(downed: small latte, small latte)
DETROIT — Faced with some down time in the rental car/hotel checkout/flight check-in process, the overwhelming urge to entertain myself struck again…this time resulting in what may be a multi-round knock-down-drag-out grudge fest of incredible proportions.
A couple years ago, while on a video shoot with some hot rides, I was treated to some “test market” roast coffee at a McDonalds in the middle of nowhere California. It was awesome. And just as sure as that place will one day serve breakfast all day…I was sure McD’s would eventually go the coffee route. Now, about a year ago maybe…they finally came out with espresso-based drinks. Today…the mighty McD near the DTW takes on the Starbies inside the McNamara “World Gateway” terminal. Hoorah!
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latte at McDs
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Service: I drove up. They asked if I wanted to try a sweet tea. I said no. I ordered a hamburger, a $1 McChicken w/o mayo, add pickles and a latte. (Side-story…I combined those two sandwiches into something surprisingly delicious…$1.89 burger/chicken thing…weird, but true story.)
Appearance: It comes in a high-quality cup, shooting for Starbies all the way. A good foam on top.
Long Story Short: This was good. Solid, deep and kinda tasty roast coffee flavor throughout. 3.5 score!
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latte @ starbies
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Service: I like the Starbucks @ airports because the baristas aren’t as affected by the “Bucks” atmosphere. They’re pretty laid back and seem happy to have pulled coffee duty over the generic sports pub or regional-knick-knack store job.
LSS: This was actually a much lighter drink. Not nearly as much flavor…a less “fresh” coffee maybe? There was less good taste and more bitterness than with the McDs. I was stunned. I guess in the push-button espresso world, it doesn’t matter who is pushing the button. As McDs proved with their improved roast brew, they can afford to buy good beans and sell coffee cheap at a profit. And now they can afford something neighboring on the same quality of espresso as Starbucks. Worse yet for the Mermaid is that McDs was more than $1 cheaper than its competitor. And if there’s one place on Earth easier to find in any corner of the US than Starbies, it’s McDs. So there you have it. But, I’ll allow that this is but one head-to-head round. I consider it an upset that Ray Croc is off to the early lead over that Schultz fellow. 3 point score!
