Pillar to Post: COFFEE BEANS & BEINGS / STARBUCKS GREATEST VIEWS

Saturday, August 27, 2016

COFFEE BEANS & BEINGS / STARBUCKS GREATEST VIEWS

Chapultepec Reforma, Mexico City

It’s summer. Time to be outdoors (heat and bugs allowing) to enjoy a cup of coffee. Starbucks marketing put together a package of images showing several terrific patios attached to a few of its 28,000 outlets in 73 countries.

American tourists may head for the local coffee shops, but trust me after a week or two away you’ll return to the taste consistency of Starbucks.

Like Starbucks or not in the end you get what you order. And, that’s not always the case with baristas del mundo.

Chapultepec Reforma, Mexico City

At the Chapultepec Reforma Starbucks in Mexico City, customers can sip and sway in the store’s lush garden patio. Located within the Bosque de Chapultepec, the largest park in Latin America, the store blurs the line between the interior and exterior, with trees growing from the floor and layers of planters throughout the space. Woven outdoor furniture, inspired by traditional Mayan hammocks, offer a unique place to unwind.

Prague Castle, Czech Republic

For a majestic view, perhaps nothing can compare to the Starbucks at Prague Castle, one of the largest ancient castles in the world. From the 10th century, it has been the seat of the head of state – by princes, kings, rulers of the Holy Roman Empire, and now the president of the Czech Republic. Near the entrance to the historic castle is a Starbucks store with a beautiful panorama of the city. From the stone terrace, you can enjoy a cup of coffee with the red-tiled roofs and green domes of the city below.

Kadikoy, Istanbul (Asia side)

Each day, dozens of ferries crisscross Istanbul’s Bosphorus Strait, shuttling passengers east and west between Asia and Europe. Watch the hustle and bustle of these passages from the rooftop deck of the three-story Kadikoy Starbucks store on the eastern (Asia) side of the straight. The store takes inspiration from the aesthetic of the boats and the ferry buildings, with local marble, brass details, terrazzo flooring and a teak-like iroko wood.

Bebeck, Istanbul (Euro side)

Cross over the Bosphorus to the Bebek Starbucks and catch another stunning view from the European side of the city.

Tianfu Riverfront, Chengdu, China

Perhaps nothing is more peaceful than the sound of a gentle river. At the Tianfu Riverfront Starbucks store in Chengdu, China, customers can enjoy a cup of coffee along the Jinjiang River. The location is composed of two freestanding buildings with a river-facing balcony designed to take advantage of the scenic view. Architectural elements such as sliding windows and doors help to create visual relationships between the two spaces and connect customers as the river rolls on by.

Ni Box, Monaco

Begin your sight seeing of remarkable Monaco than atop Starbuck’s new Ni Box entertainment center. The space, nestled between the legendary Monte Carlo Casino and the sea, is surrounded by raised terrace areas that offer beautiful views of the Mediterranean. Expansive sails offer shade from the sun and echo the sailboats passing by.

Franklin Roosevelt Villa, Casablanca, Morocco

In the North African coastal city of Casablanca, visitors to the Starbucks store in Franklin Roosevelt Villa can enjoy a quiet afternoon sipping coffee amidst the villa’s luscious green garden and landscaping. The modern Mediterranean design features spaces to appeal to groups of friends, colleagues, families, singles and couples with canopied banquet-lounge group seating and European alfresco style arrangements. It’s the perfect place to listen to the bubbling fountains and distant sea.

EDITOR’S CHOICE:

Below are the Starbucks patio favorites of the staff at Pillar to Post blog (www.pillartopost.org)

Central Station, Downtown Stockholm

Busy, Architecturally fabulous. Nice size.

Edificio Generali, Calle de Alcala, Madrid (above)

Interesting image from Netherlands photographer Jorke Willemse off of his Jorke.com blog. This is such a wonderful people watching Starbucks, especially from late afternoon to late evening.