Simmer Down, Starbucks. Simmer Down Na!

I love Starbucks.

All in all, the brand is very good to me (and God knows I've been good to it).

Given my affinity for the brand, I certainly didn't have a problem with their aggressive push into the music world. On the contrary, actually - I rather enjoy having the option to peruse new music as I prepare to enjoy my favorite cup of joe.

In fact, I'm guilty of purchasing several CDs there over the last couple of years. Like everyone else, my eyes are always looking for something new to feast on - especially there.

On my latest store visit, however, I felt a bit overwhelmed. Not only was the music placed in more locations than ever before, but there was flashy new packaging (heavy on the halograms) everywhere promoting their partnership with iTunes, cards that promised to give you 2 Free Songs on Apple's site, sticky posters advertising an XM satellite contest with Dave Matthews (that I found out after the fact had ended several weeks earlier) and the usual counter-top displays of their latest CD releases.

The card was, by far, the most frustrating element I experienced. You see, the week earlier, upon paying at the register, I was given two free songs to download by an upcoming artist I had never heard about. So, naturally, I assumed that these cards were yet another way to push new talent. I was wrong. It was nothing more than a Starbucks Gift Card on steroids. Apparently, if you buy that particular card, you're entitled to a $2 treat. Which is cool, of course. I guess. The confusion it caused me, on the other hand, was not.

Is it possible that Starbucks has gotten a bit ahead of themselves in the music department?

This got me thinking. If Starbucks is going to keep introducing all of this music stuff, perhaps it's time to consider a music lounge/listening corner of some sort. Some of the latest stores, equipped with make-your-own-CD stations, seem to be going down this road already. I think that when the in-store offerings start confusing customers, you might need to reconsider your strategy.

I for one am beginning to have a problem with weaving through a sea of musical offerings just to find the counter. And while it doesn't seem to be hurting business now, could it? Your guess is as good as mine.

The question is definitely an interesting one. I often wonder if Starbucks could do anything to keep customers from coming back. I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

Mmm, this IS a tasty burger!

On Saturday night, I chose to wait over an hour for what, at $17, was quite possibly the most expensive hamburger I've ever encountered. For about a minute or so, I felt like a complete idiot. But I can honestly say that this decision proved to be one of the best I've made in a really long time.

First, let me say that I am neither a hamburger conoisseur or a "foodie," but I appreciate a nice meal as much as the next guy. Which is precisely why I questioned my decision to pass up some of the restaurant's more authentic English/Italian cuisine for a seemingly overpriced and relatively simple menu selection.

Here's why I did it.

My curiosity got the best of me. I was shocked by the price (even for New York). But, more importantly, I was intrigued by the notion that, despite other delicious dishes, everyone there was doing it (peer pressure on a plate). I mean, the place was experiencing burger breakdown to the point of having to inform us of the unusually long wait. I refused to leave this place questioning such a phenomenon. I had to understand what all the fuss was about.

So, without further adeiu, here's my review:

Let me start out by saying that I've had every kind of burger imaginable. And, for the most part, a noteworthy burger - for me, at least - typically falls into one of three categories:

1.) Nice and Greasy - This is the most common of the three. Usually, you'll find these made in old-school burger houses. Over time, these establishments have managed to perfect what started off as an already exciting, uniquely flavorful burger recipe.

2.) The Gourmet - These burgers are much harder to come by. But every now and then, somebody finds a new way to switch up and/or upgrade the ingredients to make the expected seem unexpected again. Sometimes it's the bread. Other times, a secret sauce or an imported cheese. Almost always, it's a combination of culinary creativity. (Father's Office in Los Angeles does this better than most)

3.) Fantastic Finger Food - I love sliders. In fact, I'm convinced that, by simply making a smaller burger, you are already at an advantage over the competiton. Maybe it's me, but a tiny burger often tastes better. Having said that, going small is certainly no guarantee for greatness. But I've had some wonderful experiences with some of these little guys.

NOTE: almost all great burgers have one thing in common: a side of equally delicious fries.

The burger at The Spotted Pig, Mario Batali's gastro-pub in Manhattan, was no exception. It came with a generous helping of well-salted shoestring fries that were seasoned to perfection with rosemary and garlic.

But what about the freakin' burger, you ask?

Well, I'll tell you.

For me, a good burger is a good burger. A great burger hits you more like a filet at a world-renowned steakhouse. Such was the case here. The color and juicyness of it all was like nothing I had ever experienced before. And the seasoning, too complex to put my finger on. The bread was perfect and grilled on both sides for artistic value. But above all else, it came with nothing more than warm, melted roquefort. No fixings, no condiment - just bun, patty and cheese. And despite my reservations (I normally drown my burgers in ketchup and mustard), I gave them the benefit of the doubt. And I'm so glad I did. I sat there and savored what was without question the most amazing burger I've tasted to date.

The moral of the story: sometimes it's good to follow crowds. Sometimes, it's good to challenge everything you think you know about something you like. And sometimes it's good to break the rules you create in your head.

Because, every now and then, doing so can lead to a wonderfully satisfying experience.
Or, at the very least, a damn tasty burger.

Freshly Squeezed OJ

Oh, Orenthal, you didn't!

Am I the only one that's even remotely concerned about this man's behavior?

I'm not going to pretend that I have the slightest understanding of what life must be like for The Juice these days. But what I'm fairly certain of is this: If you're a well-known figure viewed by many in this country as "the man that escaped jail time for the brutal murder of two people," you probably don't want to participate in an armed invasion of a Vegas hotel room.

And you certainly don't want to rely on the famous "What happens here, stays here" slogan to protect you from any possible wrong doing.

Truth be told, I feel sort of sorry for the guy.
He's obviously not dealing with a full deck.

I mean, let's look at his logic. Quote:

"The police, since my trouble, have not worked out for me," he said, noting that whenever he has called the police, "it just becomes a story about O J".

Clearly the whole vigilante approach to retrieving what may or may not be his clearly proved a far better plan of attack (no pun intended).

And thank God, too. Because the last thing the world needs is another story about OJ. But I guess we'll just have to see how this one plays out.

Strap in, kiddies. It's going to be another long and bumpy ride.

I've had nervous breakdowns buying toothpaste

Seriously, I have.

Bottom line: there are too many choices.

Gone are the days of "running in for a tube of toothpaste."
When you hit the toothpaste aisle today, life - along with your shopping cart - comes to a screeching halt as your eyes glaze over at more toothpaste choices than you ever imagined possible.

Toothpastes now contain ingredients in dizzying combinations for tartar control, whitening and brightening, breath freshening, cavity protection, gum health, and sensitivity - all of which come in a slew of refreshing flavors found within an array of new and exciting packaging options.

It's hypnotic.
It's overwhelming.
It's paralyzing.

It's too much and it needs to stop. Now.

It's no sex panther, but Moustache by Rochas promises to make a man out of you yet

Don't ask me how or why, but I recently stumbled upon a website that was selling a cologne I had never heard of before.
That cologne was Moustache by Rocha.



The site offered the following write up on the fragrance:

Get Moustache Cologne for men by Rochas. Launched by the design house of Rochas in 1948, Moustache by Rochas is classified as a flowery fragrance. This masculine scent posesses a blend of: a woodsy scent of citrus with a powdery dry-down. It is recommended for casual wear.

That's my favorite part: "Recommended for casual wear." Sounds to me like it's one step up from Old Spice.
Good times.

Anyway, just thought I'd let everyone know. If you're looking to say goodbye to summer with something that screams "I am man," go with Mostache by Rocha. It's got all the ladies talking.

And if you already wear Moustache by Rocha, I'm sorry. Very, very sorry.