1. Tell us your story, when & where did your journey with coffee begin?
Ever since I came to Australia, I instantly fell in love with the first sip of an espresso. My first job was at Gloria Jeans. I learned to make a lot of cold beverages and an array of coffees. I had to measure the temperature every time I heated the milk and scale the weight of the coffee to make sure it had the right amount of froth. It was a great reward back to me after the hard work.
In the last 9 years, I’ve worked in many different cafes in Sydney, Surry Hills, Alexandria and Dee Why beach for a different experience. I the started at Lantern Club back in 2012 as a Barista.
2. What makes a good Barista?
Learning the knowledge and skills of a Barista is very important. A good Barista must know the products and equipment their using. For example at Lantern Club we use a Black Diamond coffee bean, which is rich and earthy, low in acidity with a thick long lasting crema, if the customer wants a weak coffee, I would need to reduce the espresso shot. Knowing what the customer wants is important. A good barista always needs to be aware of different customer requirements, extra strong, extra hot etc.
3. Any funny or embarrassing moments on the job?
I attended Hennessy Hot Cup Barista Competition back in 2013. I was so nervous, my hands were shaking during the competition. Luckily I had the support from my work colleagues.
4. What’s the most unusual request you’ve had to make?
Rice milk, weak decaf, extra hot, latte with extra froth.
5. Have you served anyone famous?
Brian Robson-ALP the mayor of Canterbury.
6. What’s your favourite coffee?
One of my signature coffees is a coconut affogato. Which is made with vanilla gelato, coconut cream, roasted shredded coconut, desiccated coconut and a espresso shot.
7. What’s your favourite dessert?
Caramelised Vanilla crème brûlée.
8. Any tips you would like to give to someone who is looking into becoming a Barista?
Use your heart to make every single cup of coffee/beverage.
9. Besides Coffee, what other interests or hobbies do you have?
Travelling different cities and countries. Going different restaurants and cafes to try their food and drinks to get some new ideas to create my own.
© Lantern Club, Roselands