What does "Barista" mean to you? - Business Owners Support - Coffee Forum
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QuoteI've been thinking about this lately and I'd like to see what you think.
When you hear and think of the word "Barista", what comes to mind? I'm talking about the ones who work in cafes. I'm just curious to know how consumers view them.
5:40 pm
When I think of Barista I could be thinking along two lines; old school and new school.
Old school; I think of the traditional Italian professional 'bar tender', wearing a pressed shirt or vest. This is a man's man: an man of few words, but always polished in his appearance and mannerism and very fluid when going about his business. This is a person for whom serving coffee is a life time job. You will get consistent coffee from him, he knows his coffee so well he could do it blindfolded.
New School: A little hip, a little attitude. A social conscience. This bartender in the best of cases wants to showcase the truly unique coffees available today and share her passion for it with a certain sympathetic clientelle. This may be a stepping stone to a bigger role in the coffee industry. It's likely not a career choice. Gotta have some latte art skill to throw down as well!
Well that's my take anyway.
Bartender, plain and simple. Know the craft and working to perfect it. Not a coffee slinger.
10:01 am
May 17, 2010
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I agree with Dan, and I know that is technically accurate, but when I think of barista I also think of artisan. Yes, know your craft. Yes, know it well, but to me a true barista not only knows the craft, but takes pride in the craft. I have a hand crafted desk I use in my office. When the man I had build it for me delivered it to me he had a camera in his pocket and asked if he could take a picture of it in its new "home." That, to me, is the difference between a woodworker and a craftsman. I don't want my barista to be a "woodworker," I want my barista to be a "craftsman," and, to be honest, I think that the vast majority of them are.
It is a combination of science and of ART. To me a good barista is a bARisTa.
Dan Lacher said:
Bartender, plain and simple. Know the craft and working to perfect it. Not a coffee slinger.
Dan,
When we refer to "coffee slinging" we mean latte art throwdowns. This does help us perfect our craft and help educate the community.
No, I am not talking about a latte art throwdown when I refer to "coffee slinger". Almost anyone could learn to serve (sling) coffee but it takes a barista to work on perfecting the craft and make the job of a barista the artisan craft that it is.
11:22 am
To me a barista creates the coffee house experience. A coffee house is meant to be a haven for coffee drinkers and the barista is the host. They share their love for the perfect coffee, the art of the coffee experience, they connect guests and build community in the local coffee house, and they help to create a passion in the customers.
As a prior coffee house developer and a current customer, the barista creates the full experience!
1:58 pm
March 13, 2009
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First thought – Barista: Preparing exceptional coffee beverages while perfecting the art of it along the way. This is not always what you get but it is what I think of when I hear the word.
7:03 pm
May 17, 2010
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Thanks everyone, this is how I wish more customers viewed Baristas and how more Baristas should become. Standards should be set higher.
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