1. TELL US YOUR STORY, WHEN & WHERE DID YOUR JOURNEY WITH COFFEE BEGIN?
My journey started when I was working as a Food and Beverage Attendant at the Grace Hotel. A customer ordered a cappuccino and I had never made one before so I asked for some help. After that I practised and continued to make coffee for the customers but they were just standard coffees. Once I started at Lantern Club, I admired the great coffee and latte art that the team were making. I said to myself that I would like to learn to do the same.
2. WHAT MAKES A GOOD BARISTA?
A good Barista needs to have a passion for coffee and the motivation to continually perfect and build their skills. Aside from being able to make great coffee, they should have a positive and energetic personality which impacts their style and quality of service.
3. ANY FUNNY OR EMBARRASSING MOMENTS ON THE JOB?
Whilst I was still working at the hotel, a customer ordered a Vienna coffee. I had no idea what it was so I asked one of the staff members for help. He told me what was in it and how to make it. I followed his instructions but felt so embarrassed at the same time.
4. WHAT’S THE MOST UNUSUAL REQUEST YOU’VE HAD TO MAKE?
A customer asked for a latte with condensed milk. I had never heard of such a thing. I found the combination quite strange.
5. HAVE YOU SERVED ANYONE FAMOUS?
I have never served anyone famous but the most nerve-wracking experience I had was when I had to make coffee for a very important person (who shall remain nameless!). I was anxious to find out what they thought about my coffee. They commented that I make a very nice coffee. I felt very pleased with myself.
6. WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE COFFEE?
My favourite coffee is the hazelnut latte. I love the hazelnut and the creamy taste that it has.
7. WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE DESSERT?
Cheesecake and vanilla ice cream. Simply delicious!
8. ANY TIPS YOU WOULD LIKE TO GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO IS LOOKING INTO BECOMING A BARISTA?
Practise, practise and more practise! Never stop practising to learn and perfect your skills. Ignore your first ‘not so good’ attempts when you first start out haha; just keep practising and one day you will become a Barista that makes great coffee.
9. BESIDES COFFEE, WHAT OTHER INTERESTS OR HOBBIES DO YOU HAVE?
One of my hobbies is cooking. I love cooking food from my culture and I love to eat all kinds of food!
© Lantern Club, Roselands