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Permalink Reply by Jay Caragay on June 19, 2009 at 5:16am

Let's start with your goal of winning the latte art competition. If that's your goal then you need to apprentice with people that know latte art and how to make winning art. Can you move and work for them? Learn their skills? Certification programs are nice but do they really teach you how to be a professional barista? It's like cooks coming out of the Culinary Institute of America - they have basic skills but a cook with experience under excellent chefs is more likely to be a star contender than some culinary school grad.

Currently, the barista certifications out there are not worth my consideration as a barista and employer. The standards I set for myself and my baristas are higher than any certification. Consider that. Consider seeking out a mentor, an apprenticeship or employment for a barista with high standards and a tough/good work environment. Think about the kind of barista you want to be and seek out the leader who can help you get there.

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Permalink Reply by Joe Marrocco on June 19, 2009 at 9:19am

I agree with Jay. Apprenticeship is invaluable. I would also recommend reading some good books about coffee, (I.e. science, culture, management, etc...) If you are able to move, go get a job with a company that offers world lass training and coffees. Spend a lot of your time learning. Sites like this are great. But, remember that anyone can post anything on here. So only use information from a source that is trustworthy. A lot of posts on here will give you great info., but a lot will not. Coffeed.com, sweetmarias.com, etc...

Another thing that I would mention is for you to travel. Go to as many shops as you can. Cup with as many roasters as you can. Get to Stupmtown, Intelligentsia, PT's, Kaldi's (shameless plug), Zoka, Counter Culture, and so many more. This industry is full of people who will gush with info. when asked. We love to educate.

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Permalink Reply by Mike Spence on June 19, 2009 at 9:22am

Congrats on wanting to improve yourself and your art! I think all the suggestions are great as well. Also, don't rule out talking to Matt about the ABC School. . . click on the link at the right ----->
Good luck with all of it!

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Permalink Reply by Deferio on June 19, 2009 at 10:56am

Experience in a cafe is invaluable!
I agree with Jay in that academics can only get you so far.
Becoming a "certified" barista now will not be as impressive as becoming one later. That is...we are all trying to raise standards to make certification more meaningful...but certification will never be a guarantee that you are truly a professional.

Book recommendation: Soul of a Chef by Michael Ruhlman....it is a must read IMO for every barista and I recommend it to all the Coffee Institute students. An inside view of The Certified Master Chef exams at the CIA as well view inside Two great Restaurants run by non-certified Chefs.

The gritty work of becoming a professional happens in a great shop alongside great staff with a passionate desire to learn and do.
Schools can only really give you the tools, information and some experience...think of Coffee Schools as giving you the right trajectory for your trip into the pro-barista world. While it is great to go to school...you need the school of experience to become a true professional.
All the best top you on your journey!
-Chris Deferio

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Permalink Reply by Nathan Lyle Black on June 19, 2009 at 9:55pm

Tips on winning first at Millrock:

1. Practice. Practice. Practice.

2. Have someone who knows what they're doing watch you and give you feedback.

3. Wait until Chris Deferio isn't competing.

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Permalink Reply by Casha Garcia on June 19, 2009 at 11:37pm

I totally agree with you! I would like the certification just to have it, you know, it's like a college degree, you may not end up even doing what you got your degree in as a career but employers like to see that you at least have one. As far as moving, I don't think that is possible, my husband and I just got a house so... there goes that option out the door. But I am in CA, a growing part of the coffee industry and there are 2 great places within reasonable driving distance LaMill Coffee and Intelegensia that are well known for their outstanding baristas. I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to apprentice under someone because I too feel that that is the BEST way I am going to learn my craft and hone my skills the best, its like anything in life. I want to be the young grasshopper! :) If you know of anyone in the SoCal area who could help me out let me know... Thanks for the advice!! :) I'm on the prowl for a GREAT teacher!!!

Jay Caragay said:

Let's start with your goal of winning the latte art competition. If that's your goal then you need to apprentice with people that know latte art and how to make winning art. Can you move and work for them? Learn their skills? Certification programs are nice but do they really teach you how to be a professional barista? It's like cooks coming out of the Culinary Institute of America - they have basic skills but a cook with experience under excellent chefs is more likely to be a star contender than some culinary school grad.

Currently, the barista certifications out there are not worth my consideration as a barista and employer. The standards I set for myself and my baristas are higher than any certification. Consider that. Consider seeking out a mentor, an apprenticeship or employment for a barista with high standards and a tough/good work environment. Think about the kind of barista you want to be and seek out the leader who can help you get there.

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Permalink Reply by Casha Garcia on June 19, 2009 at 11:45pm

I looked into getting some books at my local public library a few weeks back but they don't have them, they didn't even come up on the radar when I searched for them in their data base... Looks like Amazon and Barnes and noble are going to be my only options at this point when it comes to the books, but I just don't have the cash right now to fit the bill. In time... I'm saving tips! :) You know how it goes...

I take everything with a grain of salt...if I get good and helpful info great, then I'm one step closer. If it's lame, non informative, etc. I pass right over it. Thanks for the heads up though! I'm definitely checking out websites, and looking for other places to go...getting out there into the mess of it all...getting dirty! That's the only way to really learn I think- immerse yourself into it and become one with what you want to be great at, it is only then one can truly achieve greatness! (Dang I sound lame... too much Star Wars or something)

Thanks for the reply!!! :)


Joe Marrocco said:

I agree with Jay. Apprenticeship is invaluable. I would also recommend reading some good books about coffee, (I.e. science, culture, management, etc...) If you are able to move, go get a job with a company that offers world lass training and coffees. Spend a lot of your time learning. Sites like this are great. But, remember that anyone can post anything on here. So only use information from a source that is trustworthy. A lot of posts on here will give you great info., but a lot will not. Coffeed.com, sweetmarias.com, etc...

Another thing that I would mention is for you to travel. Go to as many shops as you can. Cup with as many roasters as you can. Get to Stupmtown, Intelligentsia, PT's, Kaldi's (shameless plug), Zoka, Counter Culture, and so many more. This industry is full of people who will gush with info. when asked. We love to educate.

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Permalink Reply by Casha Garcia on June 19, 2009 at 11:49pm

Chris,

Thanks for the reply and the book suggestion. I'm adding it to my list of the many "must reads" in the barista world. :) I really want to become part of a coffee house that has the type of environment you speak of, and I know that that is what the owners of my company desire for the Daily Grind. It has SO FAR to go though...I know that they are extremely supportive, but I'm pretty sure that as long as I am here I'm not going to learn the real skills I desire... in time. One step at a time... I'm on my way which is what matters and I won't stop driving until I get there! Thanks again for the encouragement!

Deferio said:

Experience in a cafe is invaluable!
I agree with Jay in that academics can only get you so far.
Becoming a "certified" barista now will not be as impressive as becoming one later. That is...we are all trying to raise standards to make certification more meaningful...but certification will never be a guarantee that you are truly a professional.

Book recommendation: Soul of a Chef by Michael Ruhlman....it is a must read IMO for every barista and I recommend it to all the Coffee Institute students. An inside view of The Certified Master Chef exams at the CIA as well view inside Two great Restaurants run by non-certified Chefs.

The gritty work of becoming a professional happens in a great shop alongside great staff with a passionate desire to learn and do.
Schools can only really give you the tools, information and some experience...think of Coffee Schools as giving you the right trajectory for your trip into the pro-barista world. While it is great to go to school...you need the school of experience to become a true professional.
All the best top you on your journey!
-Chris Deferio

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Casha Garcia on June 19, 2009 at 11:51pm

1) Absolutely, Absolutely, Absolutely

2) Trying to find that person right now...

3) No @#$%ing kidding! :) hehehe

Nathan Lyle Black said:

Tips on winning first at Millrock:

1. Practice. Practice. Practice.

2. Have someone who knows what they're doing watch you and give you feedback.

3. Wait until Chris Deferio isn't competing.

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