Behind The Bar
This is going to be somewhat of a follow up of yesterday's post. Two years ago when I stumbled into coffee I quickly began to discover isn't as straightforward as I thought it was. Today I'd like to share a little bit of how it is like behind the bar from traditional coffee shops, small stands, cafes to owning my very own tiny shop. How Baristas are and how we as coffee enthusiasts should interact with Baristas to learn more from them.
- The Barista Life
Being a Barista isn't as simple as grinding some beans, adding some hot water and mixing with a certain portion of milk. Particularly in your local coffee shop down the road. There is a certain art involved in running a coffee shop. Mainly in the morn where most of us Baristas perform our "rituals" to try and provide our customers the best results our beans could potentially offer.
- A Pair of Skills
There is a distinct skill that Baristas tend to acquire after some time behind the bar. Which is to understand and be able to prepare the ideal cup of coffee. As well as being able to somehow prepare the perfect cup of coffee for each customer. It usually takes place during the 1 - 2-minute chit chat while the order takes place.
Another set of skills a Barista tends to pick up over time is to try to be able to produce the very best from each coffee batch that arrives. Which is extremely crucial when it comes to manual brewing whichever your method of choice. Since taste isn't something easily passed on to another, this skill requires one to be dedicated to coffee over time.
These two points I've conveyed above aren't all it takes to be a Barista. However, I do believe that both of these skills are what makes each Baristas shine in their own way.
- As A Customer
Looking for the perfect place to drink your daily dose of caffeine usually takes a whole lot of cafe jumping. Searching for the perfect cup and comfortable place with a Barista that isn't a prick for something you had nothing to do with. I'm here to tell you that you can relax. I can help you with a couple of those problems. Except if you're looking for that comfortable spot with the perfect light and temperature. We can't control how an owner of a coffee shop's decisions to decorate his coffee shop.
- Talk To The Barista
Even if you do know what you want to order, try to talk to the Barista and ask them what kind of beans do they have. Tell them what you would prefer to have and ask them how they would recommend it to try. That way, you can get that perfect cup you've been searching for. Even if it doesn't quite sit right with your palate, just let the Barista know how you felt about that cup. I can almost guarantee your next cup will be a lot more satisfying. By talking with the Barista you reduce the chances of the guy being a prick towards you and you get a more pleasurable cup of coffee.
- Conclusion
Just a few thoughts and words from a homemade Barista expressing his opinions with anybody interested in reading about this topic. I would like to thank you if you've read this far and would like to let you know that I really do appreciate it. I haven't really gone into any details on the Barista life. However if there is anything you would like to share or ask, don't be too afraid to leave a comment.
Oh and before I end this, I just need to mention that there is no need to ask for "extra" hot coffee! It's just ludicrous, have you ever heard of anybody asking for colder coffee? The temperature is exactly how it should be. There is no need to ask for a hotter or a colder coffee.