Coffee Bean or Starbucks?

Let me start this off with a disclaimer: I am totally a supporter by nature, of whole in the wall, mom and pop coffee shops and prefer to give my money to them, BUT there is a problem with living in Hollywood...there aren't any. Or very very few that are convenient to a gal's morning commute. So here goes my thought for the day...Coffee Bean or Starbucks?

Welcome to Los Angeles, and nowadays almost every other major city in the U.S., where there is a Starbucks on literally almost every other street corner. For example within the couple miles from my apartment, there are four within walking distance. Is that a little too much? I think so.

Growing up in San Diego when I first started to "need" my cup of coffee every morning senior year of high school, I would stop at 7-11 for the delicious make your own cup at .99cents deal. I was satisfied, and loved the little floaty marshmallows I could put in it. Fast forward to freshmen year of college at UCSD. I would totally hit up the free cafeteria coffee thanks to my card filled with dining points. Another year ahead in Boston - umm hello, Dunkin Donuts...which yes is a chain, but a totally well worth it chain. At less then 1.50 you could get a perfect cup of coffee that always just hit the spot on a chilly day...or more so a day below 0 degrees. Those of you who live on the east coast, know what I mean! Senior year of college when I moved to Cambridge, MA I walked every morning to the T stop (wow that was a far walk), and supported the coffee cafe and bakery that was filled with older Jewish customers eating their morning lox and bagel, and shouting in Hebrew about whatever the latest gossip was. But for the past four years living in L.A., I have somehow turned into a total Starbucks addict. So much so, that I'm now known by name at my Starbucks and sometimes given a discount because I come in so much.

But fear not! I have realized this problem, and lately I have made a huge attempt to cut back on spending my money at Starbucks (because it probably consumes 5% of my annual salary). I ask myself why I am so addicted? It's just coffee! And i've come to conclude there is just something about the coffee (iced non fat mocha) that is always so perfect! I think it's due to the consistency. You know that when you walk into a Starbucks or Coffee Bean, your drink will always taste the same. It's strong, its flavor- full, it's part of your morning.

This past Saturday I broke my chain letter and went to Coffee Bean instead. I have to admit I think I actually prefer the taste of the coffee at Coffee Bean better. Plus they have those awesome little circle crushed ice cubes which seriously makes each drink unique and great. The powder they use is also awesome. BUT, my only complaint is when you order an iced coffee the drink doesn't come already iced! It's like you take a sip and the coffee is still warm over the ice and it takes a couple of minutes to chill. That is annoying. Especially because I like my iced drinks very icy and cold.

So all in all, what do you prefer? What is your morning brew? I try really hard to take advantage of the free coffee at work in the cafe, but I just can't do it! It's never consistent, it's weak tasting coffee and it's just gross to me. So, I think to transition back into a normal coffee drinker and to save money, I am going to start making my own in the morning - wow what a concept! I guess the main reason I don't is because I'm always in such a hurry out the door and it's a pain to bring mugs back and forth... but folks - I am really going to try! Because lately my addiction to Starbucks could be compared to a smoker buying a pack every morning; but hey at least my habit is a healthier one.

P.S. Coffee Bean totally needs to bring back the stamper cards - remember those? The 10th drink or whatever should definitely be free at $3.50 (or more) a pop.

P.S.S I think we all know what Britney prefers.