashing whenever the opportunity presents itself. Truthfully, their coffee ain't half bad. But everything else about it rubs me the wrong way. Like the time I went in and said "I'd like a double shot, please." Now, at any Peets or Coffee People or your own favorite LCS, the guy goes over to the machine, pulls two shots of espresso, hands you a cup, takes your money and you're on your way. At S'bucks (at least the ones around here), they look at you blankly for a second and then say "Oh, you want a doppio!"

So, just to play along, I usually say "Si! Prego!" And I get another blank look.

Or the time I was in the John Wayne Airport and S'bucks was my only coffee option. I asked for a double machiato. That's two shots of espresso and foam. It's the simplest thing you can ask for other than espresso. So why did it take ten minutes for me to explain to Mr. Barista that No, I don't want steamed milk in it, and No, I don't want vanilla syrup, and No, I don't want whipped cream on it. "Well, what size? Grande or vente?"

I don't know! It's two shots and a dollop of foam! Whatever frickin' size cup that fits into would just be fine!

I guess it's because 90% of their clientele is ordering crap that I don't even consider to be coffee but coffee-flavored milk and sugar beverage.