Tag: Coffee

Starbucks Zombie Frappucino

 



 

Coming for a Starbucks near you muuuhahaha (that’s my best scary laugh lol)

 

(photos via Starbucks.com)

 

 

UPDATE:

I TRIED IT!!!

You knew this would happen! So, the very next day, I decided to go out and try it (I also bought a caramel frappucino just in case this was god awful…gotta think ahead) The flavor was more mocha than green caramel apple to me. The apple flavor was more of an after taste but it wasn’t bad…I mean, it could’ve been worse. If you want to try it…go now…you have today (October 30th) and tomorrow (October 31st) ONLY!

 

 

 

 

 

 

The colorful frozen treat is filled with apple and caramel flavors. Not sure if I’ll grab one because these aren’t flavors that I particularly love BUT and that’s a big but…I don’t want to have FOMO (fear of missing out). 

The Zombie Frappucino is only available between October 26th- October 31st so if you’re going to try it, you better hurry in to your nearest store and grab one!!

 

You’ll know if I grab one…let me know if you do!

 

 



Sipping at Starbucks: Unicorn Frappuccino

Rumors circulated around the interwebs for weeks…

A colorful drink that no one thought existed until the week of April 17th.  That’s when actual pictures of the mythical Unicorn Frappuccino drink surfaced (well, that’s when I saw actual pics.)

Starbucks then gave us a countdown til the release of the beast for consumption on April 19th! We wouldn’t know what it tasted like until you actually took a sip. Claims of color changing and flavor changing liquids are things for the science fair Gods but here we are as adults in 2017 getting hype for unicorns!

Now, of course, nothing in the coffee world that’s pink, blue or purple is acceptable but I didn’t want to be that person living with regret because I didn’t try this Unicorn Frappuccino. So, bright eyed and bushy-top knotted, I made my way to my favorite Starbucks to try it.

After chatting with my ever-so-peppy barista (seriously, Steve is the best) he handed me my very own sparkly unicorn!

 

 

Not an actual unicorn but this Unicorn Frappuccino will do! It is indeed color changing and flavor changing!

At first sip, it reminded me of those orange creamsicles that you could get off the ice cream truck back in the day (that is, if you’re old enough to remember.)  The actual color of the drink started off pink with a blue drizzle strip in the middle and as the drink melted or got stirred it would change into a purple color! Whip cream was topped off with sour sugar that change the flavor of the drink if mixed in. 

If you recall mixing your primary paints in kindergarten, you learned that mixing certain colors together gave you a whole new color!

The flavor wasn’t my favorite… Mostly because, I like a regular coffee frapp (clearly) and I don’t like the creamy fruit flavors of anything…or creamy slushes. It wasn’t the worst thing I’ve ever tasted ( I did read a few tweets on release day that people said it was disgusting and to each their own.)

As a limited time offering, it was worth it try the Unicorn Frappuccino from Starbucks but it probably wouldn’t be on my daily must-have list. Back to our regularly scheduled coffee.

Lavazza Coffee x New York Fashion Week

lavazza coffee new york fashion week

‘Tis the season for snow, street fashion, and super models in New York!

 

New York Fashion week has kicked off and there’s a new sponsor in town. Lavazza coffee signed on to be one of the sponsors this fashion season and hosted a few tasting (tasty) events. The Lavazza Coffee Moment happening during NYFW at Skylight Clarkson Square in the Papyrus Café & VIP Lounge. 

 

NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 10: Lavazza coffee and Papyrus cards on display at Lavazza Coffee Moment At NYFW VIP Lounge & Cafe at Skylight Clarkson Sq on February 10, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for Lavazza)

 

 

NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 10: The menu at the Lavazza Coffee Moment At NYFW VIP Lounge & Cafe at Skylight Clarkson Sq on February 10, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for Lavazza)

 

NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 10: Lavazza espresso on display at the Lavazza Coffee Moment At NYFW VIP Lounge & Cafe at Skylight Clarkson Sq on February 10, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for Lavazza)

 

NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 10: Lavazza coffee served at the Papyrus cafe at the Lavazza Coffee Moment At NYFW VIP Lounge & Cafe at Skylight Clarkson Sq on February 10, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for Lavazza)

 

Bummed, I’m not in New York to experience this particular event (and the many runway shows) because it sure looks delicious! Fellow coffee lovers that aren’t in NYC, we must converged one of these days!

 

 

 

 

 

US Open 2016: Lavazza x Andre Agassi “I’m Back”

The US Open kicked off on Monday and I couldn’t be more excited! Not only do I get to see my favorite sport on east coast hours but the legendary Andre Agassi is making his return. Lavazza helped celebrate his return to the US Open. After a decade of being gone from the US Open, he returned.
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 30: A Lavazza Andre Agassi group performs at Union Square on August 30, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Getty Images for Lavazza)
NEW YORK, NY – AUGUST 30: A Lavazza Andre Agassi group performs at Union Square on August 30, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Getty Images for Lavazza)

Ok, that isn’t Andre Agassi but a flash mob of blonde mullet lookalikes that invaded Union Station in New York. Earlier on Tuesday, Agassi teamed up with Lavazza for a celebration that included the flash mob and coffee at NYC’s Nomo Kitchen.

NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 30: Andre Agassi at the kickoff party announcing his global partnership with Lavazza at NOMO Kitchen on August 30, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Getty Images for Lavazza)
NEW YORK, NY – AUGUST 30: Andre Agassi at the kickoff party announcing his global partnership with Lavazza at NOMO Kitchen on August 30, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Getty Images for Lavazza)
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 30: Atmosphere shot from the Lavazza kickoff event for a global partnership with Andre Agassi at Nomo Kitchen on August 30, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Getty Images for Lavazza)
NEW YORK, NY – AUGUST 30: Atmosphere shot from the Lavazza kickoff event for a global partnership with Andre Agassi at Nomo Kitchen on August 30, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Getty Images for Lavazza)
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 30: A Lavazza Andre Agassi group performs at Union Square on August 30, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Getty Images for Lavazza)
NEW YORK, NY – AUGUST 30: A Lavazza Andre Agassi group performs at Union Square on August 30, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Getty Images for Lavazza)
Lavazza Celebrates: the Return of Andre Agassi to the US Open
I don’t know about you but I definitely want a cup of Lavazza after seeing this frothy brewed cup.
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 30: Atmosphere shot from the Lavazza kickoff event for a global partnership with Andre Agassi at Nomo Kitchen on August 30, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Getty Images for Lavazza)
NEW YORK, NY – AUGUST 30: Atmosphere shot from the Lavazza kickoff event for a global partnership with Andre Agassi at Nomo Kitchen on August 30, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Getty Images for Lavazza)

To top off all of this goodness, Lavazza will be donating a portion of their sales during the US Open to the Andre Agassi Foundation which will support the education of children. “For every cup of Lavazza coffee ($3) purchased at the US Open this year, one dollar ($1) will be donated to the USTA to support the Andre Agassi Foundation.”  So if you’re in the New York area and going to see some tennis, be sure to help the kids and get your brew crew on!

National Coffee Day 2015

It’s finally time for everyone else to celebrate what I (and other fellow coffee lovers) celebrate every single day…

drum roll please

 

It’s National Coffee Day!

 

Check out these national chains who are game to give us free coffee (or discounted deals) on a cup of java!

Krispy Kreme

Dunkin’ Donuts

Peet’s Coffee

 

I’m slightly bummed some chains aren’t offering a free cup like they did in previous years but don’t let that stop you! Be sure to stop in your local coffee shops to what deals they may be offering. Plus it’s always great to shop and spend at small businesses.

You can also show your team spirit on social media by tagging posts and pics with #NationalCoffeeDay and #CurvesAndCoffee! I’d love to see your warm indulgences!

To see past celebrations simply click here ~~~> National Coffee Day

 

Celebrate National Coffee Day (Night) with Sobieski Espresso Vodka

What better way to celebrate National Coffee Day than with National Coffee Night?!

Yes, our favorite drink is taking us from day to night with a java twist!

Sure there’s your regular cup of Joe but it’s a holiday so let’s spike it up a notch!

1coffeecocktail

 The kind folks over at Sobieski  Vodka, sent over a sample of their espresso flavored vodka and a great cocktail recipe!

The recipe includes…

  • 2 oz. Sobieski Espresso Vodka
  • 1 oz. Kerrygold Irish Cream
  • 1 oz. Chocolate liqueur
  • Add all liquid ingredients into a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a martini glass.

With me being under the weather, I couldn’t fully enjoy this cocktail like I wanted to. Meaning, I couldn’t down the martini glass in two seconds then smash a beer can on my forehead. BUT. What I  could do, twist open the Sobieski bottle and enjoy the aroma of sweet coffee.

Sweet.

Rich.

Espresso.

2coffeecocktail

Once the irresistible scent of espresso came over me, there was no way I could resist taking a sip (or three) don’t tell my doctor!

Now, with me being the coffee lover that I am, this delicious vodka espresso flavored vodka will get a new twist….caramel! Can’t wait to try that mix!

A Coffee Break with The CEO of Camus Coffee for National Coffee Day

 

 

 

After being approached to taste the flavorful blends, a new opportunity came’a’brewing. Yours truly had the pleasure of interviewing Frank Matz, current CEO of MAISON CAMUS Coffee just for you guys!

The  MAISON CAMUS  company wasn’t always into specialty coffees, in fact, they were solely into making cognac…yes, the sweet brown goodness, cognac or brandy…whatever floats your fancy!

A company known for its’ luxury brandy, I quickly became intrigued and wondered if CEO Frank Matz would enlighten me and us to the process of running a specialty coffee brand.

Thankfully, he obliged and I was able to get the details about MAISON CAMUS, CAMUS Coffee, and does a CEO have a favorite flavor from his own brand. Via an afternoon telephone call, Frank Matz (and his great Parisian accent) opened up while we both shared laughs and a quick Q+A. I didn’t want to be known as the American blogger who kept the CEO on the phone ya know!

Here’s what transpired…..

Me (Rena): CAMUS was originally a cognac company, how did the switch to coffee come about?

Frank Matz: Yes, CAMUS is the oldest privately owned cognac house in Paris and is now 150 years old.  [We, CAMUS] was always considered to be more than just a cognac house, more of a lifestyle brand. As the fifth generation took over, we looked into extending the product line under CAMUS in order to become the lifestyle brand. After looking into many things, coffee seemed to be the best option.

Me: How long has CAMUS Coffee been around?

FM: We started two years ago with the coffee which was totally independent and wanted to demonstrate that we’re more than cognac. We wanted to give it [coffee] time to grow on its’ own and now its’ becoming very successful in Japan, China, Russia where CAMUS is really known.

Me: I received a recipe for “CAMUCCINO” that includes both of your specialty drinks. As a cognac house and coffee brand, is this an example of the two becoming one?

FM: After we began to get the name out there and started being taken seriously, we started experimenting with this cocktail “CAMUCCINO” and it has become quite popular with customers.

Me: Will there be more blended drinks in the future?

FM: We’re still a boutique brand in the coffee area and coffee is such strong market so we want to wait until CAMUS is of significant size to really branch out and will take more time to break into [mixed drinks] but yes, let’s see how the CAMUCCINO goes but there will be more to come with adding more cocktails.

Me: What has been your favorite blend/brew of CAMUS?

FM: The signature blend is my favorite but it’s purely personal preference. It’s a medium roast and it’s perfect, I even have it at home and bring it with me when I travel! It’s a best seller here in New York. I love my coffee black without creams or sugars and I think I’m alone when it comes to that choice. Our French Roast is very good too, it’s a darker roast but again, it’s total personal taste choice.

Me: How do you pick which coffee beans to include in CAMUS Coffee?

FM: We apply the same philosophy to our coffee bean as we do with our crates for our cognac. We are really really selective. They [coffee beans] have to come out of sustainable areas that grow coffee without pesticides or any other harmful chemicals. We make sure the farmers are getting paid fair wages and that they are able to do this for years to come. Guatemala, Colombia, and Costa Rica are the three countries we source our coffee from. {}



After talking with the CEO of a 150 year old specialty brand that produces luxury cognacs and now coffee, I’ve gotta say…Frank Matz is definitely one very down to earth CEO! Even though I was able to try CAMUS Coffee through my blog, I’m officially hooked and inspired.

Huge thank you to CAMUS Coffee and Frank Matz also thanks to Madeline at Deussen Global Communications for reaching out and giving me this opportunity.

Find Camus Coffee on Facebook: CAMUS-Coffee

Tweet Camus Coffee: @CamusCoffee

 

Read more about Camus Coffee.

Disclosure: I (Rena/Curves And Coffee) was contacted and provided samples to taste and was not in any way paid or obligated to do a review and/or blog post on Curves And Coffee for Camus Coffee. It was purely my choice to comment. I am not affiliated with Camus, Maison Camus, or Deussen Global. 

 

National Coffee Day 2013: Featuring Camus Coffee

It’s finally here!

Hopefully you guys are going out today, even if it’s only to grab your free cup of java!! That’s my plan at least. Free coffee might be the best beverage giveaway in this entire world next to water! National Coffee Day takes place at the end of September and continues to boost brands and businesses each year.

This year, I had the lovely opportunity to taste TWO coffee flavors from Camus Coffee. A brand that’s fairly new to the coffee world, Camus Coffee provided me with their most popular roasts…French Roast and Signature Blend. Trying a new ANYTHING can be scary but trying a new coffee can sometimes be delightfully delicious!

Pronounced KAH-MOO (use your French tongue!)
 
 
 
 
 
 

As a producer of luxury cognacs Maison Camus has now ventured into the coffee making business….pretty sweet if you ask me! “Already found in Harrods (London), Takashimaya (Singapore), and the Ritz-Carlton (Shanghai), CAMUS Coffee focuses on the highest end of the quality scale, similarly to CAMUS Cognacs which are driven by qualities XO and above.” ~ Maison Camus

Camus also has a signature “adult beverage” aptly called the “CAMUCCINO”. Fortunately and unfortunately…I was only able to try the coffees which are superb…seriously, superb! The CAMUCCINO is a blended coffee cocktail that mixes Camus Cognac AND Maison Camus Coffee (French Roast) for what I can guess is a mouth full of joy!

 
 
 
 
 

Pretty sure I won’t be staying up after having that tasty drink! More like curling up next to my honey and watching a movie for the night. So, um, hey, how can I get my hands on some Camus Cognac?! 😉

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
If you would like to get your hands and tastebuds onto CAMUS Coffee…it can be found on Amazon.com for an affordable $18 (for two boxes).

 

To learn more about CAMUS Coffee, enjoy this PDF brochure {Camus Brochure}
Find CAMUS Coffee on Facebook: Camus-Coffee
Tweet CAMUS Coffee: @CamusCoffee

Hang on to your coffee cups and enjoy Coffee Break With The CEO

Disclosure: I (Rena/Curves And Coffee) was contacted and provided samples to taste and was not in any way paid or obligated to do a review and/or blog post on Curves And Coffee for Camus Coffee. It was purely my choice to comment and share my opinion. I am not affiliated with Camus, Maison Camus, or Deussen Global. 

Who’s Turning Down Free Coffee?


Most certainly not me! National Coffee Day is right around the corner…literally! Sunday, September 29th is the day you might wanna go out into the wild and grab a free cup of Joe. Several retailers will be participating in this holiday by offering free java or a BOGO (buy one get one) type of deal during the weekend.

 

Here’s the rundown on stores that have a free jolt:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Download their app and present it to get your free cup. They’ll also have discounts on their take home brews.

 

 

 

 

Offering one free cup on 9/29 ONLY!

 

 

 

 

If you remember last year, Starbucks didn’t do anything for National Coffee Day and received TONS of backlash! This year, they’re offering a sample of the new Ethiopian Blend

 

 

 

 

Free java on Sunday, Sept. 29th

 

 

 

 

 

Be a social butterfly by telling your barista “Happy National Coffee Day” for your cup of joe!

 

 

 

 

 

The donut company has taken the holiday one step further…several lucky patrons will win FREE COFFEE for a YEAR! <~~~ click to enter!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If any other coffee lovers find more deals, feel free to share those freebies below! Enjoy your National Coffee Day!