If you’ve never tried a Caramel Macchiato, then I suggest you head on down to Starbucks next to the Hard Rock Hotel, where you can sample a wide selection of Italian style espresso beverages. The Caramel Macchiato (Rp 23,000 – Rp 29,500) is a vanilla syrup and hot milk foam espresso, topped with a bubbling caramel sauce. This is one of Starbucks best sellers; it doesn’t need sugar because of the sweet topping and is a great breakfast drink. True coffee addicts, however, may prefer a rich Espresso Shot with a billowing body and a dark intense heart (sounds like my kinda guy!), or a steaming Cappuccino capped with a deep layer of creamy foam.
Starbucks purchases high-quality whole beans from Latin America, Indonesia and Africa, and creates wonderful, freshly brewed, single-origin coffees and exclusive signature blends, together with alternative products for those who don’t drink coffee. With over eight thousand Starbucks outlets worldwide, twenty-four of which are in Indonesia, the success story speaks for itself. Standards are consistent and the beverages are delicious.
Starbucks in Bali attracts tourists of all nationalities, and is very popular with the Indonesians too. While it might not be very representational of the Island of the Gods, Starbucks thrives on creating the reassurance of comforting familiarity on foreign soil, together with novelty and sophistication on home ground. Customers can sit at tables outside under large umbrellas, or within the air-conditioned interior, upstairs or down, on comfortable arm chairs and sofas. In addition to the array of coffees, folks can enjoy a selection of innovative premium teas, Frappuccinos, salads, sandwiches, pastries, cakes and desserts. For a light snack, I recommend the butter or chocolate croissants (Rp 6,000 & Rp 11,000), or the cheese twists (Rp 8,000). Alternatively you could make a meal out of the potato salad (Rp 29,500) and, perhaps, a savoury tuna puff (Rp 15,000), with its buttery glazed pastry. My all time favourite Starbucks snacks are the muffins (Rp 11,000); there is a choice between blueberry, banana, cheese, or chocolate. I usually opt for the blueberry; moist and full of fruity flavour, these American muffins are authentic and scrumptious. Serious sweet freaks might go for the wicked chocolate fudge cake, tantalising tiramisu or creamy cheesecake (Rp 21500 – Rp 25,000).
I visited Starbucks yesterday, it was a hot day and I needed something to cool me down, so I tried a Strawberry and Cream Frappuccino, this particular variety doesn’t contain coffee and the gorgeous marble effect of the blended strawberries, cream and ice, made it look almost too good to drink. In true American style, beverages are served in a choice of three sizes, and the outlet also retails coffee-related accessories such as mugs, tumblers and coffee brewing equipment, together with a range of coffee beans and teas in colourful packaging. In October, a second Starbucks will be opening in Bali at the new Discovery Shopping Mall on Kartika Plaza.
Enjoy!
Rache