Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Paul Yates on November 18, 2009 at 1:04pm

I didn't get to spend much time over at Dilworth's with you, but my time at Counter Culture was very rewarding. I think the focus on the basics of our industry emphasized the importance to know our coffee, know our equipment, and know our customers. Hands-on practice under the tutelage of an experienced barista, or even a legend like Chris Deferio or Ben Helfen, is a great thing. I felt like I was the least experienced barista there, due to a lack of practical hands-on pulling and pouring, but I always felt that my questions and earnest fumbling attempts were not looked down on. Rather, I got lots of encouragement and helpful advice. Of course, at events like this, you get the cream of the crop, not the people that have superiority issues.

I would like to see some resources with detailed "how to" instructions on manual brewing methods, maybe videos. Something like Julia Childs cooking shows. :) That way I could watch and follow along, rather than waiting for the next Jam or for when I generate enough moolah to go take some classes somewhere.

Permalink Reply by Brady on November 18, 2009 at 5:45pm

Paul Yates said:

...I would like to see some resources with detailed "how to" instructions on manual brewing methods, maybe videos. Something like Julia Childs cooking shows. :) That way I could watch and follow along, rather than waiting for the next Jam or for when I generate enough moolah to go take some classes somewhere.

They are on the way...

Re: the other stuff, glad you felt that way. Its what we were going for.

Permalink Reply by Katie Cline on November 19, 2009 at 3:45pm

Trust me, we were there to learn as well. Experience comes from attending events like these, making as much contact as possible with other baristas, pulling as many shots on as many different machines as possible, and listening to as much advice as others are willing to give (and knowing what advice to discard!). ;)

I thought it was an amazing weekend and can't wait for the next event. It's times like this that renew my passion and remind me why I wake up at 4:30am every morning to do what I do. I could be using my college degree, but passion and enjoyment outweigh it in the end. I am happy to have met everyone that I was able to shake hands with and hope I didn't make too much of an ass out of myself when the wine hit. ;)

Overall, an ultimate success.

Paul Yates said:

I didn't get to spend much time over at Dilworth's with you, but my time at Counter Culture was very rewarding. I think the focus on the basics of our industry emphasized the importance to know our coffee, know our equipment, and know our customers. Hands-on practice under the tutelage of an experienced barista, or even a legend like Chris Deferio or Ben Helfen, is a great thing. I felt like I was the least experienced barista there, due to a lack of practical hands-on pulling and pouring, but I always felt that my questions and earnest fumbling attempts were not looked down on. Rather, I got lots of encouragement and helpful advice. Of course, at events like this, you get the cream of the crop, not the people that have superiority issues.

I would like to see some resources with detailed "how to" instructions on manual brewing methods, maybe videos. Something like Julia Childs cooking shows. :) That way I could watch and follow along, rather than waiting for the next Jam or for when I generate enough moolah to go take some classes somewhere.

Permalink Reply by Jason Dominy on November 19, 2009 at 3:46pm

Katie, you had wine Saturday night? ;-)

Katie Cline said:

Trust me, we were there to learn as well. Experience comes from attending events like these, making as much contact as possible with other baristas, pulling as many shots on as many different machines as possible, and listening to as much advice as others are willing to give (and knowing what advice to discard!). ;)

I thought it was an amazing weekend and can't wait for the next event. It's times like this that renew my passion and remind me why I wake up at 4:30am every morning to do what I do. I could be using my college degree, but passion and enjoyment outweigh it in the end. I am happy to have met everyone that I was able to shake hands with and hope I didn't make too much of an ass out of myself when the wine hit. ;)

Overall, an ultimate success.

Paul Yates said:

I didn't get to spend much time over at Dilworth's with you, but my time at Counter Culture was very rewarding. I think the focus on the basics of our industry emphasized the importance to know our coffee, know our equipment, and know our customers. Hands-on practice under the tutelage of an experienced barista, or even a legend like Chris Deferio or Ben Helfen, is a great thing. I felt like I was the least experienced barista there, due to a lack of practical hands-on pulling and pouring, but I always felt that my questions and earnest fumbling attempts were not looked down on. Rather, I got lots of encouragement and helpful advice. Of course, at events like this, you get the cream of the crop, not the people that have superiority issues.

I would like to see some resources with detailed "how to" instructions on manual brewing methods, maybe videos. Something like Julia Childs cooking shows. :) That way I could watch and follow along, rather than waiting for the next Jam or for when I generate enough moolah to go take some classes somewhere.

Permalink Reply by James Spano on November 28, 2009 at 10:10pm

It was cool.