Author Nathan Heller in August penned a memorable tribute based on a taste test comparing Starbucks to McDonald’s and Dunkin' Donuts. Scoring by six colleagues of black brewed coffee and cappuccinos attracted hundreds of reader comments. The resulting article was forwarded to tens of thousands of friends of readers often with a "told you so" note.

You can read how he and his colleagues determined that Dunkin' is the best but whether you agree or disagree give Nathan a pat on the back for noting the inherent weakness in any chain-prepared brew.