Lydia Stolper’s Post

Unleash the secrets of the world of baristas! Ever wondered what being a barista truly entails? It's not just about brewing coffee - it's an intricate art that blends skills, precision, and a love for coffee. Dive into the realm of baristas where they masterfully craft coffee and enlighten us on coffee culture. #BaristaLife ☕ Want to know more about the fascinating profession of baristas and the intricate world of coffee? Discover the skills, techniques, and insights that make a great barista at https://lnkd.in/eWPECazR. ☕✨ Here are some insights about baristas and coffee: - Baristas are not just coffee brewers - they are the guardians of coffee culture. - Their expertise includes maintaining equipment, managing stock, and mastering brewing techniques. - Understanding the nuances of coffee beans and roasting can transform the coffee experience. - Brewing techniques such as espresso and pour-over require precision and expertise. - Delve into the art of latte art and discover the skills that elevate coffee presentation. 🎨 Unleash your inner barista and elevate your coffee journey! Explore more at https://lnkd.in/eWPECazR. ☕🌟

The world of professional specialty coffee can be both inspiring and intimidating with many customers and new baristas feeling lost in the mix of rules, methods, and information. How can we create a great experience for guests and staff who all really want to enjoy coffee and find their place in it? Today we get to learn from the story of someone whose career in coffee took him from curious customer, to barista champion, and finally to teacher and business owner, all along the way finding his identity in coffee firmly rooted in providing the kind of hospitality that won him over at the start. Winston Thomas is 33 years old and grew up in the small suburb of Strand in Cape Town. He studied Civil Engineering at CPUT but developed an interest in coffee after reading a letter in his local newspaper of a woman complaining that there was no good coffee in Strand/Somerset West. This sparked his interest in coffee and during his studies he completed a barista course. This changed his whole perspective on coffee and after completing his National Diploma in 2014 decided to work in coffee full time. Since then he has managed to win the South African Aeropress Championship in 2016, the Western Cape Barista Championship for 2017, 2018 & 2020, the South African Barista Championship in 2017, 2018 & 2020 title as well as the Africa Barista Championship title for 2019. He now owns and runs a coffee training and consulting business called Winston Douglas Coffee and a Coffee Roastery Called Cedar Coffee Roasters In this episodes you will learn about: 🔑 Winston's entry into coffee and how his engineering mind helped him discover higher levels 🔑 Curiosity and a desire to understand how things work are valuable traits in the coffee industry. 🔑 Barista competitions can provide opportunities for growth and learning, but it's important to maintain a sense of humility and not let success cloud one's perspective. 🔑 Hospitality as a fundamental aspect of coffee service 🔑 Why baristas should strive to create meaningful experiences for customers. 🔑 Building confidence and finding one's identity in the industry  🔑 The blessing and burden of winning 🔑 Avoid overemphasizing fame and titles in the industry 🔑 How having control over the variables in coffee brewing enhances the hospitality experience. 🔑 Creating an authentic coffee experience specific to a region or culture is a challenge worth pursuing. 🔑 How disconnecting from social media can foster creativity and originality in coffee Follow His Journey On Instagram @winston _douglas @winstondouglascoffee @cedarcoffeeroasters 🔗 Link to full episode in bio. Episode page: https://lnkd.in/eMPhEQMe Thanks to our amazing sponsors Ground Control & The Pacific Barista Series

Discover how bartenders shape a bar’s identity through creative cocktails, engaging service, and memorable customer interactions. The modern bartender is far more than a mere drink slinger; they are an essential part of a bar's identity, acting as the face of the establishment and the architect of its atmosphere. Through their cocktail choices, service style, and interactions with customers, bartenders shape the personality and reputation of the bar, making it unique and memorable. In a world where the dining and nightlife industries are as competitive as ever, the role of the bartender has evolved from a simple service provider to a cultural curator. This article delves into how bartenders contribute to the overall identity of a bar, with insights from interviews with some of the most influential figures in the industry.

Ready for the ultimate secret to a successful cafe? Your baristas. They're the ones creating experiences for your customers. You're only as good as your baristas, and if they're not knowledgeable, happy, and treated with respect, your customers will notice. Invest in your baristas. Train them to be the best. Give them the tools to take their craft to the next level. When you prioritize your baristas, you're prioritizing your customers. And when you prioritize your customers, they'll keep coming back for more. It's that simple. #cafe #barista #skilldevelopment #learninganddevelopment

What Are the Top Bartender Tricks? What Are the Top Bartender Tricks? Can You Master the Bottle Flip Trick? Can You Master the Napkin Drop Trick? How Can You Use Stalling to Pour a Perfect Drink? Can You Master the Spoon Flip and Spin? Can Bartenders Really Throw Ice? Can You Master the Tin Roll Trick? Can You Match These Bartender Bottle Spins? Bartenders don't just serve drinks-they put their hearts into it! That's why they are always looking for ways to make their services more entertaining for customers. Flair bartending may be associated with juggling or setting things on fire, but these aren't the only tricks bartenders can perform to impress customers. Here are five other bartending tricks you can use to demonstrate your abilities! To read the rest of this article, please click on the link below: https://lnkd.in/ex68TYGy

LEARNING YOUR BAR'S DRINKS, AND WHY IT'S SO IMPORTANT TO BECOMING A BETTER BARTENDER

Transform your usual evening into a storybook date night with the hidden gems tucked away in our city. Discover that cozy corner for cocktails, the ambient spot for tapas, or the charming bistro that serves dinner under the stars. Where's your go-to date night haven? Share your top picks! #SouthernStyleRealtors #VirtualPropertiesRealty #VPR #LetMeBeYourRealtor #RealEstateAgent

Hong Kong's bartending scene has gained more recognition recently, now rivaling the longstanding reputation of restaurants and chefs both locally and across Asia. Bartenders today are focusing more on their personality, creativity, and storytelling as they pour drinks across the city. Unlike chefs who follow strict rules, bartenders in Hong Kong are taking a more artistic approach, using their drinks to express themselves and connect with customers. John Ng, the chair of Asia's 50 Best Bars academy, notes that personality in bartending in Asia has become truly key, with bartenders gaining fame and noteriety for their craft, much like tattoo artists or pop stars. Famous bartenders like Lorenzo Antinori and Antonio Lai have become well-known names, with their personalities boosting the success of their bars. Lorenzo’s rise to the top of Asia’s 50 Best Bars in 2024 shows just how much influence bartenders are gaining in the region. However, both Lorenzo and Antonio admit that bartenders still face challenges compared to chefs, who often get bigger budgets and more prestigious awards. On the other hand, Jay Khan, from COA, says bartenders don’t need to compete with chefs; he thinks that a bartender's craft is unique, and it’s about setting their own standards among the industry. Full article: https://lnkd.in/grUPiqsk #BartendingCulture #HongKongBars #TopBartenders #Asia50BestBars #Mixology #COABar #QuinaryHK #CocktailScene #DrinkCulture #Hospitality #AFoodieWorld #FoodieHK #HongKongEats #HKFoodie #FoodieMagazine

Rethinking Tipping Culture: A Closer Look at Coffee Appreciation In the world of tipping, there's a subtle dynamic that often goes unnoticed. While the debate around tipping culture is not new, a recent conversation with a friend got me thinking about a specific aspect that deserves a closer look. Consider the dynamics of tipping when it comes to ordering just one drink. If you're at a bar, it's almost second nature to leave a tip for the bartender. But what about your friendly neighbourhood barista when you grab a quick coffee? Admittedly, I've found myself skipping the tip at the coffee counter, especially for over-the-counter service. Yet, the question arises - why the difference in our tipping habits between these two scenarios? Reflecting on my own actions, I realize that when I sit down to enjoy my coffee "for here," even if just for a brief 10-minute rest, I'm more inclined to tip. But should the setting really dictate the appreciation for service? The issue lies in recognizing the effort behind the scenes. Having spent time in the service industry, I've witnessed the challenges faced by breakfast servers and baristas. Picture this: constant returns to the table top-ups, intricate customizations in breakfast orders, and dealing with a high volume of customers. The catch? Breakfast bills are typically lower, resulting in comparatively lower tips. Adjusting the focus back to our baristas who are meticulously crafting the perfect drink. Consider the intricate steps they take to execute and prepare your beverage, in contrast with the bartender who may be simply pouring a beer from the tap. So, the next time you wonder why your local coffee shop suggests tipping, think about the unseen effort behind each cup. Maybe it's time we reevaluate our tipping norms and acknowledge the hard work of those who enhance our daily routines, sip by sip. #TippingCulture #BaristaAppreciation #CoffeeLovers #HospitalityIndustry I'm curious to hear your thoughts!