What's the Wi-Fi?

This is a throwback post! Early in our relationship, Rachel and I were visiting a friend in Chicago for new years. New Year’s Day 2022, we decided to check off a bucket list item and go to the Starbucks Reserve Roastery. It was a cold morning, and we stood in-line outside for a long time just to get in! Once inside, we explored all of the overpriced merch they had… Yes, some purchases were made, including a golden spoon for measuring coffee (even though we only measure beans by weight for recipes, as is proper) and a puzzle. I remember this was in the era of the awkward mask on mask off in restaurants when vaccines for COVID had been out for at least 6 months. Despite this, we had an excellent time with the baristas working there. We were able to view them roasting beans in the most ornate roaster I had ever seen. We ordered ham and cheese croissants. They were the most crunchy, flaky and buttery croissants I had ever tasted in my life. They cracked and flaked everywhere when I took my first bite. We had a lavender and vanilla latte with oat milk, with perfect latte art, which were great. I don’t know if they were actually better than standard Starbucks lattes or if it was just the overall experience, but it hit the spot. I don’t know how long I would stand in line for this again, but if you find yourself near a Starbucks Reserve, it is worth checking off the bucket list.