I've tried the orange mango Vivanno. I wouldn't think they'd be substantially different between stores, but the two I've had were nowhere near watery. Both were very thick and creamy.
But yes, it feels a little weird buying a smoothie at a coffee store.
Buffalo, NY area:
Wasabi in Williamsville - Nigiri has generously draped portions of fish, a good but not wild selection of rolls. Teriyaki/tempura/etc entrees too, for an alternative to sushi. Opened recently, but the chef has been doing sushi in the area for a while. Nicer ambience than you'd expect from a restaurant in a plaza.
O, in Amherst - More of a club atmosphere, so they have interesting martinis available, and live music/dancing some nights. The sushi is good, and they're not afraid to make it spicy. A wider selection of rolls.
The smoked pork tenderloin with chipotle-bourbon sauce is really good too.
I actually loved the Banana Chocolate Vivanno from Starbucks. I tried the Jamba Juice equivalent and wasn't impressed. However, I do like Jamba's Chocolate Ice Cream smoothie.
The choc-banana with espresso is delicious, but maybe that's because i went in expecting a protein shake, not a milkshake. As a protein shake, it is head and shoulders above Slim Fast shakes and the like.
I had the Orange Mango Vivanno today with soy and 2 shots of espresso. It tasted, not like a milkshake, nor a smoothie.
I will probably do it again sometime, but I'm not salivating.
In Los Angeles, some stores are also selling "Sorbettos", which are smoothies made with Pinkberry yogurt or ice. I did try the mango sorbetto (with yogurt), and it was pretty yummy, creamy, tart, and fruity. But it did feel a bit weird not ordering a coffee or frapp.
I had a coupon for a free Vivanno/whatever. Tried the orange mango. Didn't like it. Too thick and milky.
Never tried a Jamba Juice smoothie but then I'm not a smoothie kind of person.
Think I'll just stick with my tall coffee with a little half and half.
It's the whey protein powder that is the flavor/texture/fake chocolate flavor you dislike so much. It is definitely an acquired taste. As someone who weight trains and regularly has protein shakes, I wonder if it would taste better to me. I add protein at Jamba Juice also.
My mom had one when we were at Starbucks the other day (I was just getting iced coffee), and she tried a sample and really liked it (she's difficult to please too). I didn't try it because I assumed it was just another sugary smoothie. Now that I know what it is, I think I'd actually like to try one.
I broke down and had the chocolate-banana thingy with an espresso shot this morning. After filling up the cup, half of it remained in the blender. So much for my caffeine. I'd have to rate it slightly better than chocolate milk, and certainly as something that I could make better at home. For $4.50, I'll pass.
Okay, back again. Since some folks seem to like the new Chocolate Banana Vivanno, I figured I'd give it another try. So I tasted some of my husbands this morning (he kinda likes them with a shot of espresso-he's not sure whether he'll keep buying then but says he does prefer the Fraps).
Though this one wasn't watery, I still wasn't impressed. My honest thought with the first sip was....this tastes like a chocolate Slim-Fast. Maybe it's the powder they add?
I still love having a Starbucks but I think I'll stick with the Fraps!
I think an Orange Julius would kick the Vivanno's butt tastewise plus they have about half the calories.
@frenetics, I had the pleasure of accompanying Erin on her Vivanno-procuring outing. I learned (Erin was already up on her Vivano info) that it is only available in one size--grande.
I liked the Moo'd more than Erin (with some peanut butter, it might have achieved awesomeness!).
I'm disappointed in Starbucks. How could they butcher the classic, happy combo that is chocolate and banana?
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