KEY POINTS:
Champion coffee maker Andrew Feldon believes good baristas should be passionate about their work
Our top baristas are a clever bunch and this weekend 20 of them wooed the judges at the Latte Art Championship in Auckland.
Their brief: to produce a cappuccino, latte, short macchiato and a signature coffee on stage in less than five minutes.
The coffees had to look the part with impressive latte art (the pattern created in the crema with the milk), and had to taste good, too.
Andrew Feldon, 26, a barista for Streetwise Coffee in Sanson near Palmerston North, was crowned winner.
How many coffees do you drink a day?
Up to 10 when I'm training for a competition but during an average day at work, around four or five.
First coffee experience?
A mochaccino made by my brother at his house. It was the first coffee I actually enjoyed.
How did you prepare for the competition?
I practised latte art on my customers. They were excited about me coming up to the big smoke and competing, so gave me lots of feedback.
What's your signature coffee?
The Chocolate Rose - espresso with rose-flavoured syrup and chocolate, topped with steamed milk.
What's the secret to good latte foam?
Keep practising and don't give up. The same goes for latte art.
The best coffee you've ever made?
It's always the one I have time to savour and properly enjoy.
What's the most common mistake baristas make?
My pet hate is burnt milk and over-extracted espresso, which just tastes bitter.
Best food match with a latte?
Definitely the awesome chocolate brownies they do in my local cafe.
Life without coffee ... Would be pretty boring, wouldn't it? Plus, my friends wouldn't visit much either, as I have a coffee machine in the garage which they're quite partial to.
Define a good barista?
One who delivers the best service, has passion, and constantly strives to improve his game. The more you learn, the more there is to know.
