This Seattle interior designer waited in anticipation for the opening of the new concept SBUX since last July. You see, it’s just blocks away from my condo in Capitol Hill. Over the weekend, I saw the signage placed on the building. This afternoon I mingled with a busy after hours group sampling wine, beer, ‘reserve’ coffees and a new menu of appetizers. As this is opening week, the venue was active, inside and out.

After a quick introduction from friendly Kris Engskov, regional vice president, I was oriented and perused the layout, food and seating and then took a seat at the ‘wine bar’. As usual, Starbucks personnel are gracious, helpful, knowledgeable so I was on my way. The menu isn’t deep for food or beverages but represents excellent selections of food, wine and beer that are mostly regional and local. (We do have great wine and beer in the Northwest!) I also liked the calorie count next to the food selections including the double chocolate brownie, 530 calories. Of course, we don’t count calories for beer and wine.

Certainly to be popular is is outdoor patio (heaters coming) which wraps around the building. Most tables were filled tonight.

As for the decor, I suggest you bring your color since there is virtually none. We’re talking monochromatic brown… lots of exposed wood, brown leather, wood ceilings. I understand a LEED certification is forthcoming. Thank you SBUX! I was told the lighting is LED but I will confirm the LEED components in a later blog.

This is a great compliment to the vision of SBUX. I totally applaud them for stretching the boundaries of a ‘coffee concept’ in an urban setting.