Portland Brew was one of the many sponsors of the “12th South Concert Series” which had it’s last concert this past Saturday (10/6). The concert series was a huge success and was created by the owners of Rumours Wine Bar, Whitney Ferré and Christy Shuff and also by the 12th South Neighborhood Association. Throughout the series there was all kinds of great music, from Brother Henry to Zig Zag, Me(Aron Wright) to Tori Sparks- there was something for everyone. At this last concert I hardly had time to listen because I was so busy serving coffee and talking to the 200 or more neighborhood folk that show up. It was fun introducing our coffee to some people that had never tried it before and also serving some people I see everyday in the shop. I chose to serve our Colombia Mesa de los Santos because it has a classic taste many people enjoy. Judging by their response I was right. Debbie, a newcomer to the neighborhood, came in a few days later saying she had never been to the store before and needed some more of our coffee. I obliged, walked around the counter, hugged her and whispered,”welcome home”. Okay, I didn’t do that, but I could’ve!
I really hope we have more neighborhood gatherings like the Concert Series in the future because it’s wonderful to see all the people and families we serve coffee to all together at once. See you at the Brew.
The Reason We Do Latte Art
I’ve been around coffee for a good while now, and I’ll admit I haven’t always been right when it came to my opinions on the beverage. Just like anything else, it takes time and research to fully understand it’s history and the qualities that go into a good cup. Since I have been Manager I have had a renewed interest and commitment to true gourmet coffee. I am always proud to tell people that I work for Portland Brew, because I know that we have the best coffee in the city, even if we haven’t done a good job letting people know that.
Lately, I have started working behind the bar a little more. With all the details involved in three businesses, working as a barista, with it’s singular focus is actually a nice change of pace. It has also reminded me that over ten years I have heard the same questions, and misconceptions about coffee come up over and over again. Which leads me to the topic at hand, why do we do latte art? If you’re a customer, and not a self proclaimed coffee nerd, why should you care about it? Well, to some extent you shouldn’t. Taste is and always should be the defining factor, but remember, you eat with your eyes first.
As a barista, seeing as we can’t take a sip of every drink we make, we have to use indicators and signs to ensure quality. When you texture (froth) milk properly, it fundamentally changes it’s chemical composition of that milk. Milk has it’s own natural fats, proteins and sugars, and there is a right way and a wrong way to effect those attributes. Problems is, it’s not exactly realistic to pull out a chemistry set every time we make a latte.
When milk is properly prepared for either a latte or a cappuccino, it should smell and taste notably sweeter than when it is cold. Also, when the milk is just right (and believe me, the difference between great milk and bad is a small window!), it will blend into the espresso in a naturally “flowly” way. It is the skill of the barista’s hand with the nothing but the pitcher and cup that we are able to gently manipulate milk and espresso into latte art.
So why do we create latte art? Well, for a good barista, in the midst of a busy morning, having to create drink after drink, keeping in mind all of the variables just talked about; in the madness of the environment, creating something beautiful, both visually and on the palette, to a barista, is a sense of pride.
Plus…
it looks cool.
