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Samantha Bako

Female

Cleveland, OH

United States

Profile Information:

What is your position in the coffee industry?: barista, barista trainer, coffee enthusiast
Where are you located? ( City and Country ): Cleveland, OH
How many years have you been in the industry?: I wasn't born, I was brewed.
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.: There's so much to learn and be amazed by. My favorite coffees are peaberries, mostly because peaberry is the best word ever, but also because they are tasty. I'm inclined more toward single origins than blends. I love cupping and tasting, with coffee AND tea.

I'm still getting the hang of good latte art, proper shots, and successful blending. I had the distinct pleasure of serving as a sensory judge for last year's GLRBC, and it was an amazingly educative experience. I'm hardcore planning to compete this year, but more importantly, I can't wait to apply what I've learned.

The coffee shop I work in is located on Coventry in Cleveland (SPROHIO!), where we serve the almighty french press or melitta, in addition to beautiful, delicious loose leaf teas (Loose leaf tickles my soul). Come holla at us if you're in town, or visit one of the other incredibly awesome Phoenixes. In fact, if you're in Cleveland, I highly recommend the Tour De Phoenix.
What cities or countries are you interested in traveling to?: Any and every. I would love to visit various sources, see tea plantations in India or China, fondle peaberries in El Salvador or follow the umbilical cord into Ethiopia.
About Me:: I am consumed by ridiculous levels of passion and geekish exactitude about coffee and tea. I want to know it on a cellular level. I have looked into the eye of God, and it was tiger striped and flecked with hazelnut tones and a reflection of red.

Okay, maybe I'm taking it too far.

I'm such a sproho.

PS I am also a Twitterholic. You can find me there as TytoAlba323.
About My Company:: I work for Phoenix Coffee in Cleveland, OH. It is a shiny little cradle of inspiration and life, and I'm grateful for every day I spend in the cafe at Coventry. Companies that genuinely allow and encourage creativity and ambition in their employees are few and far between.
What is your favorite thing about the coffee industry?: The global nature of it.
Website:: http://thesurlybarista.wordpress.com

Comment Wall:

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Emily Kryska

Thank you so much. I had a really fun time!

Mar 13, 2009
Phil Proteau

Hi Samantha, the Jam was much fun for me also. We are going to amp it up for next year, hope you come back.

Jun 26, 2009
Mick Evans

Aug 17, 2010