Thanks for dropping by to read mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog. Cathy has some free time and has written a short post on this beautiful day.
It was in February, just after Kirk and His missus returned from their most recent vacation. I was planning to meet clients in Ramona at 5 p.m. and was early, so stopped at Starbucks to get a refreshing beverage (and free wifi). 
Walking up to the counter, the glass display case of suggested 'snacks' looked different… 
Flatbreads, meatballs, chicken skewers…and then, after I had placed my order (for a tall bold coffee, no room), was asked if I'd like to try a chorizo stuffed bacon wrapped, balsamic drizzled date (not a piece of cookie or cake, the usual Starbucks samples). Where am I? I wondered.
I sat down.
This was on the table- 
That last page? A beer and wine list. Later, a nice Young Man was walking around offering samples of popcorn…seasoned with truffle salt and served warm. Again, so confused and I didn't take a photo, but it was good popcorn.
After getting home, research was needed and it was off to the Interwebs. There it was. Starbucks evenings. Put in a Zip Code. You can see that there are currently seven locations which offer this menu of tasty treats and alcoholic beverages in San Diego County.
The Mister and I finally had time to return to Ramona. While waiting for my beverage, I noticed this signage: 
Well, it was Thursday, about 4:30. We had already ordered savory snacks… 
Truffle Mac & Cheese ($5.95)"Macaroni pasta in a creamy truffle fondue with herbed Parmesan breadcrumbs". Wow. This was tasty! 
My choice was the Spinach Artichoke Dip with pita chips ($5.95) "Creamy spinach and artichokes deglazed with white wine". Again, very nice. So different than my usual selection of 
Peanut butter and jam half sandwich, breakfast sandwich or protein box.
Right at 5 o'clock, a young man made an announcement 'anyone who is 21 years old or older may come out to the patio to sample our Santa Cristina Pinot Grigio and goat cheese artichoke flatbread'. I finished reading a chapter, then casually walked out; didn't want to be first in line.
This vignette awaited. I asked for only one wine sample and only one piece of the flatbread.
(So sorry about this sideways photo, but still can't figure out my cameraphone sometimes; this was the clearest photo) (I wanted you to see that Starbucks apparently is making stemless wineglasses now). The goat cheese flatbread will be ordered next time; it was wonderful and a mix of Jack cheese with the goat cheese (mellowing out the flavor) as well as red peppers which compliment the marinated artichoke hearts. The Pinot Grigio, a usual summertime choice, was of extremely good quality. "Crispy with aromas of orange flowers and juicy tropical fruit" is the description. It is $9 for a glass.
We will be going to another Starbucks Evenings soon to try out some other menu items. I don't know if the other locations have a once a week tasting, but suspect they all do. I did see a glass of beer being brought out and the menu states to 'ask your barista about our current selection of curated craft beers', so that may happen on our next visit.
Starbucks Evenings (menus as well as locations) Evenings Website link
I just think this is amusing for some reason.
It’s so perplexing, Bill. The idea of meeting at Starbucks for a glass of wine or beer and some appetizers is both convenient and not my first thought.
No Starbucks down here do this. Interesting that this is in Ramona too.
They offer this at an SB I visit. I haven’t been to one but friend said she stopped by one evening to have a glass of wine. She said they’re really strict about their pours. She didn’t think the wine offerings were a good idea since you can go to Trader joes down the street and buy a bottle of nice wine for the price of one glass of wine at Starbucks. The evening food does look appetizing.
They do this at the SB near me as well (Carmel Valley). It’s odd though, since it’s in a mall with a ton of happy hour and evening dining options. SB wouldn’t be first on my list for a post-work unwinding.
Since they are testing this out, cc, I’m guessing the supply delivery is being kept more North County (although Ramona is *way* out of any straight drives, but still has the other supplies delivered) for now. Further thinking about this makes me think they are testing to see if the more ‘rural’ areas (notice Fallbrook on that map?)are more likely than the crowded inland areas to partake.
The evening menu begins at 4, Faye. I do know what you mean by seeing wines which are sold at TJ’s with a 5x markup; I refuse to order any of those in restaurants…but none of the ten wines listed on the Starbucks Evenings menu are sold there (and five of the ten are California wines). Strict pours by people who were originally trained as baristas now getting an ABC license kind of makes sense…literal following of the law.
That’s so true, Jason. But it is an option, which is nice.
What an interesting find! I wonder how well this program will go but I do want to go check it out.
It is yet another choice, kirbie. I’m glad I happened to stop t that location, or I wouldn’t have known about it.
Whodda thunk this was coming? Wonder if it will be popular.
The stemless wineglass is a Riedel (they make some very expensive stemware as well), but the stemless versions are cheaper, less prone to breakage, and easier to store. In fact, they’re my usual glass at home.
I had read something about this concept (beer and wine)in the last year or two, Ed, but didn’t think it would be ‘tested’ out here, certainly not in the locations chosen. The food items are much more interesting compared to the usual Starbuck offerings. Now I know what my next wine glass purchase will be; we have so many unmatched glasses with stems.