barista trainer, coffee roaster, home barista, coffee enthusiast, industry professional, consultant, entrepreneur
Where are you located? ( City and Country )
Dallas, TX
How many years have you been in the industry?
~7.. feels like more, and feels like less.
If you are a barista or shop, are you interested in a barista exchange with another coffee shop/barista?
maybe
Tell us more about your coffee shop or barista skills.
I'm not necessarily interested in an exchange any time soon, but I am interested in keeping pulse on the industry.
One day, that may change.
It's hard to "exchange" with someone when you are a sole proprietor.
What cities or countries are you interested in traveling to?
I'm pretty open to suggestions, usually.
About Me:
I am a staff member of Barista Exchange, and as such, I would like to remind everyone to read the Acceptable Use Policy & Content Moderation document Acceptable Use Policy & Content Moderation (Click)
I have worked as a barista trying to improve quality for awhile. When I noticed this just wasn't doing the job, I ventured out on my own to do independent training and consulting to help improve the quality in the area. It's slow-going, but catching on.
I also run a Texas Coffee industry community at http://tx-coffee.com . If you live in/visit Texas, and you work in coffee, you need to visit this site.
"I'm just in it for the coffee"
About My Company:
EspressoTrainer.com
Improving Coffee...
One Cup at a Time
AJ Coffee Company is a wholesale and web retail specialty coffee roasting business in Dallas, TX. Fresh, Fair, Delicious is our mantra. Tasting is believing.
and
AJ Coffee Company
Artisan Coffee Roasters
I also own: Texas Coffee People (TX-Coffee.com)
What is your favorite thing about the coffee industry?
You bet I went! I was so stoked to go! I had a ton of fun. Vince, Colter and the gang were awesome. We got together with Senor Prince and rocked the town like no other. It was an awesome experience!
It's a Latte ART Throwdown, you want to drink three latte's from each barista go for it, I'll make sure to pull you a great shot for each one. But yes really, we are judging ART- hints the name.
Jason, my sincerest apologies. We have been one of the few shops that have been open in Houston since the hurricane and we have been a little stressed out. I am embarrassed with my immature response; I really make it a point not to act that stupid most of the time.
I agree with you completely about not sacrificing the quality of the beverage to accomplish better art. It is something that we stand by at Catalina, the focus is on preparing a great beverage and maximizing the potential of both the espresso and the milk. As far as contrast as part of the competition, it is not based on intentionally pulling a bad shot for better contrast, instead controlling your pour as to not disturb the crema and have a crisper design at the completion of your pour.
Again, my apologies and I hope that there are no hard feelings. I appreciate the things that you do for the industry.
Jason, I have a friend living out in Austin, TX. He likes good coffee and I know you are the one to turn to for a shop/roastery recommendation. Can you set a brother up?
So you ready for the amazing fun and coffee love that will be Halloween '08? By the way I'm with sbux again at 121, we got our close date Oct.22. I'm workin a shit load between there a waitin tables. I however don't think I will be with them after our close date... it will be great to see you in Austin! I'm bringin it!
Hi Jason. I thought of you today when we finally added a Trad Capp to our menu. Double in a 6oz cup. For here only, no modifications. Just thought I'd share that. Thanks for the push. b
It was nice to meet you at the SCRBC. Sorry we didn't get a chance to connect or chat for too long, but hopefully soon. Texas is big, but we can overcome that slightly irrelevant geographic hurdle.
Thanks Jason. It's actually a pre-roast blend with a lite-French roast with another single origin medium roast coffee added - post roast. We get a lot of compliments on it.
I'd like to learn more about what you do there.
Thanks, and best wishes.
Bob
It's getting crazy up here. NWRBC is slowly gaining momentum. I have been training new employees at Trabant, and ontop of that, having to train for regionals is making my free time short and sweet. But it's going good.
Went by frosted java today, just to say hey welcome to the 'hood. It still looks like Dunn Bros. we will see. If it stays open long enough it will be good to see some art here in DFW, they are wanting art to be their draw... i'm still worried bout the name and the art connection ( lack of ) Either way its a step in the right direction for Snotty frisco.
Pretty good man. Taking it easy this year, focusing on school and trying to get done as soon as possible. I just scored a sweet deal on a commercial machine and enjoying all the goodness that comes with that. :) One of the groups needs a new solenoid, and I need to have it descaled, but it's still pretty awesome. What have you been up to?
Bleh. I'm bummed I wasn't able to make it out to CF Chicago. I was suppose to compete in Millrock, but that fell through. I'm currently trying to find another cafe to work at, it's proving to be rougher than I thought, the economy is so crappy. How goes all things Haeger-like?
Hi Jason! My business partner (and boyfriend) is also named Jason! :) I do have a lot to do in the next few months! I am very excited and very overwhelmed. Thank you so much for your offer for help--I will definitely keep your e-mail address handy. I posted a discussion in hopes of finding out people's favorite brands of machines, syrups, chocolate, etc. If you feel like commenting that would be a huge help! I really want to hear as many as opinions as I can before I start ordering! It's titled "Just Getting Started."
Soulard is one of the coolest parts of the city. We held the MWRBC down there at the old Soulard Preservation Hall. Beautiful. June... maybe. Sounds great. Please do keep me posted. So you roast as well... Nice. Do you like it? Pretty hard work! Surprisingly hard!! Anyway... ramble ramble. Later!!
Sorry to hear you won't be able to come down for the Smackdown on Saturday, but thanks for throwing it up on your site and spreadin' the word. If this goes well enough, we plan to make it a monthly event, the last Saturday of every month. Keep it alive in Texas!
Sales are up a little bit. My cold brew coffee is a big hit. So not too bad considering I have competition down the street from me now. They are horrible, but nonetheless people still go to them.
Hey-
I'm headed to Austin, TX in the next few weeks, I'm moving there in May. What coffee shops should I check out while I'm there? I've been there once before but I wasn't able to check out any shops
Great to meet sincere Pro's like yourself. Other than a little SCAA workshop barista training from Matt the host of this site I have taught myself most machine and milk work. I can't wait for some serious milk steaming/ art work from a trainer of your caliper.
Hey, Jason! Yeah, I find this format a bit more tedious. There are a ton of Facebook/Myspace-type features that really have nothing to do with the conversation, and that tends to lead to FB adn MS kind of interactions. I still have a bit of an issue not being able to PM someone without committing to a friend relationship. And someone I never heard of or from wants me to be their friend? Uhm, do I *KNOW* you?
Maybe I'm just old fashioned, maybe just getting old, I dunno... But, hey, thanks for the backup on the mypressi thread. You should get one. It;'s cheap, it's easy, and at really will make you look long and hard at the ten or fifteen grand worth of sheetmetal and milled brass sitting at your shop. I swear, have your two favorite baristi play with it for an hour, and then have one pull you shots with it while the other uses his favorite commercial machine. It'll blow you away.
Hello Jason. Thanks for your interest. We can get you green Costa Rican coffee from Costa Rica. However, have you seen the prices? The difference is minimal as opposed to roasted coffee. If you are still interested, let me know, send me an email to claudia@cafedonvittorio.us and we can discuss your interests!
Alex Negranza
B.T.W. I also looove micro-fiber cloths.
Aug 21, 2008
Max Gonzalez
Sep 16, 2008
Max Gonzalez
I agree with you completely about not sacrificing the quality of the beverage to accomplish better art. It is something that we stand by at Catalina, the focus is on preparing a great beverage and maximizing the potential of both the espresso and the milk. As far as contrast as part of the competition, it is not based on intentionally pulling a bad shot for better contrast, instead controlling your pour as to not disturb the crema and have a crisper design at the completion of your pour.
Again, my apologies and I hope that there are no hard feelings. I appreciate the things that you do for the industry.
-Max
Sep 17, 2008
Russ Warren
Sep 25, 2008
Andy Newbom
Sep 27, 2008
Al Soto
Oct 1, 2008
JohnP
Oct 1, 2008
Ashlind
Oct 4, 2008
Ashlind
Oct 8, 2008
Mike
Oct 10, 2008
JIm Saborio
Oct 14, 2008
Sean Marshall
Oct 23, 2008
Brady
Nov 5, 2008
Lorenzo Perkins
Nov 7, 2008
Steve MacDowall
Nov 17, 2008
Bob Arceneaux
I'd like to learn more about what you do there.
Thanks, and best wishes.
Bob
Nov 17, 2008
Alex Negranza
Nov 19, 2008
Alex Negranza
Nov 19, 2008
Alex Negranza
Nov 19, 2008
Chris Dodson
Nov 20, 2008
Chris Dodson
Nov 20, 2008
Ashlind
Dec 8, 2008
Al Soto
Dec 9, 2008
The Barista Formerly Known As JavaJ
Dec 16, 2008
The Barista Formerly Known As JavaJ
Dec 16, 2008
Rich Abker
philosopher Jason Haeger 8-)
Jan 2, 2009
James Doyle
Feb 4, 2009
Ben Kaminsky
Feb 16, 2009
Alex Negranza
Feb 22, 2009
CoffeeBuzzMN
THANKS!
Mar 6, 2009
Joe Marrocco
Mar 11, 2009
Joe Marrocco
Mar 11, 2009
Imbibe Magazine
Mar 19, 2009
Lorenzo Perkins
Mar 22, 2009
Polecon-barista tool manufacture
Mar 23, 2009
Joe Marrocco
Apr 3, 2009
Al Soto
Jun 11, 2009
Al Soto
Jun 11, 2009
Maggie Cook
I'm headed to Austin, TX in the next few weeks, I'm moving there in May. What coffee shops should I check out while I'm there? I've been there once before but I wasn't able to check out any shops
Oct 2, 2009
Joseph Robertson
Dec 1, 2009
Latria Roberts
Dec 2, 2009
Lauren Kathleen Hodges
Jan 14, 2010
Adrian Huber
Jan 19, 2010
Miranda Cole
Jan 19, 2010
Jennifer Vourlos
Jan 20, 2010
Mark J. Stone, PhD, CPC
Jan 21, 2010
Chris
Maybe I'm just old fashioned, maybe just getting old, I dunno... But, hey, thanks for the backup on the mypressi thread. You should get one. It;'s cheap, it's easy, and at really will make you look long and hard at the ten or fifteen grand worth of sheetmetal and milled brass sitting at your shop. I swear, have your two favorite baristi play with it for an hour, and then have one pull you shots with it while the other uses his favorite commercial machine. It'll blow you away.
Jan 21, 2010
Alicia (Mini)
Feb 10, 2010
Pete Forde
Aug 10, 2010
Claudia Cabezas
Feb 6, 2011