Archive for Pairings

Coffee And…Why Not Doughnuts?

June 4, 2009 at 11:09 am · Filed under coffee, life, news, Pairings ·Tagged

I’m clueless. There’s little wrong with the coffee+doughnut equation (no matter how you spell the treat). On a regular day, especially a rainy one, the combo of hot coffee and a circle sweet bring an instant smile. On sunnier, warmer days, an iced coffee and a doughnut–you get the picture.

Now, regardless of weather, and this is no cruel calendar joke, tomorrow, Friday, the 5th of June is a calendar keeper–it’s National Doughnut Day.  This is no made-up holiday but one that traces its roots back to 1938. If you’re more interested in the food possibilities, plan ahead and do your own personal best taste test. The options are not limited to the national brands, check with your local bakery and entice them to join in on the fun. In the meantime, consider these two specials:

–Dunkin’ Donuts (see the spelling) will let the customer choose any donut with the purchase of any beverage. 

–Krispy Kreme thinks you might want to get a drink, but they are enticing with free doughnuts, no purchase necessary.

Hmm, imagine those will be some impressive lines! 

What a perfect combo: A Friday and a free treat. Sweet.

Walk to the doughnut store; there’s less guilt.

Enjoy.promoSmallDoughnutDay09

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Still NOT Quite Right

March 4, 2009 at 3:09 pm · Filed under Advertisers, coffee, Pairings ·Tagged

OK, remember me, I said you could pull it out. Well, I was almost right, and almost only counts in horseshoes. For Starbucks to borrow a word from the food and wine world and come up with an affordable “pairing” is the good news. The bad is the insensitive, limited thinking approach.

It is true that bacon, sausage, and ham sandwiches may sound like the universe of sandwiches to many people. NOT everyone eats pork products. The new pairing promotion offers a 12-oz tall brewed coffee and a choice of a pork off-shoot sandwich. Or a tall latte and a slice of coffee cake or oatmeal. What happens if you want an egg sandwich, a turkey sandwich, or any number of other non-pork possibilities?

Seriously, who is doing your market research? The concept is good; the estarbucksxecution is a killer.

Think. Make the changes.

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The Importance of the Crackle

January 12, 2009 at 8:13 pm · Filed under life, New York Times, Pairings, Uncategorized ·Tagged , ,

No, I do not mean Rice Krispies , but they are a food product that I will always hold dear with positive memories: my Mom’s favorite late night snack. This “crackle” comes from a wood-burning fireplace. There’s nothing quite like it. All the sounds, the smells, and the sense of warmth as it saps the heat from the rest of the house. That’s a shame, but  the fireplace room is its own haven of content.

There is something about the world that seems all right while you read in front of cacophonous fire. Just as long as you read sections of the newspaper that have nothing to do with real world issues. Start with the Sunday Styles section of the New York Times and rush to the back, to the wedding stories. They are so much fun. Of course, there are the Bill Cunningham party photos. Skip over the real life, potentially sad articles, and  go for the morning fun and begin your day with a relaxing tone.

Then, you can ease into that splendiferous cup of espresso. Did I mention I made it to Wegmans. From earlier posts, you’ll know it’s not around the corner but worth the drive. I get less expensive gas in Virginia and then head over to the shopping mecca which somehow seems to do as much damage to my credit card as a trip to Costco. Bad financial week, hit both of ‘em in a matter of a few days.

Now it’s time to analyze what it is about their whole bean dark roast espresso that keeps me hankering for a true cup. Maybe it’s the price. Certainly doesn’t hurt that the 32-ounce bag of beans is under $10. Flavor wins from the bean’s oily richness that engulfs the coffee machine’s bean holder. It transcends any other coffee bean experience of late. Hit the buttons, grind, and punch up a double espresso.

Now the morning has promise, a crackling fire ,and a true cup of espresso. I haven’t even started the potatoes yet. More on that later.

Crackling sounds and a steaming cup of coffee. A perfect pairing.

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