photo credit: DaveFayram

McDonalds? Good Coffee?

McDonalds has been on a campaign to take some of Starbucks’ coffee business. They’ve changed their coffee suppliers and now offer espresso drinks in 70 percent of their restaurants. That’s a LOT of restaurants, and it’s got Starbucks looking in their rear view mirror.

I thought I’d try a plain old cuppa joe for review first before moving on to their espresso drinks.

The local McDonalds drive-through was empty. I was in and out in 30 seconds.

The coffee came nicely hot. I was pleasantly surprised at the first sip – their coffee has much more body than the usual watery fast-food blends. I got hints of maple, a slight tang, and a medium-bodied bite – slightly roasted.

I’ve got a McDonalds on the way to the freeway. In the morning, I think I’ll skip the Starbucks, their expensive coffee, the lines and the baristas.

What: McDonalds Coffee
Where: McDonalds restaurants
$$$: $1.49/16 oz.
Rating: 3 cans.

With all of the cheap coffees in my pantry,  it’s high praise for a brand when I go buy the brand twice. There have been a couple of repeat buys over the past few months, most notably Yuban Original.

Market Pantry coffee will NOT be a repeat buy. Watery, weak, slightly bitter –  everything cheap coffee is known for. Brewing it Navy style, by adding a pinch of salt to the grounds while steeping improved the result – especially when served piping hot. Do not let it linger.

If you’re at Target, go for Archer Farms coffee in the foil bags. I’ve reviewed them before, and am on my second bag now.

What: Market Pantry Coffee
Where: Target Stores
$$$: $3.99/10 oz. can
Rating: 1 can.

“My First Leica!…”

I’ve heard people raving about Leica glass for years, and I’ve wanted a Leica M series rangefinder for as long as I’ve been serious about photography. Leica quality comes at a premium price, though, and I could never justify the cost.

Until now.

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