MarshallF Senior Member Joined: 1 Jun 2003 Posts: 465 Location: Los Angeles Expertise: Professional
Espresso: Dalla Corte Mini Grinder: Cimbali Max, Solis Maestro Vac Pot: Hario Nouveau, Bodum ESantos Drip: Bodum French Presses, Chemex Roaster: None
Posted Thu Dec 4, 2003, 6:38pm Subject: Re: So you say there's a Guild? by Billy Wilson
Perry is a skilled competitor and trainer, and obviously has passion for the art of the Barista, yet she has no visible presence in the Guild, nor has she indicated any interest in the Guild. The SCAA has an active Barista bulletin board, but Perry's voice is not heard there, nor here in CoffeeGeek's community forums. I recognize that no one is compelled to join the Guild (or to participate in the online Barista community); but it will be harder to advance our craft unless the established (and award winning) Baristi are all on board. It would be a boon to have Perry taking an active role, and I am sure the hand is always extended, should she choose to get involved.
Everyone who's met Heather knows what a great representative she is of baristi. She's just a joy to watch at her work and pulls a super shot. But at this point I believe she is dealing with the first year of law school and might still be helping to manage her dad's shops on top of that.
But she'll be doing her stuff at the SCAA Open House in two weeks. I'll ask her then.
paulsdatter Senior Member Joined: 18 Jan 2002 Posts: 64 Location: Seattle, WA USA Expertise: Professional
Espresso: only at work Grinder: Solis Maestro Plus Vac Pot: 2 oldies, LOVE EM! Drip: pour-over melita Roaster: big ole Probat
Posted Thu Dec 4, 2003, 7:14pm Subject: Re: So you say there's a Guild? by Billy Wilson
About the Heather thing, that is Billy's take on it, bless him. But I would hate for anyone to think that the Task Force complains about Heather. She can do whatever the hey she wants! I hope she doesn't feel singled out here; the last thing we want to do is alienate her. (We think she rocks. Wow, law school! What a gal.) We have talked about her, but we also have talked about others we really want on the team....like Billy...and a bunch more. All in good time! I mean we just got started right? And remember, we got Dismas. He's nothing to sneeze at, having ranked sixth in the WBC 2002.
Welcome one and all...keep an eye out for more info..it will come, don't worry.
And thanks for the article Billy! Will you be Mr. July for the Boys of the Barista Guild calendar? Just a little side project I'm thinking about.....hmmm just kiddin....maybe not.
jim_schulman Senior Member Joined: 19 Dec 2001 Posts: 3,772 Location: Chicago Expertise: I live coffee
Posted Thu Dec 4, 2003, 7:34pm Subject: Re: So you say there's a Guild? by Billy Wilson
Great piece! I have a few thoughts:
Unlike roasters, baristas work in the public eye. So it would be neat if members had some sort of pin or badge that would let people know that they are getting someone competent at the machine. Maybe down the line, a sticker for stores, saying all their employees are members. The better cafes, for instance those that support the US and Canadian championships, could be contacted; I'm sure they would be willing to run with this.
It would be very useful if competing in barista championships entailed guild membership. For instance, those making it a few rounds could have their accreditation requirements waived or even get free membership. Along with a non-trivial skills accreditation to qualify, this would bring the best shot-pullers into the guild, and make it attractive to businesses wanting to accentuate quality coffee.
But these are minor points; I'm just glad this is happening. The barista guild is a big step towards creating a vibrant market for great coffee in North America.
cheapdialogue Senior Member Joined: 25 Mar 2002 Posts: 156 Location: Bellingham, WA Expertise: Professional
Espresso: Marzocco Linea 3AV Grinder: Espresso- Mazzer, Drip-Bunn Vac Pot: I can still dream... Drip: Curtis APS Roaster: Dreaming of a Probat
Posted Thu Dec 4, 2003, 9:00pm Subject: Re: So you say there's a Guild? by Billy Wilson
I was at the NASCORE meeting. I signed up for the guild, but sadly I haven't enough time to follow the BBS or even 'geek as of late. I really wish someone would get something going email-wise. Put together a mass email just to let everyone know what' s up. I've found about 12 people up here that would be interested, but haven't anything to pass on to 'em besides Andy C's email addy. I'm still excited about the guild, but six months later and this article is the first I've heard of anything about it.
Drumlin72 Senior Member Joined: 16 Nov 2003 Posts: 49 Location: Kansas City, MO Expertise: Just starting
Posted Thu Dec 4, 2003, 10:24pm Subject: Re: So you say there's a Guild? by Billy Wilson
Billy~
Thanks for the update on the BG. I have spoken with Sandy about it when I see her each month at our Barista Jams. I do not think that the BG will be dominated by the "Pacific Northwesterners" the midwest is full of eager individuals who take pride in becoming a better Barista. I am one of them. I have been a Barista for 3 1/2 years but never realized the magnitude of the espresso business. It is a science, an art, a passion that I realized that I had only dipped my pinky toe into when I attended my first Barista Jam in May. Now I crave any information that I can get to make my customers happy and I take great pride in the drinks that I prepare for them. I worked in Social work for 10 years and quit my job last December to become a full time Barista. I took a major pay cut but it was worth it. I love the creativity and joy I get when the shot, the milk, a great design all fall into place and the customer has a look of "I've died and gone to heaven" on their face. I am learning every chance I get to become more informed of the seed to cup process. The Barista Guild is an important step and I willing to do what I can to get the word out.
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