Quote from: krasota on October 08, 2012, 07:59:05 PM
Caribou has a lot more wheat, peanuts, nuts, and soy.  I've gone into two different locations in different cities . . . and walked out and found the nearest soda machine, instead. 

Very true.  Our local shop is a Caribou and I only let DD get a prepacked soda and chips if we stop in.

Thank you for the heads up Krasota.  I had not investigated yet.  My SIL and I head there for better coffee (my allergies are obscure enough that they don't affect coffee, just the munchies in the counter).

Caribou has a lot more wheat, peanuts, nuts, and soy.  I've gone into two different locations in different cities . . . and walked out and found the nearest soda machine, instead. 

Every Starbucks here is swamped and frenzied.  I don't know how, I am convinced there are more Starbucks per people in this community.  Honestly those are two key factors that I warn my kids about, especially when trying to get allergy specifications out there.  (Not to mention expensive and nasty tasting).

Guess I might need to rethink this when DS1 gets older and wants to hang out without his mommy LOL  Though, I have to say that he is getting much better at loudly (he is not a kid who projects) places his order and noting his allergies in a variety of places.  He has even ventured into asking the questions he hears me ask (I ask if the waitress has a little time to let DS1 order as practice).

Maybe I will teach him to be a pack leader and convince everyone Caribou is better (I am not vetting Caribou safety, it just happens to be another chain option).

Let's see...I had my first ana rxn in Fall 2007, so....around Dec. 2007? 

You're welcome for one of those. 


I still haven't used mine.  I work every Monday morning after dropping DS at school at 7:10 am at the local coffee shop across the street from his high school.  Maybe Friday afternoon I'll go work at Starbucks.  I did put it on my iPhone, so at least I won't lose it.  That's the brilliant thing about St. Arbucks--you can carry your card in your iPhone.

Quote from: twinturbo on October 02, 2012, 05:39:56 PM
Allow my inner coupon queen to worship the ground you walk on 'cause that is some serious hustle $50.

the trick is multiple Living Social and Groupon email accounts

...and yes...I was mighty proud of myself too

Adrienne

Allow my inner coupon queen to worship the ground you walk on 'cause that is some serious hustle $50.

...when I order a drink (I usually get iced soy mocha) I'll specifically say DO NOT STIR IT...I'M ALLERGIC TO SOME OF YOUR SYRUPS...

Sometimes I get a snotty barista reply "We DON'T do that!" and sometimes I get a look like I have 5 heads. So --- I just stand where I can watch the last step. Sometimes it's at the end where they put the lid on they'll stir.

I don't necessarily worry so much about the ice bin. I realize that isn't within some people's comfort zones. But - I think it's also ok to say "I need ice from the way-back b/c drinks I'm allergic too can slosh into it."

honestly --- we are paying almost $5 for a drink...they can make it how we need it!  I rarely go anymore. A month or so ago there was a Living Social coupon --- pay $5 for a $10 SB card --- then if you post on FB and Twitter or email and 3 people get it from your deal...you get it free! I created 5 LS accounts and yes...my friends...I did get 15 friends to click through! That's right...I got $50 SB FOR FREE!  It's already sadly used up

I won't go again unless I'm desperate. Like...when I'm driving across the country next month. Ugh.

Adrienne

I go to a number of different Starbucks, and I agree with Adrienne. That is, some locations make those mistakes.  Others do not.  One that I used to frequent (several times a week) had a manager that would not tolerate those mistakes.  That manager was transferred to a different location a few years ago.  They've had several managers since then, and I rarely go there anymore, so I don't know about how they are now.  BUt I think it really depends on which Starbucks you go to.

I've noticed some things watching baristas...some of which...do things incorrectly.

For example:

- when making a mocha...they are supposed to swirl the syrup and espresso, then add the milk or soy. However, if they are trying to do too much...they put the milk/soy in and then the espresso....which...makes the syrup not integrate. So - what do they do? They grab a spoon from the "common spoon cup filled with water" and mix it.

YEAH. THAT.

I've yelled at too many baristas about that and had them remake. Especially with iced mochas...they want to stir it b/c they make it in the wrong order.

Also --- they add ice to drinks over the ice bin...and slosh happens. And things slosh up and out of the cup and into the ice bin.

Adrienne

S&S how long ago was that?

DS has been getting mochas without problem. If this was recent, I may want to put the kabosh on that.

I had a reaction to it. It was one of the first,and I had askedthe woman to clean it,but...
I had a mocha.

Unless they've changed recently, the hot chocolate at Starbucks is made with the mocha syrup, not a powdered mix.

Corporate has historically been good about sharing this information.  Call the 800 number for customer service and ask! 

DS gets lattes and iced coffee quite often.  That's it though - no fancy blended drinks.