Starbucks Announces Return of Pumpkin Spice Latte Season

by Karly WoodAugust 30, 2022

The drink is back for it’s 19th season

PSL season is here! Starbucks has announced that your fave pumpkin spice goodies are officially back in cafes starting Tues. Aug. 30.

Strap on those boots and grab a scarf on your way out the door to grab your first Pumpkin Spice Latte with its signature pumpkin, clove, cinnamon and nutmeg flavors. Ok fine, yes, it’s still in the 90’s but we can dream.

Also returning for another year is the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, plus the Apple Crisp Macchiato. This year, the drink is made with oatmilk and Starbucks Blonde Espresso as the standard recipe, making it Starbucks’ first fall nondairy beverage.

Starbucks fall food menu items are also making a comeback. Be sure to grab a Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin, Pumpkin Scone or the Pumpkin Loaf (which is actually available all year long) and a sweet Owl Cake Pop.

If you’re picking up a pound of coffee, you’ll see new designs adorning each bag for the first time in 10 years. Each one tells the story about how that particular blend is made through vibrant colors and beautiful artistry.

Now for the good stuff: the MERCH. The fall season is also bringing a whole new lineup of water bottles, cold cups and hot cups with a festive feel.

Keep your eyes peeled as the limited edition cups that include a new orange Bling cup, periwinkle (it’s so on-trend this year) Kaleidescope cold cup, textured Rainforest water bottle, an ocean gradient mug, color changing cups and a six-pack fall hot cup set.

You may have to visit more than one location to find the cup of your choosing, as each cafe carries its own selection from the fall merchandise line. Don’t wait long, every year this limited edition collection sells out.

The Holidays Return to Starbucks & You Can Score a Free Collectible Cup

by Jennifer SwartvagherNovember 5, 2020

Many consider the release of Starbucks red cups as the unofficial launch of the holiday season. Starting Fri. Nov. 6, the coffee chain’s fan-favorite holiday beverages are back. Plus they are giving away a free collectible red holiday cup to customers who order a handcrafted holiday beverage tomorrow.

Head over to Starbucks to enjoy a Peppermint Mocha, Toasted White Chocolate Mocha, Caramel Brulee Latte, Chestnut Praline Latte and Eggnog Latte. The bakery case is also getting a seasonal upgrade with the new Cranberry Orange Scone and returning Sugar Plum Danish, Cranberry Bliss Bar, Snowman Cookie and Snowman Cake Pop.

The chain is releasing four new cup designs this year:

Ribbon: This design brings forward all the joyful elements of the holiday season in ribbons of brand greens and a jolly red like a cozy holiday sweater. Look closely and you’ll see a familiar crown, tail, and scales. The design is repeated on this year’s collectible Starbucks red holiday cup.
Dot: Stripes swirl around a field of Starbucks house green punctuated by playful polka dots, sharing the sentiment to “carry the merry.”
Sparkle: This red cup has vintage vibes, with cutout shapes in green like glittering holiday ornaments. The motif is repeated in a snowy white on Starbucks cold beverage cups.
Brand Wrap: This modern, scaled-up version of the ribbon design features bold bands of holiday color and the Starbucks wordmark, designer street style.

If you are looking to enjoy your favorite seasonal beverages from the comforts of home you can find Christmas Blend whole bean coffee when you pick up your holiday beverage at Starbucks. You can also pick up your favorite Starbucks seasonal flavors like Holiday Blend and Peppermint Mocha in Roast & Ground, K-Cup pods and ready-to-drink formats wherever groceries are sold.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Starbucks

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When Can You Try Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew & the Rest of the Fall Menu?

by Erica LoopAugust 26, 2019

The official first day of fall is still almost a month away, but not at Starbucks! The coffee retailer recently declared an Aug. 27 start to autumn—complete with a brand-new Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew.

Even though the PSL is a fall fave (for the 16th year in a row), Sbucks recently announced the release of the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew. So if you’re still sweltering away in the late-August weather, you can get another chilled out pumpkin fix in with this iced pick.

As the first new pumpkin cold coffee drink since the PSL debuted in 2003, the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew is a caffeinated history maker. The drink is made with Starbucks Cold Brew, vanilla and a pumpkin cream cold foam. Top that with pumpkin spice and you’ve got fall in a cup.

Along with the new Cold Brew, look for other fall selections to hit Starbucks’ menu. The Salted Caramel Mocha, Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin, Pumpkin Scone, Pumpkin Spice Madeleines, Cat Cake Pop and, of course, PSL will debut Aug. 27.

—Erica Loop

Photos: Courtesy of Starbucks

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Fall’s Coming to Panera & It Tastes Like Cinnamon Spice

by Erica LoopAugust 7, 2019

The summer sun’s still shining, but you’ve got fall on the brain. Luckily, Panera does too!

The eatery recently announced four fall menu additions, including two cinnamon spice coffee drinks and starting Sep. 9 you can score a Cinnamon Spice Cold Brew or Cinnamon Spice Latte. If you’re more of a pastry person, Panera’s fall foodie finds include Apple Pie Thumbprint Cookies and Cinnamon Apple Scones.

Panera Bread’s Cinnamon-Filled Fall Menu Is Here For All The PSL Haters https://t.co/cAF8XRWa6y

— Delish (@Delish) August 6, 2019

What can you expect from the autumn awesomeness at Panera? The Cinnamon Spice Cold Brew is (as the name implies) cold brew coffee. The fall beverage also includes half and half and cinnamon syrup. As the mercury drops, your hot coffee dreams can come true with the Cinnamon Spice Latte.

Along with an apple pie-flavored thumbprint cookie you can also get a scone that’s filled with apples and cinnamon and topped with cinnamon crunch and salted caramel icing.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Mike Mozart via Flickr

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These Trader Joe’s St. Patrick Day Foods Are Your Lucky Grocery Finds

by Erica LoopMarch 14, 2018

Ah, the luck o’ the Irish. It kind of looks like your rainbow just ended at a tasty pot of gold. In other words, St. Patrick's Day-themed foods at Trader Joe's are and they’re waaaaay better than a four-leaf clover. Even though corned beef and cabbage may be a traditional staple, and that minty green Shamrock Shake is a pop culture food icon, Trader Joe’s has their own brand of St. Paddy’s Day yum! So what does Trader Joe’s have in store for your St. Patrick’s Day feast?

Blarney Scone

Um, yum. Let’s start with the fact that this scone-shaped Irish Soda Bread has an adorable name. And then there’s the taste. This not-so-low-carb treat is made with real buttermilk and butter, along with raisins and caraway seeds.

Irish Bangers

So what are bangers anyway? Well, they’re sausages — Irish style. Trader Joe’s Irish Bangers are made from all-natural pork that’s raised with no hormones or antibiotics. But that’s not all. These savory treats are 5% rusk. What’s rusk? It’s a twice-baked biscuit that’s added in for texture and, of course, flavor.

Irish Breakfast Tea

This bold tea is an early morning alternative to your usual cup of coffee. But then again, you can have it any time of the day. If you’re going for a night-time mug, consider opting for this tea’s decaffeinated cousin.

Steak & Stout Pies

Mmm. The buttery pastry shell is everything you’d imagine it is. Oh, but that’s not all this frozen option has to offer. The inside is filled with beef in a stout-based gravy, plenty of potatoes, carrots, celery, mushrooms and onions.

Corned Beef and Cabbage

It’s a St. Patrick’s Day staple. Right? Trader Joe’s has the traditional corned beef to cook alongside with a heaping serving of cabbage. Why stop there? Add in your favorite type of potatoes too!

What’s your top St. Patrick’s Day dining pick? Share your choice with us in the comments below.

—Erica Loop

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6 Cool New Restaurants That Are Family Friendly

by Matt KirouacMarch 31, 2015

From PAC-MAN-themed dining to pizza scones, the eclectic offerings at new restaurants in and around Chicago are the stuff of kids’ dreams. But there’s plenty for you too, parents. Especially if you’re into bocce, arcade games and offbeat meatballs. Read on for the scoop on six new restaurants the whole family will love.

photo: Scone City / Galdones Photography

Scone City
Let’s cut right to the chase: You don’t come to a bakery called Scone City looking for oatmeal. No, you come here expecting a wonderland of scones, from sweet and savory varieties to the downright wacky. This sunny slice of Wicker Park bakery real estate features the buttery handiwork of pastry chef Laurie McNamara. Adults might be interested in the afternoon tea scone made with currants and Lady Gray tea icing, or the Brie and honey scone. But kids will go gaga over one-of-a-kind creations like the hot dog scones and pizza scones, which are pretty much exactly what they sound like — hot dogs and pizza ensconced in butter-rich dough for optimal handheld snacking. Located in a space that was a dairy barn about 100 years ago, the bakeshop is comfy and rustic, outfitted with reclaimed oak plank flooring, brick walls, and a lofted, plush seating area perfect for scone snuggling.

1632 W. Division St.
Wicker Park
773-904-8722
Online: sconecity.com

photo: Pinstripes / Becky Brown Photography

Pinstripes
With family-friendly venues in Northbrook, South Barrington and Oak Brook, Pinstripes has already cemented itself as a go-to destination for Italian-accented food with a side of frivolity. And by frivolity, we mean activities that involve hurling balls down various lanes. In the case of Pinstripes’ first city location, housed in a massive warehouse space along the Chicago River and Lake Michigan in Streeterville, said activities are bowling and bocce, interactive group games for the young and old alike. In between strikes, you can snag bites of wood-fired pizza, fresh pastas, braised beef short ribs, desserts and more. The enormous space is dotted with a miscellany of cozy nooks and crannies, allowing families to be as private or as open as they like. Sleek, modern bowling lanes share space with indoor and outdoor bocce courts, along with an incredible riverside patio area complete with fireplace, blankets and chairs.

435 E. Illinois St.
Streeterville
312-527-3010
Online: pinstripes.com

photo: Level 257

Level 257
It’s not every day PAC-MAN gets his own restaurant. Which is weird, since he’s always eating those alien things in the video game and he’s clearly a foodie. Level 257 is a dining and entertainment complex like no other, newly opened in Schaumburg. The only restaurant owned by NAMCO Entertainment, Inc., Level 257 allows guests to get up close and personal with the arcade gaming experience while enjoying a wholly unique meal. The kids’ menu contains hand-breaded chicken tenders, cheeseburgers, pepperoni pizza, mac & cheese, linguini and meatballs, seared trout in lemon butter sauce, and more. Adults get their own multifaceted menu options, from Italian gnocchi and steak tartare to turkey banh mi sandwiches and grilled salmon salad. In between bites, kids can peruse the PAC-packed gift shop or explore the gaming lounge laden with more than 70 retro and modern games. There’s also bowling, pinball, air hockey and other family-friendly options — including a four-player PAC-MAN Battle Royale game.

2 Woodfield Mall, Unit A
Schaumburg
847-805-0257
Online: level257.com

photo: Velvet Taco

Velvet Taco
Kids and tacos go together like chips and guac. The latest addition to Chicago’s Gold Coast is a family-friendly affair, an import from Texas called Velvet Taco. This vibrant, lively restaurant gets crafty with their tacos, though, drawing inspiration from across the globe for kid-appealing items like buffalo chicken tacos, bacon burger tacos, and even a “Chicago Haute Dog” taco with pork belly, pickles, chilies, mustard, tomato, red onion, poppy seed, celery salt and NO ketchup, you hear? There’s also tater tots topped with egg and cheese, which is catnip for youngsters. The bi-level counter-service restaurant recalls an urban loft vibe, casual and bustling with communal tables and an open kitchen so guests can spy on the culinary action. While adults nurse their margaritas, kids have locally sourced sodas to slurp.

1110 N. State St.
Gold Coast
312-763-2654
Online: velvettaco.com

photo: Mondo Meatball

Mondo Meatball
Whether sandwiched between burger buns or layered in a lasagna, children love ground beef. This is especially true when that beef is rolled into dainty and adorable meatballs and served up in a variety of exciting new ways. Globally inspired meatballs take the plate at Wicker Park’s new Mondo Meatball, Chicago’s first standalone meatball restaurant, with six kinds of meatballs on hand each day. There’s Mrs C’s classic beef, chick’n bacon, spicy pork, veggie and gluten-free, turkey, and the rotating ball of the day. Each ball can be served as a bowl, a sub, a roll, a salad, as sliders, or as the “Full Mondo” with three balls and a side dish. Accompanying sauce options, from a summer red sauce to an herbaceous pesto, zesty Dijonnaise, “guac-acado” or four-cheese. For dessert, there’s Italian cookies and Black Dog Gelato. Basically, this place has it all. The interior echoes the internationally inspired menu, with a flat-screen TV tuned to soccer and a communal vibe anchored by a 12-foot-long dining table.

1467 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Wicker Park
773-278-5959
Online: mondomeatball.com

photo: Paula’s Cafe

Paula’s Cafe
Do you not have an Italian nonna of your own, but always wish you had? Paula’s Cafe in Franklin Park is here to hug your soul and fill that pasta-shaped void. The quaint new lunch and dinner restaurant feels like grandma’s house, welcoming and warm, with a focus on Italian comfort food. It recalls the type of red sauce Italian restaurants of yore, the type bustling with the convivial din of strangers rubbing elbows and matriarchal characters slapping people on the shoulder. Bring the family and tuck into hulking portions of fried meatballs, breaded steak sandwiches, eggplant Parm, potato gnocchi and oodles more.

9400 W. Grand Ave.
Franklin Park
847-916-2989
Online: facebook.com

What is your favorite place to take the fam out for dinner? Shout about it in the Comments!

— Matt Kirouac

The Sweetest Holiday Teas for Two

by Ayren Jackson-CannadyNovember 18, 2014

Traditions and parties multiply faster than rabbits during the holiday season. If you have little ones it can be hard to find just the right mix of fun, snack time and a little bit of quiet bonding. Holiday tea parties in the District are the perfect treat to keep you going and feeling sweet all season long. Indulge in some crumpets with your little poppet this month to help stay toasty warm.

Ballet & Biscuits
What better way to embrace the winter season than with a special performance of The Nutcracker. The Tysons Corner Ritz-Carlton offers a special performance by the South Riding Dance Company to delight you and your child. Let the magic of this production sweep you away as you sit back, sip some tea or hot chocolate and enjoy fine pastries from the hotel’s Pastry Team. The real treat is the modern twist that tops off this classic holiday favorite—each child takes home a Nutcracker doll of their own.

Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner
1700 Tysons Blvd. (McLean, Va)
When: Dec. 20, 10 am and 1 pm
Cost: $79
Online: ritzcarlton.com

A Touch Different
Tea at the Mansion on O Street is not your average affair. You’ll have to book a spot to get in on the fun now and after the yuletide festivities are over. Decorated for December, kids can spend their time looking for hidden passageways and secret doors (over 70 of them!) in the 100 rooms of the mansion. When they finally settle down, mums and dads alike can take part in some tasty treats with cocoa for the kids and s’mores, fruit and sweet breads with crème fraiche for everyone.

The Mansion on O Street
2020 O St., NW (Dupont Circle)
202-496-2000
Cost: $30; $20/kids under 12
Online: omansion.com

A Bicycle Built for Two
Stop in at the Pink Bicycle Tea Room in Occoquan for some Mommy & Me: Tea and Trinkets this holiday season. Moms and kids alike can nibble and nosh on PB&J or cucumber tea sandwiches. Fresh fruit and juices are available for the wee ones while mom can try a fresh baked scone with clotted cream. Craft events combined with tea service are also available during the month. It’s an afternoon all ages can sip and enjoy.

The Pink Bicycle Tea Room
303 Commerce St. (Occoquan, Va)
703-491-5216
Prices available upon request. Reservations needed.
Online: pinkbicycletearoom.com

Do you do tea parties with your little lady or gent? Tell us about it in the Comments section below.

—Victoria Mason

Photos: Pink Bicycle Tea Room via Facebook and The Mansion on O Street via Facebook

Kid-Approved Holiday Happenings Worth Booking…Now!

by Ayren Jackson-CannadySeptember 11, 2014

Jumping the gun on the holidays when school just started may sound like over-the-top type A behavior, but—trust us—when it comes to some of the most popular revelry in the District, it’s totally worth it. You’ll have more family fa-la-la-ahh time together in December with this booking guide for the hottest holiday happenings. Plan now; stress less later. Period.

Nutcracker Sw-w-w-e-e-e-e-t
Remember the first time saw the Snow Queen? The world shimmered as she danced, taking your breath away with each jeté. Everything was beautiful at the ballet. If your sugarplums will be 5 or 6 years old by December, they’re ready for you to share Clara’s magical story with them. Snag choice seats now to the most bedazzling and sumptuous performances of this timeless dance confection by nabbing your tickets now. Squiggly kid tip: Aisle seats make for quicker exits.

The Washington Ballet
November 29-30
THEARC (Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus)
1901 Mississippi Ave., SE
December 4-28
Warner Theater
513 13th St.
202-397-7328
Online: washingtonballet.org
The Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker
December 14
Strathmore Music Center
5301 Tuckerman Ln. (North Bethesda, Md)
301-581-5100
Online: strathmore.org
Center for the Arts, George Mason University
December 17-18 (not matinee)
4373 Mason Pond Dr. (Fairfax, Va)
888-945-2468
Online: cfa.gmu.edu
The Puppet Co.
November 28–December 31
Glen Echo Park
7300 MacArthur Blvd. (Glen Echo, Md)
301-634-5380
Online: thepuppetco.org

One Lump or Two? (No, Not Coal)
A proper cup of tea with a scone. What a lovely tradition. If your timing is right, you and the kiddo can go ice-skating together and then refuel with delectables. If the weather is dreary, not to worry dearie. A hot cup of tea with your kids will do you all good. Reservations now mean your holiday to-do-list-that-is-way-too-long has a built in pause button. Time for a nibble and giggle.

The Ritz Carlton at Pentagon City Va, serves up a posh tea service for the pint size set (did you say Hot Chocolate mom?) and is nearby the not-too-big skating rink in Pentagon Row. Book your reservations now because they fill up fast. Insider tip: tell them you want the Teddy Bear Children’s Tea when you make the reservation.Ritz Carlton Pentagon City
1250 S Hayes St. (Arlington, Va)
Tea Times: Saturdays 2:30 pm-4:30 pm
Sundays 3 pm-4:30 pm
Cost: $29-$42/person; Teddy Bear Children’s Tea (with Hot Chocolate), $16/person
703-412-2762
Online: ritzcarlton.com

Sip a cuppa tea with your 4+ year old and Mrs. Claus at the Mansion at Strathmore in North Bethesda, Md. Listen to music, and nosh away while she reads a heartwarming story. Guess who will stop for a surprise Ho-Ho-Ho? Nope. Not the Green Giant. Guess again, but don’t tell the kids. It’s suppose to be a secret.The Mansion at Strathmore
10701 Rockville Pike (North Bethesda, Md)
Cost: $26/person
Reservations: 301-581-5108

Discover Tuba Christmas
Every year a triumphant of tubas gather at the Kennedy Center grand foyer to play holiday songs. Think dozens of marching band members of all ages coming together in a euphoric Christmas euphonium fest. It’s an oomp-pah-pah hoot not to be missed. Sound check tip: Take along earplugs for little listeners.

When: Second week in December
Cost: Free
Kennedy Center
700 F St., NW (Foggy Bottom)

Spend the Holidays in Russia
If you missed out on the summertime French Festival at Hillwood, you can revel at the Russian Winter Festival at Hillwood in December. Hang on to your babushka as you and the kid-niks kick up your heels Russian style and twirl around to that lively Caucus beat. After a full day the kids will go to bed early. You can curl up and watch Doctor Zhivago. Nyet?

When: December 13-14 , 10 am-5 pm
Cost: $5-$18; FREE for 6 and under
Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens
4155 Linnean Ave., NW (Van Ness)
202-686-8500
Online: hillwoodmuseum.org

Which of these do you plan on booking? Tell us in the comments section below.

—Linda Bennett

Photos courtesy of The Washington Ballet via Facebook, Larry Jacobsen via Flickr, Hillwood Museum via Facebook

Just Opened: Kaffeeklatsch in Lake City

by writerredtriMay 15, 2011

Looking for another family friendly Seattle bakery? Sharing a scone or grabbing a coffee with kids in tow is easy in Seattle neighborhoods with established independent bakeries. Think Besalu in Ballard, Dahlia in Belltown, and Macrina in Queen Anne. But what about Lake City, an area long deprived of cafe/bakery culture?

Luckily, there’s the new and fabulous Kaffeeklatsch. This new neighbor is co-owned by Annette Heide-Jessen, the former manager of the venerable Columbia City Bakery, and its in-house treats are made by baker Brian Hensley.

The storefront that houses Kaffeeklatsch was gutted and built up from the studs. It’s a clean, bright new space, and the focus on German pastries gives the shop its own spin. It’s family friendly by design, with one section of the shop serving as a designated play area with toys, a chalkboard and pint-sized seating. The bakery is open and airy, with a lively din and plenty of room for strollers and gear. Coffee is made with care from Seattle Coffee Works beans.

Kaffeeklatsch serves up scratch-made and seriously tasty German pastries mixed with classic favorites. Think banana bread and triple ginger cookies alongside pillowy German pretzels and Bienenstich—or bee sting cake—a vanilla pastry with cream filling topped with honey and almonds. Or try a generous slice of berry Blechkuchen, a buttery pastry with fresh raspberries melted into layers of dough.

The staff is friendly and encourages parents groups to meet at the shop. Try the breakfast sandwich and drip coffee special weekday mornings, or take the family for a leisurely weekend snack.

—Sara Billups

ML Interest Tag: scone

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