I’m not sure if every Rewards member automatically gets this promotion, but I’m guessing so.

The inside of the Starbucks Reserve is like a mixed maze of graduation celebration.

But the saddest sight had to be this – the former location of Banana Republic.

For years, Banana Repeblic held that corner spot marking the near end of the mall before the Ewa Wing ever existed. More importantly, Banana served as the hidden pathway between the second and third levels using their wooden staircase.

Yes, the in-store Starbucks is once again brewing albeit with a stanchion-ed maze. There were even these new post-COVID19 cups.

Looking like a typical 12 fl oz can, the contents is only 9.6 fl oz so the can is light and you can tell there’s space inside.

Not very sweet, minimal nitro bubble feel to the drink.

Am I supposed to shake this? The directions on the back say to “Gently tilt can once…”

Nitrogen is on the ingredients list, albeit last.

Consistency is thin and definitely not creamy like an Ito-en canned drink. The entire can is only 45 Calories though.

Cost is high, around $4 per can?? Or was it 2 for $4? I would only get again if it were on sale.

Here’s a quick video of what it sounds like when the can is opened.

I’ll give you a clue. That cup was about half full a few seconds before the picture was taken.

Still stumped? Here’s another clue.

And here are better pictures of this all-too-real myth.

I must say the presentation of the iced version in the clear cup is very attractive.

The only draw back of this drink is how to best experience its flavor. This drink comes with the no-straw lid (the future of all cold Starbucks drinks) so without a straw to mix the cloud with the “ground,” the first few sips are all sweet foam, no espresso. So I gave in, got a straw, and mixed everything together. The drink is pretty good. Nothing exceptionally different from other espresso-based drinks but tasty and looks great. Of course, I need to conduct a few more tests to come to my final disposition of this drink

The drink was okay but nothing memorable. But then again, since I was on the road, I didn’t take a sip for about 10 minutes.

A few hours later, I get an email from Nordstrom. I had ordered a pair of Air Jordan 1, Shadow colorway at a discount earlier in the week. Sometimes Nordstrom surprises me with what they carry, and they were clearing out the black and gray AJ1. After much refreshing and retries on their online store, my order successfully went through with a confirmation email. Well I guess a Nordstrom confirmation email is easily reversed with a cancellation email.

Dammit, Air Jordan loss number two of the day!! The day was just about a bust except for one saving grace at Starbucks. I hadn’t paid attention to their ads, but I scored a BOGO offer in the afternoon.

So I had two Caramel Macchiatos, one for each AJ1 I missed out on.

Since when did the Google Starbucks Wi-Fi service start this authentication system? I’m used to selecting the Wi-Fi network then surfing the Internet.

I’m not really sure how this works as well. At a different location, I didn’t see this screen, but I still had to pick the network (same behavior as before). More of a security measure?

The Starbucks Reserve Roastery location in the Waikiki Trade Center is the only place in all of America where you can order a Haupia Nitro. Yup, that’s a nitro cold brew infused with a coconut blended mixture. The walls of the special Reserve cup are lined with condensed milk (I think), and the finished drink looks like this.

Like any other Nitro cold brew, this drink is amped on caffeine. The taste is kinda strong for my preferences, but the haupia mellows it out overall. This is an expensive libation though, coming in at $6 for a grande, but keep in mind that since there’s no ice added, it’s all unadulterated coffee.

If the Haupia Nitro is not for your palette, be sure to check out the other unique menu items at the only Reserve Roastery in Hawaii.

Or better yet, ask the barista for a recommendation, and let her photobomb her creation for you.

Though with the contents of the boxes known, there’s no anticipation. No anticipation means half the fun is gone, but yet knowing is half the battle. So where does that leave us?!?! Confused, I guess.

My latest Starbucks obsession is the Nitro Freddo. This drink starts with nitro cold brew on tap. Then it’s topped off with a dark caramel foam and a sprinkle of what looks like Starbucks instant VIA coffee.

Alone, the Nitro Cold Brew is a potent drink – highly caffeinated and all coffee flavor. The Freddo balances the cold brew with that wonderful foam. If possible, don’t savor the drink and let it sit. Drink the layers as is before everything dissolves together and enjoy the waves of flavor.

Unfortunately, this drink is only available at two locations on Oahu – Waikiki and Nuuanu. Yup, the Nitro Cold Brew is only on tap at these two stores. And this drink is expensive with a grande coming in around $5.70. But since the drink has no ice, it’s all Nitro Cold Brew, but it does get lukewarm quickly. Also, this drink has its own special lid made for sipping, not for straws.

It’s foamy on top, and it doesn’t come sweetened or with any kind of milk or cream. According to the barista, it’s the most caffeinated drink on their menu, and I believe it. After a few sips, I started getting a headache that I tend to encounter after too much caffeine throughout the day. But did I feel more awake and alert.

The Nuuanu Shopping Plaza has gotten a resurgence with the arrival of Starbucks. Before whenever I would drive by, the parking lot had some cars, but the smallish lot is now packed with Starbucks patrons I’m guessing. The lot was completely full yesterday afternoon with several cars jockeying for an open stall. But as one of the few Starbucks serving Nitro Cold Brew, you gotta go and make a visit.

Other matcha items I should have tried…

Ah heck, I wish I tried these non-matcha goodies as well…

Missing the different items available in Starbucks Japan…

Today was surely a day of unicorns where not one, but two proverbial unicorns made an appearance. First off, Starbucks really did launch their magical Unicorn Frappuccino today.

Yup, it’s pink, purple, and blue and looks absolutely crazy! But, the taste is anything but crazy. Heck, it’s even not as sweet as it looks. Sure, there’s sugar galore, but it’s not so bad that you’re done after a few sips. Despite this drink’s outlandish appearance, you’ll taste vanilla. Colored vanilla, but vanilla nonetheless. The sour raspberry swirl does add a much needed kick for contrast, but there’s not enough of it. You’ll quickly go back to vanilla. There’s a tinge of fruity flavor, but I wouldn’t have said mango if I didn’t already know that. Fun and frivolous, but it’s one and done for me.

The second unicorn of the day occurred while waiting at a traffic stop light. Check this out.

See that old school Toyota Servco bag? I haven’t seen one in years since I was a teenager. I had a black one with the silver panels. Such memories of stuffing sporting equipment and anything else in the bag. No pockets, no dividers, no compartments, just one cavern of space. Okay, really, it wasn’t the greatest bag, but the memories! I guess these bags are still made, or is this really an unicorn sighting?