Did you all go sample the matcha frappuccino today? I was so excited to learn that TODAY was the day. Megan called me this morning to inform me that she had just had a sample, and then after I got online I learned so much more, including the important fact that they were available in my little country village (thanks, Nancy!).
Peter picked one up for me on the way home from the pool. Apparently his server was a high school kid who still hasn’t figured out the correct spelling of his name (Peter’s a high school teacher). I still got a kick out of it, though. Next time I go I’m going to ask them to write my name in huge letters, too. So, I could do with a slightly stronger matcha flavor, but I thought it was delightful and refreshing, and I will definitely get it again!
Oh, tangent: Does anyone know any good resources or tips for getting cheap rental cars?
the color is a lot brighter than i imagined. did mr palmer like it?
I always use orbitz to rent cars and usually end up paying $12-18 per day. Also, if you check with your insurance company first, they might cover your rental so you can deny the insurance which is $10-15 daily. Rental cars are cheaper at the airport so if you live near and airport you should include that in your search.
it was quite yummy, i agree.
The Macha fraps are delicious! a little TOO good, if you know what I mean. dangerous good.
I highly recommend priceline for rental cars. I’ve used them dozens of times and never had a problem. Find out what the going rate is in the city you need, then bid 30-40% less. Almost always works. Good luck!
One hundred years ago, I worked at Starbuck’s corporate HQ. The bonus? We got to sample everything in the works! I wish I’d been there for the Macha. Thanks for the info. I’m going to check out my local *$ (company shorthand, FYI).
I tried the Matcha Passion Whatever at Jamba Juice last night and it was, um, yucky. I’m thinking I’ll like the frap better. Maybe I’m just a matcha-with-dairy person.
Happy frappy xox Kay
Glad you got to try it! Is it seasonal? Or a permanent menu item?
I am currently enjoying my travels through big airports and metropolitan areas, which means lots of lattes and tomorrow morning, starbucks morning blend waiting in the coffee maker when I get up!!! I might never go home…
Enterprise used to match any price. So I called Cheapy Car Rental in the boonies, got their price, and Enterprise matched it. It has been a while though.
if you have aaa mention that, and also, look at priceline, where i think you can name a price…it may be a sucky car though…also, when you get there…ask for an upgrade, if they have a nice car and feel nice, they may do that for free. when we needed a rental after a wreck, the girl thought my hubby was cute i think, and gave him an suv intstead of the cheapy car, for nothing…it can’t hurt to ask….
don’t know if you’re a member, but my sister-in-law got a killer deal thru costco… made me think about signing up, even though i never need 10 pounds of stuff at one time…
I haven’t tried it yet, but I may have too. So is matcha=green tea?
I always compare Travelocity and Orbitz, between the two you usually can get a car that is $10-20 a day depending on the city. But I have also learned there are some cities where you just don’t want to go with the cheapes rental. For example San Fran Airport, you are crazy if you don’t rent from one of the places at the airport. The first time we tried the cheapest place on travelocity, it was 20 min from the airport and they don’t run shuttels late at night. So we had to call a cab and missed our flight.
One of the problem with a lot of the cheapest places is that they nickle and dime you. In Chicago one of cheaper rental (Alamo I think) companies charged $5 a day more if you wanted a car with power breaks. And this wasn’t revealed before you are at the counter.
I usually book with Hertz now, just because I got tired of places nickle and diming, not having the car, telling me to wait an hour at the counter till a car was ready, or changing the price to get me in the same bloody car. Hertz is usually about 12-25 on Travelocity depending on the city + Insurance if your insurance company doesn’t cover it. More over I have never had problems with them something I can not say for any other company.
So I would stay with the more popular companies, and just compare the prices on Travelocity and Orbitz. They are much cheaper than booking direct with the companies.
i recommend hotwire.com for car rentals. the online booking process is quick/easy, and the rates are usually low. you don’t see the car company before you complete your reservation, but you’ll always rent with hertz, avis or budget.
i used to work for hotwire and while i can’t handle their airline or hotel booking process (i like to know my flight times and my exact hotel before handing over my money), i still use the site for car rentals. never had a problem at pick-up/drop-off either.
I went and had the Green Tea Frappachino today on the way to work. It was pretty good, if a little sweet. It had a nice matcha aftertaste, but the first thing you taste is just sweetness. It seems like this is what Matcha flavored Fruity Pebbles would taste like. It was good, but not as good as Green Tea ice cream.
I love the color though. It’s perfect. 😉
Hi Mariko —
Budget offers a substantial discount if you’re a Costco member. You can only get this special deal if you phone in your reservation, however. It’s not available online.
sidestep.com is pretty awesome for travel price comparisons.
Don’t forget that 3rd party sites like sidestep, orbitz, expedia, and etc all tack on a $5 reservation fee.
Also, another vote for Hertz. I rented from them recently and noticed the next day that the bumper had some scrapes. Called in to report it so I wouldn’t get hit up with some horrid charges and they told me they don’t normally check for bumper scrapes nor do they charge for them. People usually scratch it up with their luggage. Return was really fast.
Hertz has coupons at AAA and Costco as well as their website. Let me know if you need any help in digging a few up. I have some codes for $20 off a weekend (Thurs-Mon) rental or weekly.
Lastly, renting from the “local neighborhood office” versus the airport can often save you mucho dinero due to airport taxes (like Seattle Airport, 11% ADDITIONAL tax). But that doesn’t work out for everyone, especially those coming and going at odd hours and for business people rather than fam/friends visit where some nice person will be your airport rides.
Ohoh, 1 more. If you’re a member of AAA, Sams, Costco, etc, be sure to get their special code number to plug into the company specific website or tell the reservationist when you call. These “member codes” and their associated special coupons can save you a LOT of money, but they don’t know are a club member unless you tell them.
I always go hotwire. You get unlimited mileage, anywhere you go. Other places will tell you that you will get unlimited mileage, but they really mean within your area, not wherever you want to go. and good rates, not to be beaten, that i can tell.
OK, first the Munki Munki and now I’m gone into a *$ (where I never go!) and gotten a Matcha Frap. I was hoping it would taste like Green Tea Ice Cream–the cool sweetness with the tea bite, but like Jenn I was disappointed. It was a vanilla shake that smelled like green tea. Not that there’s anything wrong with a vanilla shake! xxo
Forgot to tell you that the barista told me it was the 4th Green Tea Frap sold at that location (73rd & Columbus). Thought you’d want to know. xox Kay
Lol! I am an occasional lurker here on your blog and also (saddly) a Starbucks Barista. I have a trick for you-ask the barista to put an extra scoop of the matcha powder and only half of the “melon” syrup. They will know what I mean-trust me-it’s much better this way. If you want to be real technical you can say… “grande 2 pump melon 4 scoop matcha no whip green tea frappacino blended creme”. They will love you(-or be annoyed). I love your blog;-) Happy crafting!
Hi! Which is the taste of your frappuccino? I think we don’t have this one here at Starbuck’s Paris
Is there a Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf in your area? Their matcha ice blended is great – especially with soy milk.