Food Review: Starr Shakes

by Jaudric Matias

I’m not one to visit shakeries often (and yes I coined that because I have no idea what to call a restaurant that primarily sells milk shakes—if you do, send us a tweet at @CompSAt), but Starr’s Famous Shakes was absolutely worth the trip.  Folks, if you want a delicious way to drown your sorrows with dairy products, this is most definitely it.

Located near the corner of Esteban Abada and Rosa Alvero, this shakery is close to hangouts along Katipunan—a distance that’s totally walkable for the frugal or thirsty.  It’s easily recognizable due to a huge sign close to the road with bright and easily recognizable colors—I wouldn’t worry about getting lost.  Stepping through the glass doors, you’ll immediately find yourself in a quaint room with enough space for fourteen customers—a far cry from the shoe cabinet that is Cha Dao Tea Place.  Starr’s projects a very minimalist but relaxing atmosphere, with its grey walls, yellow lights, and oil-pastel inspired pictures on the wall—perfect for those afternoons where you just want to sit down with your friends and forget your worries.

And forget them you will because these are some of the finest milkshakes a deity has ever bestowed upon man.

Starr’s specializes in serving two types of shakes: make-your-own or pre-selected.  You can’t go wrong with both—as long as you’re careful with your custom selections, as is the case whenever customized drinks are served.  The only complaint I have is with the way their shakes are named.  If you were to ask me for a recommendation, I’d say order the one with caramel or the one with the cookie dough.  Why?  Because of this: “Caramel, banana, and something-something” or “Caramel and Cookie Dough”—and I may or may not be missing a word in there somewhere.  I was hard-pressed to remember the names.  Why choose such obscure, unimaginative names for such memorable, delicious shakes?  Perhaps to balance the universe by pitting the forces of delicious shakes and atrocious labels against each other?  The reason escapes me.

Now onto the most important part: what the shakes actually taste like.  Firstly, I ordered a custom banana shake with mint chocolate and Butterfingers.  DISCLAIMER: This drink, according to my sister and brother who came along, was a horrible combination.  I disagree; the sweetness of the Butterfinger and the mint chocolates added an interesting twist to the sour shake.  But to be safe, I emphasize that you be careful with what you order.  On the other hand, the two drinks they ordered above were definitely some of the best they had ever had.  My brother described his as “comforting, sweet, and rejuvenating,” my sister called hers a “refreshing, delicious, and flavorful summer treat.”  I was only able to steal a sip from either drink, but I have to say I agree.  The drinks remind me of the smoothness of a cool night mingled with the explosive flavor of downtown night-life.

In short, just… Wow!

I cannot suggest enough that you go visit this place—it’s not a long walk from campus and it’s definitely worth it.  Bring your friends!  Kill time!  Relax!  But just remember to take notes or you might forget the name of the shake you ordered.