Costa coffee

One of my favourite coffee franchises (normally I prefer any type of local, independently owned and operated cafes) is Costa. When I've traveled to Scotland with friends and family we always pop in for a good cup of joe. My favourite location is the one on Buchanan Galleries in Glasgow. The people watching is so good!

Mmmmm- it even comes with a chocolate stick for some added deliciousness!


This Costa is in Stirling- my sister and I stayed in Stirling for a month once. This was a favourite hangout

Peter Andre serves up some hand-crafted lattes.

Paris, je t'aime

I know it's a cliche but I do really love Paris. It is a city for lovers and I did find my love... in the architecture, cafes, museums and lifestyle. Oh to go stay in this latin quarter apartment, have afternoon coffee avec petits fours and stroll along la rue!

Vivace

The cafe culture in New Zealand is very apparent. Baristas are focused on pulling the perfect shot and complimenting that with silk textured milk. Coffee shops delve deeper into the essence of the entire coffee process; the overall idea – that the coffee be appreciated for the complexity of the process from cherry to cup, and the education to customers as to what really is a great tasting cup of coffee. When I lived in Christchurch my favourite espresso was from Vivace beans- order a flat white, you can't go wrong!




The Vivace Cafe on Tuam Street, Christchurch, New Zealand

I love good, fresh espresso. I am always on the lookout for great espresso beans to try. Dean & Deluca's espresso sounds decadent! From their website: "Upon your first sip, you'll note and enjoy the especially rich crema: the flavorful foam that floats upon the surface of a quality espresso. Ours finishes with deep notes of chocolate, spice and caramel... one cup is not enough." AMEN Dean & Deluca!
PS- Why won't they ship internationally? Sigh, I must get thee to NYC!