Coffee King More Like Prince

Everyone has heard of Starbucks, if you haven't you must have been living under a rock. They are the coffee tycoons of the globe. And if you live downtown there are about a handful of them all in walking distance to each other.

Beyond stating the obvious (which is Americans REALLY have a coffee addiction problem) I'm telling you that you should NOT buy into their products.

Not only are they over priced and arrogant their drinks can be beaten easily by local Pittsburgh coffee shop Mocha Marianne's.

I have been a dedicated costumer to Marianne's since I met her and tried her amazing selection of drinks and snacks, but I was recently told that my most favorite Marianne drink, Hot Apple Cider with Caramel Sauce and Whipped Cream could not stand up to Starbucks' Caramel Apple Spice drink.

So, being the reporter that I am I recently bought a Starbucks Caramel Apple Spice drink. While not being throw-up worthy the coffee tycoon was not able to breath the same air as Mocha Marianne's Hot Apple Cider. And what is with the fancy names Starbucks? Are we paying for those too?

And let me actually bring up the PRICE on this Apple Spice drink... it was $2.70 for a "short" aka small. I could get an 18 oz/large Hot Apple Cider with the caramel sauce and whipped cream for about the same at Marianne's and get better TASTE and more DRINK.

So you all decide- pay for a name and nasty drinks, or get what you really want at Mocha Marianne's on Wood St. where she gives you the tastiest drinks for less.