As I was only a few blocks away, I stopped by the Manhattan Juan Valdez Cafe for a second visit. It seems to me that they still need to work on their institutional handbook - they were repeating orders rather than demonstrating a process for keeping the orders straight. Not a problem on a leisurely mid-afternoon, but a potential disaster during the morning rush.

On the coffee front, I have to say that I was pleased. But I still contend that the Juan Valdez Cafe needs to be more than just good coffee. It is the overall experience that we remember and the overall impression that brings us back. Once isolated good elements raise our expectations, it is important that nothing bring us down. Starbucks has taught me to expect a certain efficiency from my coffee shop. The Juan Valdez Cafe needs to step up to meet that bar.