tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117457965555197769.post3816366713931218536..comments2023-11-14T07:34:09.243+01:00Comments on Czech Please: Starbucks Coffee - PragueBrewstahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07696497881565368117noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117457965555197769.post-42038421249854129102008-09-21T00:14:00.000+02:002008-09-21T00:14:00.000+02:00Thank for this, I'm visiting Prague next month and...Thank for this, I'm visiting Prague next month and had no idea how to rationalize the Czech Koruna to the dollar for spending purposes.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117457965555197769.post-53010829793686028362008-02-02T12:27:00.000+01:002008-02-02T12:27:00.000+01:00"Sergei said... starbucks in Prague is not so expe..."Sergei said... <BR/><BR/>starbucks in Prague is not so expensive compared to Starbucks in Moscow,Russia. where your Grand caramel machiatto (471ml) will cost 9 (nine) USD"<BR/><BR/>Just as with, Gordon Ramsey's Prague restaurante is cheaper than those in London and New York.<BR/>It is an argument without any sense. Of course they will be! Prague has got considerably more expensive in the last few years, but it is still MUCH cheaper than Moscow, London, NY and quite a few western European cities.<BR/>Starbucks is horrendously expensive given the average income of a Czech, or the average price of a cup of coffee or any other drink, will cost in Prague.<BR/>To me, is about value, not just price, and, for what I've read here and elsewhere, SB does not deliver.Pivní Filosofhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17883511608403454943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117457965555197769.post-53261648486002096212008-01-31T22:36:00.000+01:002008-01-31T22:36:00.000+01:00Starbucks tastes like poo, and their prices are sh...Starbucks tastes like poo, and their prices are shit.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117457965555197769.post-35886592680111882512008-01-30T01:13:00.000+01:002008-01-30T01:13:00.000+01:00Well, Starbucks coffee has been called "coffee for...Well, Starbucks coffee has been called "coffee for people who don't like coffee." As such, Brewsta, you shouldn't be surprised that an iced Americano was watery! To me, Americano is just a horrid style: the flaws are emphasized and the virtues minimized of an espresso. Give me a ristretto or a good drip coffee, not this neither-fish-nor-fowl. But again, that's just me.<BR/>I thought you didn't go to Starbucks for coffee, anyway. You either go for a hot drinkable dessert only somewhat related to coffee or to sit in a comfy sofa for ages and use their free wi-fi without anyone hassling you about only having bought one drink. At least that's how they stay in business in Madrid, where you can't throw a stone without hitting a traditional cafe whose plain espresso or con leche kicks Starbucks' plain coffees to the curb. Starbucks' margins are high enough, evidently, that you only need to buy one drink.<BR/>Lastly, given the daylight robbery involved in buying a plain and very mediocre coffee at the Castle, I'm glad there's a Starbucks close enough to give them hella competition.<BR/>Oh, one last thing you may like: this excellent <A HREF="http://rbeef.blogspot.com/2008/01/mcdonalds-vs-starbucks-vs-ray-vs-me.html" REL="nofollow">argument about Starbucks vs McD's coffee</A> by two cartoon cats.EBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06130347317711975803noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117457965555197769.post-89979564646153530692008-01-27T21:09:00.000+01:002008-01-27T21:09:00.000+01:00starbucks in Prague is not so expensive compared t...starbucks in Prague is not so expensive compared to Starbucks in Moscow,Russia. where your <B>Grand caramel machiatto</B> (471ml) will cost <B>9 (nine) USD</B><BR/><BR/>so you're lucky :)Sergeihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12064173985604327085noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117457965555197769.post-66161575348438351082008-01-27T11:41:00.000+01:002008-01-27T11:41:00.000+01:00I remember drinking starbucks only because it was ...I remember drinking starbucks only because it was inside the local Barnes and Noble bookstore, while browsing and reading new books for free, somehow that made up for the $4.25 I used to pay for my caramel machiatto. Here I visited cofee heaven on seldom rare ocasions, I have no intentions to visit Star...s anytime soon. Great review as usual. You can tell one of the things your readers value the most is your neutrality and posting of prices.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117457965555197769.post-78184266400872229662008-01-26T19:06:00.000+01:002008-01-26T19:06:00.000+01:00Thanks layreader.For a laugh, I dreamed up a parod...Thanks layreader.<BR/><BR/>For a laugh, I dreamed up a parody of a Faries review. There's a ton of material to work with. Not sure I should post it. It's deliciously mean (and I'm really a nice guy).Brewstahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07696497881565368117noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117457965555197769.post-78078346959938512682008-01-26T18:17:00.000+01:002008-01-26T18:17:00.000+01:00"Best of all, the woman can write." = Other blogge..."Best of all, the woman can write." = Other bloggers cannot, and I am such a good writer that I stand in judgment of all others.<BR/><BR/>I'm not familiar enough with Branik's writing to know how she writes, but I know this:<BR/><BR/>1. Pretentious writing does not equal good writing<BR/><BR/>2. Your writing far outshines Faries'. You are fun to read--not just what you say, but how you say it. <BR/><BR/>Reading Faries is like listening to some pedantic misanthrope complain about how things ain't the way they used to be.<BR/><BR/>This coming from an amateur restaurant patron (i.e. someone whose opinions don't matter) and a professional writer.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117457965555197769.post-4222979796551670042008-01-26T11:46:00.000+01:002008-01-26T11:46:00.000+01:00I had the same impression with his compliments to ...I had the same impression with his compliments to Laura.<BR/>Personally, I don't like his reviews, I get the impression that they are the work of a snob.<BR/>I respect your work more than his because you pay for your meals from your own pocket, so you can asses value for money better than he does. And sometimes he seems to forget he is in the Czech Republic.<BR/>He might be a professional, but at the end of the day, it all comes down to personal tastes. Nobody can tell me how I should eat a steak. It is up to how I like it.<BR/>As we say in Argentina, take it for where it comes from. You are doing a really good job.Pivní Filosofhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17883511608403454943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117457965555197769.post-36011274284569405792008-01-26T03:11:00.000+01:002008-01-26T03:11:00.000+01:00Boycott.Boycott.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117457965555197769.post-41982513526022514872008-01-26T02:32:00.000+01:002008-01-26T02:32:00.000+01:00Almost forgot. For the record (and those who aren'...Almost forgot. For the record (and those who aren't following this teapot tempest), here is Faries' Prague Post column:<BR/><BR/>http://www.praguepost.com/articles/2008/01/23/foodoo-hoodoo.phpBrewstahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07696497881565368117noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117457965555197769.post-88415216871286582922008-01-26T02:26:00.000+01:002008-01-26T02:26:00.000+01:00Thanks. I didn't want to get into it too much beca...Thanks. I didn't want to get into it too much because no matter what I'd say, it would come off to some as defensive.<BR/><BR/>But OK, Max. Here's what I think: <BR/><BR/>I think that his "compliments" to Laura Barank were back-handed and patronizing. <BR/><BR/>He also says "She understands the importance of accuracy, of discarding personal likes and dislikes in favor of hard-nosed assessment."<BR/><BR/>One could assume I am one of the "crowded field of laymen" he talks about who don't do that. <BR/><BR/>And he's right. Except that it's meaningless.<BR/><BR/>I've always made clear this blog is about my personal tastes. Take them for what they are worth. Many people do. Just about everyone else understands that, at the end of the day, this is a personal blog, not a classic newspaper review.<BR/><BR/>And what crowded field is he talking about? Laura's is only the second blog in English mainly dedicated to food in Prague (if you don't count the occasional food mentions in beer blogs ;-)<BR/><BR/>So, Faries' says bloggers who are "ducking into the safety of a pseudonym" don't stand behind their work.<BR/><BR/>That's just silly. I take my reputation and credibilty very seriously. No one would read if I didn't.<BR/><BR/>How does it help me to know that Dave Faries is his real name? We both have established our names and reputations, whatever they are, for good or ill.Brewstahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07696497881565368117noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117457965555197769.post-33599229615234161162008-01-25T22:52:00.000+01:002008-01-25T22:52:00.000+01:00Starbucks: About 100Kc for a cup for which I have ...Starbucks: About 100Kc for a cup for which I have to wait at the counter and I have to drink from a paper cup.<BR/>Your average Prague café: 30 to 50Kc for a cup that is brought to your table while you read the newspaper or your favourite book.<BR/>hmmmm.....<BR/><BR/>About the Faries question. To me it was gratuitous and personal. Yes, you have critisised him, but it was his style and his work. To me it looked as if he is jealous about another person doing a better job than himslef and for free.<BR/>Anyway, I do thing you do a better job, you certainly do consider the value for money issue better than he does.Pivní Filosofhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17883511608403454943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117457965555197769.post-12527584885108489832008-01-25T15:50:00.000+01:002008-01-25T15:50:00.000+01:00Thanks Not Radek. And they probably don't have to ...Thanks Not Radek. <BR/><BR/>And they probably don't have to actually write macchiato -- just check the box on the cup with a pen. <BR/><BR/>I'd like to hear them pronounce it, though.<BR/><BR/>This appears to be the official spelling:<BR/><BR/>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caff%C3%A8_macchiatoBrewstahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07696497881565368117noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117457965555197769.post-87268344157388678682008-01-25T15:14:00.000+01:002008-01-25T15:14:00.000+01:00Are the staff Czech ? They couldn't spell your nam...Are the staff Czech ? They couldn't spell your name,but they can spell machiatto(sp!)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117457965555197769.post-16824174695336318712008-01-25T13:57:00.000+01:002008-01-25T13:57:00.000+01:00Went there yesterday. The line wasn't too long but...Went there yesterday. The line wasn't too long but the staff looked completely disorganized. I was asked for my name when I ordered for me and my friend. He could not spell my name so had to spell it out to him (in Czech). When it arrived my name turned into "Radek" which was hilarious... a girl next to us said she was Radek (jokingly)and tried to walk off with my latte. Inside is Ok and is just a template from all the other Starbucks. I was there at about 5:30pm and was full of students (hanging over their two/three hour old drink) and tourists. I think that this is the clientele they will get.BTW, I heard they have free WiFi!(unlike coffee heaven) Brewsta, keep up the good work. You are far the best reviewer in Prague. The rest are wannabes...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117457965555197769.post-72549095722806788452008-01-24T15:49:00.000+01:002008-01-24T15:49:00.000+01:00I read on another blog that this is near a Coffeeh...I read on another blog that this is near a Coffeeheaven?? Good because I would much rather go there. I am boycotting Starbucks. But, I may stop in to hear some live music. LOLThe Lone Beader®https://www.blogger.com/profile/17670946654211536130noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117457965555197769.post-19309433108525010222008-01-24T14:05:00.000+01:002008-01-24T14:05:00.000+01:00Thanks, Jay. I read Faries' comment and it was dul...Thanks, Jay. I read Faries' comment and it was duly noted. I've called him out a number of times in the past, so in a sense, it's fair play.<BR/><BR/>My urges to pick on his columns dissipated a while ago. I am considering doing one more for old time's sake ;-)Brewstahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07696497881565368117noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117457965555197769.post-6139173840090975152008-01-24T10:55:00.000+01:002008-01-24T10:55:00.000+01:00Yeah, I popped in yesterday and the line had about...Yeah, I popped in yesterday and the line had about 30 people in it. I do have to admit-- I really enjoy just plain, American style, drip-coffee, and so I'll probably stop by from time to time (especially since they have decaf). But 115kc for a caramel macchiato? Damn.<BR/><BR/>Brewsta, I noticed Mr. Faries called you out in the Prague Post this week (well, without actually naming you). I just wanted to say that I love the blog, mainly because you don't pontificate over what you're eating. You say if you like it, plain and simple. And you actually comment on the prices! Thank you.Jayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17440857240331107232noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117457965555197769.post-90086387338060882402008-01-23T15:55:00.000+01:002008-01-23T15:55:00.000+01:00Not having been inside yet, I only knew general pr...Not having been inside yet, I only knew general prices. 115 CZK? Not every drink there is that much.<BR/><BR/>But these days, converting the price of anything from Czech crowns to dollars is not recommended for the faint of heart. <BR/><BR/>Except maybe beer.Brewstahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07696497881565368117noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117457965555197769.post-7226385229915594042008-01-23T15:44:00.000+01:002008-01-23T15:44:00.000+01:00The equivalent of $6.40 for third-rate coffee?Some...The equivalent of $6.40 for third-rate coffee?<BR/><BR/>Some people clearly have more money than sense in times of recession.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com