Starbucks Christmas Cheer Party @ Berjaya Times Square

Last Christmas, the kids from my church children ministry and kindergarten were invited to a Starbucks Cheer Party at Berjaya Times Square, KL. Since I am one of the teachers, yours truly were invited. I was so excited. Every year Starbucks would throw a party for children's group or organization. This party is full of food, drinks, games, competition, singing, prizes and not forgetting COFFEE!

The upper section of the store were designated for this event. The place were decorated with beautiful Starbucks Christmas decorations. We were greeted warmly by the baristas dressing up like angels.

Each of us were given a Starbucks goodie bag which consists of a small bag of the Starbucks Christmas Blend coffee beans, a slice of almond biscotti and a guide to Starbucks coffee beans.

Christmas hats were found on every single seat for the guests. First program for the night was a welcome greeting from the store manager and he explain to us the purpose of the event is to have a good time. 

Small cups of cold Tazo Passion tea and coffee of the day were served to everyone while waiting for the rest of the guests to arrive. I've tried the tea before and I didn't like it because it was too sour. However, after tasting the ones that were given out, I change my mind. It tasted really good and refreshing. Food ranging from pastries to panini and sandwiches to lamingtons were widely spread out on the table. Everyone including myself were excited because we get to taste almost all the Starbucks food in just one evening.While we are enjoying the food and drinks, we were entertained by a bunch of guitarists and singers singing Christmas carols.  

After our tummies were filled, it was colouring contest time for the children. The children had so much fun while the teachers and I were busy sharpening their colour pencils and helping some of the younger ones with their colouring.

While waiting for the result, a guy dresses up like a clown came and joined us. He were giving out balloons based on what the children wanted e.g. poodle, sword and et cetera. While children were enjoying their free balloons, the adults went for a coffee tasting session.Each of us were given a small cup of hot coffee. One of the baristas gave us a brief story about coffee, what sort of coffee beans that are served in Starbucks and their origin. In order to enjoy a real cup of coffee and to really taste the blend, we must first cover the 3/4 of the cup and smell the aroma. The first sip of is just to cover our mouth with the coffee while the second sip is where we can really enjoy the taste of the blend. I find that the Christmas blend by Starbucks is absolutely amazing. There seems to be a pinch of spice after every sip of it. I find it unique and yummy!

After the coffee tasting session, we heard the sound of a bell ringing and someone saying "ho ho ho!". The children were really excited because they know it is Santa Claus. Santa came and showered the children with candies. Prizes were given out to the winners of the colouring competition. Then we all joined in for a few Christmas carols before we call it a night.

Kudos to the manager and the baristas for doing a good job. They made the effort to talk to the kids, the teachers and also the parents. It was truly a very nice gesture for Starbucks to come up with an event like this for the children. We are truly blessed that night. 

Starbucks @ First World, Genting

Starbucks @ First World, Genting is about 40 minutes to an hour drive. Located in the highlands of Genting, this particular Starbucks is crowded with people all the time! There are 2 outlets in this hotel, this particular one that I visited is located at the main entrance of First World Hotel and this happens to be the most happening Starbucks in Genting. No matter what time of the day or night, it is crowded. Outdoor section is the best place to be because of the cold weather. Enjoying a hot cuppa in a cold weather is just perfect. What more you can enjoy it while chit chatting with your friends.

In my own experience, just the thought of enjoying a hot or even a cold cup of coffee in the cold weather is definitely the best experience ever. The price for the drinks are slightly more expensive compared to the ones in Kuala Lumpur. But then again, everything is more expensive in Genting. Nevertheless, I do not mind paying that extra bit for the experience. It is not everyday that you get to enjoy your favorite hot drink in the cold weather especially when you live in Malaysia. The baristas are very friendly. They would greet you with a warm smile on their face even though it's 1 in the morning. Their service is fast and accurate to ensure that  customers do not wait too long in the queue.

A few particular things that I dislike are the gaps between the tables and chairs. I find that they are placed too close to each other and it is very crammed among the crowd. Coffee lovers could hear each other's conversation. Not much privacy I must say. I was also having a hard time leaving the outdoor area without having to trouble others to adjust their seat or stand up so that they could let people through. People that do mind smokers are not recommended to chill at the hangout area because you might end up being a second hand smoker.

In the beginning....

...there was a girl that started hanging out in places with a twin-tailed mermaid known as Starbucks. She have no knowledge about coffee at all. It was a new world to her which she finds rather interesting. From spending most of her time in Starbucks, she started becoming a full on merchandise collector as well - collecting not only the city / country mugs but also the unique ones. So, hold on to your seats as this girl  embark on her coffee adventure bringing fun reviews / stories for all you coffee lover out there.

Stay tuned!