A Behind the Machine Perspective

Working behind an espresso machine is a labor of love, and a long journey as well. One of our baristas here at The Meeting Place Cafe, Steph, has some insight into her journey with coffee. 

Could you describe your first encounter with coffee?
I've always liked coffee. when I was young, I would ask my parents to have a little sip of theirs because I loved the smell so much.
When did you first become a barista?
I first became a barista working at Starbucks in Canada. But that doesn't count. I learnt how to be a real barista here at The Meeting Place Cafe. I then found a job at a local cafe here in Mitchelton and that's been really good for my barista skills.
What makes coffee here in Australia different from everywhere else you've been?
I've been learning a lot about the Australian coffee culture being the only North American there. It's been really great learning from an experienced Australian barista. Australia has an amazing coffee culture. For them it's more then just drinking coffee. It's the experience and the art behind it. I love that wherever you go it's almost guaranteed you'll get a good coffee. Everyone takes it very seriously. To weighing the beans, grinding it just right, pulling the shot down to the perfect time, and making the best latte art possible. It's amazing!
If you could have a drink from anywhere you wanted, which would it be?
I remember specifically this coffee I had this one early morning in Byron Bay, Australia. I can't remember the name of the cafe but I do remember that it was the best coffee I ever had. Everything about it was perfect. That was 3 years ago and I still haven't found anything as good.

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