Frankly, I just can't get over the fact that anybody would pay that much for a cup of coffee. The only times I've ever patronized them was in airports when they were the only game in town.

I always feel like I'm being held hostage when I'm stuck in the airport and have only expensive food and drink choices. Or in a hotel in a part of town I don't know and it is an off hour for going out to find food. That is when the Starbucks might get my business.

I had a wonderful orange and cranberry scone at one of the restaurants in Seattle, and went home and worked out the recipe, so it isn't completely without merit. But I don't drink coffee, I am a tea drinker, and when you get a 16 ounce cup of water they offer you two tea bags. I always pocket one for later. I suppose this averages out to a more affordable cup of tea. :)

News was out yesterday that in the US two "casual dining" chains closed and will immediately liquidate (Chapter 7 bankruptcy). Bennigan's and Steak and Ale. They arose in the Dallas area, and each restaurant has at least 60 employees, who are not only out of a job as of yesterday, but who won't get their last paycheck (they stand in line with all of the other creditors). The franchises will continue, at least for a while, but there is no telling how they stand up versus the company restaurants. Dallas Morning News story.

I can't afford to eat out often, though I try to take my son out for a meal at least once a month so we can enjoy a visit and no one has to clear the table and cook or do dishes that evening. We have eaten in the casual dining venues, though our preference is generally for the local restaurants that may have three or four locations, but are family-owned.

SRS