Starbucks--No More

In LA, Larchmont had no less than three coffee shops: the ubiquitous Starbucks; Coffee, Bean and Tea Leaf; and the newest arrival, Pete's Coffee. These three shops with its frothy foam of milk atop each cup ordered was the haven for all Moms after drop off at the nearby schools, the 'writer' hard at work on their lap top, the business person on their way to work, and those from Paramount, usually of the assistant variety, filling large orders for their bosses. There are certainly plenty of Starbucks in New York, each store front vying for a spot on every street corner along with the corner grocery and the dry cleaner. But this is the land of another coffee shop, or rather, the donut shop that happens to sell some of the tastiest coffee east of the Mississippi--Dunkin Donuts. That's right, for most in LA, who may have never lived on the East Coast, of which there are quite a few, Dunkin Donuts is the land of the munchkin donut holes and the perfect sugary, doughy confections that I grew up with. One bite into a glazed or coconut covered donut elicits all those food memories from my childhood. Every Sunday at the conclusion of Mass, the kids would get a donut from Dunkin Donuts along with a cup of fruit punch.

I had forgotten about Dunkin Donuts until I was back in Boston, the city where Dunkin Donuts beats Starbucks. It was in Boston that I got hooked on their coffee, which is prepared for you with a healthy dose of milk and sugar if requested. The coffee is much mellower in its after taste than Starbucks. And perhaps it is this connection to my childhood that has made this coffee stop my shop of choice. Lord knows, I love a latte as much as any other person. But there is something so satisfying about sipping that sugary, milky, drink. Then there is the cost, a much more reasonable dip into one's wallet for that milky coffee from the donut store versus the latte that costs more than a happy meal.

And in truth, there are very few coffee shops outside of the East and West Village where people sit and linger. The Kaffe Klatches that were everywhere in LA doesn't exist here. The moms who don't work seem too busy for such leisure activities. The 'artistic' types even seem to keep themselves busy since this cafe society doesn't exist here. I have yet to venture into a movie theater at 11:00 AM for a matinée (very little time for such activities), but I'm certain the theater would be filled with mostly senior citizens and a few stragglers bold enough for such indulgences during work hours.

Summer's end can be felt when you are shaded by the vertical structures that dominates this city's landscape. In no time, sandals will have to be put away for many months, close toed shoes a necessity. As I remember, this time of the year makes one contemplative about another year's end. This year, 2007, will be a watershed year in my life since it will be forever remembered as the year I came back to my emotional home, now truly home.