This Hot Mom loves coffee! Welcome to my exciting new COFFEE SHOP AND CHILL SERIES. Here, I’ll share my journey as I explore different coffee shops and embrace my newfound obsession for all things coffee. As a dedicated coffee lover, I am eager to dive into cold brews, lattes, and the vibrant cultures surrounding them. My goal is to take you beyond being an iced coffee girly but really share my passion for exploring coffee shops for work, connection and the ultimate spot to lock in. To kick things off, let me take you back to my unforgettable experience at the Starbucks Reserve in Chicago. I've been to Chicago countless times and somehow never been to this iconic Starbucks! Spoiler alert: it was a VIBE!
The Magic of Starbucks Reserve
When I visited the Starbucks Reserve in Chicago, I recognized it as the perfect starting point for this series. It is more than a typical coffee shop; it’s a true coffee experience.
Walking into the Starbucks Reserve felt like stepping into a coffee wonderland. Coffee was literally everywhere! I honestly had never seen anything like it. FOUR FLOORS OF COFFEE! The sleek, modern design was filled with warm wood touches, elegant decor, and comfortable seating arrangements. The spiral escalator caught my eye immediately. It was such an aesthetic piece of architecture and sat right in the middle of everything.
Each floor offered a unique experience and/or menu. The first floor was more reminiscent of a typical Starbucks, with coffee and food available to go. The second floor Princi bakery had a lot of high top tables and areas to sit and work, with an expanded menu for food, bakery items and coffee. The third floor had a coffee bar with signature coffee creations and bites. Sadly, I didn't get a chance to order anything from the third floor! Lastly, the fourth floor had a full cocktail bar with a special espresso tasting experience.
Here's what I tried:
Potato Truffle Pizza
Iced Caramel Brulee with Almond Milk
Cinnamon Roll
Nitro Almondmilk Mocha
Toffenut Bianco Latte
Starbucks Reserve Espresso Martini Flight
The True Essence of Coffee Shop & Chilling
One thing I must note is that the Starbucks Reserve was extremely busy. Like, to the point that I had to circle the second and third floors multiple times to find a table. It was a good mixture of people working, catching up with friends and solo relaxation at the time of my visit. That's another reason why I LOVE coffee shops. They can solve multiple purposes and be a connection point for different needs.
Although the shop was busy, I was able to get locked in, shoot some content and even start strategizing my 2025 goals. The view I had from the second floor window was impeccable and was the perfect backdrop to set the mood for a productive strategy session.
One of the most rewarding parts of visiting coffee shops like the Starbucks Reserve is connecting with fellow coffee lovers. During my visit, I struck up conversations with a few customers while waiting in line that were equally passionate about coffee and vlogging.
Coffee Adventures Await
My experience at Starbucks Reserve not only deepened my love for coffee but also sparked a desire to share this delightful journey with all of you. Through my blog and vlog series, "Coffee Shop & Chill," I aim to inspire others to explore the world of coffee, embrace the surrounding culture, and discover new favorites along the way.
Coffee is more than just a drink; it represents a lifestyle, a ritual, and a true passion for many. Coffee has a unique way of connecting people, igniting conversations, and creating lasting memories. Whether it's a quick morning cup or a mid-afternoon pick me up in a cozy shop, the moments spent enjoying coffee are truly special.
As I wrap up the first post in the "Coffee Shop & Chill" series, I hope you feel inspired to explore your local coffee shops and share your own experiences. There’s a whole world of flavors, stories, and community waiting to be discovered, and I can’t wait to unravel it with you. Whether it's bonding with my son over steamed milk, co-working to get away from my remote office at home, or catching up with friends over a nice latte, going to a coffee shop to chill has become one of my new favorite things to do. I'm almost afraid to say it, but coffee shops > happy hours!
Thank you for joining me on this first stop of my coffee journey. See you next time for coffee shop and chill!
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