A Barista Is...

Well not much to talk about as far as anything happening in Las Vegas. The same ole same ole I guess. Sambalatte opened their latest shop the week before and other than a couple of shops having their usual 50% off Mocha Mondays, Poetry Nights and Creative nights at Grouchy John’s, there isn’t much to talk about.

 This weeks article will focus on the star of each and every coffee shop in existence. They were once thought of as seers but nowadays they are relegated to being the mentors, psychologists and sages of each local. We of course are speaking about the Barista.

The Barista has taken on many forms throughout the ages, part town crier to mixer of all things espresso. Their positions in most parts of the world are well respected. In Europe, specifically in Italy the Barista is a position that is occupied by men and women of age 48 years on average. They are highly respected and because coffee is held in such high esteem in these countries, the barista is also a respected and high paying profession. 

What a Barista Is...

A Barista is a professional sommelier of coffee drinks much like a wine sommelier. Their educational level is equal to that of a Masters Degree student. Their level of competence is likened to that of a doctor. Really good ones not only can help you choose the right drink but know how the coffee is roasted, processed and prepared for every drink. 

More importantly, they are your best friend and the most important person you may ever know. 

Let’s say you’ve had a long day at the office. The boss has been particularly crappy to you this week. The dog took a crap on your favorite tie but you didn’t notice it until you were already at work. Then to top it all off, that project you have been betting on being finalized in a couple of weeks, is due tomorrow, the same time that you plan of going away for your 25^th wedding anniversary.

On your way home to break the bad news to your honey, you stop by your favorite coffee shop expecting a doppio espresso with a biscotti. You know you have to go home afterwards and tell the Mrs the bad news and get straight to work. It will be an all nighter.

There is that familiar face behind the counter, smartly dressed, pony-tailed and tats all over his arms. He takes your order, hands back your change and with a wink and smile goes to work at his espresso station. A few minutes later, there it is, Your order. 

Now let me ask you. Do you want to chance your last bit of sanity on a fool or a professional? Yes, your barista is a professional. Not only is the doppio excellente but he threw in an extra shot because he instinctively knew, only an extra shot would get you over the hump. You’d trust this guy with your kids on Sunday and your wife on a Friday. He is your best friend, your Barista.

What a Barista is Not….

Some chump, air-headed teenager who can’t get a better job, or an out of work actor. Your barista isn’t a chatty chick with a predilection to play store, nor is your barista a lacky who likes to be abused by snobby housewives. 

Nay a barista is to be revered from their rooter to their tooter. When you need someone to pick you up in the morning or talk you off the ledge in the evening, they will be there. Their artistry with a pitcher full of frothed milk, a whipped can of cream or fluted steam pot make them a formitable foe to any depressing moment they come upon. So the next time you have an opportunity to talk to your local barista, give them a wink and a nod, tip them generously and thank them for being the most important person in your life.