A QUIET MORNING AT STARBUCKS RESERVE RESORTS WORLD SENTOSA

{wearing: trf jacket, cotton on romper, far east sandals}

I know quiet mornings and Starbucks doesn't quite go hand in hand but I kid you not when I say that's what I just had today. I spent a good two hours chilling at the plush chairs of Starbucks Reserve in Resorts World Singapore, savouring my breakfast and reading my book. Before you send me hate mail on being one of those inconsiderate people that hog up Starbucks at peak hour, in my defense, it was early (opening time, to be exact!) and it wasn't busy (yet).

Since it was all the way in Sentosa, the morning wasn't buzzing with chatter from neighbourhood locals as it was out of the way and the only folks who dropped by were those staying in the nearby hotels grabbing a quick breakfast before they start their sightseeing. Maybe because it was far and a Sunday on top of that, students working on assignments were also nowhere to be found. For a while there, the commercially renowned chain felt like a quaint cafe. I attribute this to the location and the period I was there, so don't go hating when you go there and it's packed. 

Starbucks Reserve has all the elements of a typical Starbucks branch - earthy interiors, cozy furniture, souvenir merchandise, and their typical coffee and pastry menu.

However, it does have a little extra punch: the Starbucks Reserve. What the hell is the Starbucks Reserve? It is basically exotic, rare & exquisite coffee according to the photo above, harhar.

You get to choose a specialized bean as well as how you want your coffee made: Clover, Chemex, Pour Over, or French Press. 

Got to choose between Kona, Sumatra, and Zambia beans. Had the Zambia which, according to the coffee master, has fruity, cinnamon, and vanilla notes.

Starbucks Coffee Master, Syima, preparing my Zambia pour over. She said that although it's similar to drip coffee, it was a different style altogether. This way of brewing produces a cleaner, more acidic taste according to her.

Ready for my first sip! She suggested I first drink the coffee black so I can taste its full flavor. I ended up not putting milk and sugar for the whole drink, unusual for me coz I like my coffee sweet. It was a real good pick me upper. :)

In Manila, Starbucks serves the waffle with whip cream and chocolate syrup; here, they offer butter and fruit jam. Really happy they gave me a more than generous serving of whip cream to make my breakfast complete.

Sunday morning essentials: coffee, book, and my phone.

Guys, I am happy to announce that after almost 10 years, I have finally finished reading Love in the time of Cholera. I bought it because of the movie Serendipity and further research said that it was one of the greatest love stories of all time. Heck, it's even Ted Mosby's favorite! The writing style takes some time to get a hang of, but like Shakespeare, once you've gotten the hang of it, you can breeze through it. To be clear, it took me a long time and around 200 pages to get the hang of it - various attempt at different years included. I have to share Robin Scherbatsky's sentiments on this one: Love in a time of don't bother-a. Although the finally getting together in old age is romantic,  I don't like Florentino Ariza. But, I'd let you read through it and form your own opinion.

If you haven't already, you should go check out Starbucks Reserve in Resorts World. It's perfect for early morning quiet time as the staff and the interiors are very accommodating. The Reserve coffee is not bad, but if you'd rather have your usual, they offer it here too. It's located at: The Forum, 26 Sentosa Gateway #01-202 Singapore 098138.

xx