Posted Wed May 14, 2008, 10:08pm Subject: Hangin' in Lubbock, TX.....with "Jasonian"
OK...I'm about to travel to Lubbock on music business...hey, Buddy Holly, Mac Davis, Natalie Maines... A few days before the trip, I PM'd one of our young up and comers here, known as Jasonian (Jason Haegar), a barista trainer. We managed to hook up for some espresso at one of Lubbock's cool cafes, "Sugar Brown's." First off, I had no idea this guy with so much knowledge to share was just 24. Scary. We talked coffee, of course, and I quickly realized how deeply he cares about his art. To Jason, it's all about the coffee. I'm betting he bleeds it. it was a real pleasure to spend time with someone who is so dedicated to his craft. He is (finally) getting his degree in Philosophy at Texas Tech. Yep, coffee delayed that event as well. From what I gather, Jason's goal is to open a specialty coffee shop, perhaps in Dallas, and continue training any and all barista wanna-bees. BTW, the coffee at Sugar Browns was very good. The espresso is roasted in a mesquite wood fired roaster, imparting just a touch of a sweet smoky taste, which made itself known with my third drink, a double machiato. Back OT. It's always so cool to spend real time with someone you previously only knew as an online presence. I almost wish we had a forum just for telling our "meet-and-greet" stories such as this. I've GOT to get to Atlanta for next year's SCAA...it's less than 4 hours away. meeting more of my friends here and on HB would be terrific. Jason, if you happen to read this, many good wishes to you, my young Jedi. RJ
Jasonian Senior Member Joined: 8 Aug 2005 Posts: 3,831 Location: Lubbock, TX Expertise: Professional
Posted Thu May 15, 2008, 1:07pm Subject: Re: Hangin' in Lubbock, TX.....with "Jasonian"
The pleasure was all mine. It's not often I get the chance to be a coffeegeek without worrying about boring the other person(s).
When that mesquite roasted coffee is roasted just a little too dark, though.. that mesquite really takes over. It's not so pleasant at that point. You got to sample a good batch of it.
Posted Thu May 15, 2008, 1:52pm Subject: Re: Hangin' in Lubbock, TX.....with "Jasonian"
Jason.....Friday night, mayor Miller presented me with an award as an "Honorary" Citizen of your fair city...I'm now a Lubbockian. As Mr. Miller was defeated the very next day in his re-election bid, I hope the next guy doesn't have the good sense to retract my citizenship...lol
No, but My Cremina does...just sent to Home Espresso Repair....can';t handle the rose water smell any longer, and with that possibly cross threaded boiler cap nut, I figured it best to let them have a look.
Jasonian Senior Member Joined: 8 Aug 2005 Posts: 3,831 Location: Lubbock, TX Expertise: Professional
Posted Fri May 16, 2008, 12:56am Subject: Re: Hangin' in Lubbock, TX.....with "Jasonian"
IMAWriter Said:
Jason.....Friday night, mayor Miller presented me with an award as an "Honorary" Citizen of your fair city...I'm now a Lubbockian. As Mr. Miller was defeated the very next day in his re-election bid, I hope the next guy doesn't have the good sense to retract my citizenship...lol
Posted Fri May 16, 2008, 7:16am Subject: Re: Hangin' in Lubbock, TX.....with "Jasonian"
Hee! "Lubbockian"... sounds like somebody from another planet.
The jokes, sometimes they write themselves. :P
Hey, is there going to be another TX coffee conference this year? I found out about last year's at the last minute, and since it was in the middle of the work week there was no way I could go.
Can't wait for next weekend's Houston Geek klatch - my friends and family can only take so much of my espresso-related blather.
Jasonian Senior Member Joined: 8 Aug 2005 Posts: 3,831 Location: Lubbock, TX Expertise: Professional
Posted Fri May 16, 2008, 12:05pm Subject: Re: Hangin' in Lubbock, TX.....with "Jasonian"
I'm not sure what you mean by "coffee conference", but the Southwest Food Expo (from the Texas Restaurant Association) is going on in Houston this year. The "Ultimate Barista Challenge" is listed as an exhibitor.
It's non-SCAA related, and it doesn't count as a "regional" for the USBC, but maybe some folks will show anyway.
If you're talking about a jam, there's a possibility of something happening in November, though I don't want to say too much on that before I know anything for sure.
I WILL make a thread about it when/if I do have anything firm, though.
Posted Sat May 17, 2008, 7:29pm Subject: Re: Hangin' in Lubbock, TX.....with "Jasonian"
I coulda sworn there was something last summer in Dallas - they were asking for volunteers on their website (which of course I can't find - I may have it bookmarked at work though, I'll check on Monday).
EDIT! Found it on my del.icio.us: South Central Regional Barista Competition 2007 (Some guy named Jason got 3rd place - ring any bells? :P) Looks like it was part of the Southwest Food Expo last year but a first for Cuvee Coffee, so maybe there won't be a 2nd annual SCRBC. Was it not officially SCAA-related, either?
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