Editor’s note: As we approach the beginning of the 2014 World Barista Championship, which takes place in Rimini, Italy, June 9 “12, at the SCAE’s World of Coffee event, we would like to introduce you to the National Barista Champions who all worked incredibly hard to earn a position in this preeminent coffee contest. Profiles of all 54 competitors will appear on Barista Magazine’s blog between Monday, June 2, and Monday, June 9, and can all be accessed under the category header “WBC 2014 Rimini.”
BARISTA CHAMPION OF ROMANIA
Stefan Laurentiu
Barista School
Coach: Silvia Constantin
About me: I am a volunteer of the SCAE Romania chapter and I traveled the last 2 years in all Romania to teach people about coffee. My biggest dream is to be the best nation in coffee.
How many years have you worked with coffee or in the coffee industry?
7 years.
Before coffee, did you work in a different job or industry, or what did you study in school
Before coffee I worked as a bartender, but coffee was love at first sight.
What was your first amazing experience with coffee?
When I discovered the SCAE and I started to prepare to compete.
Who has been your greatest influence in coffee? Why?
Silvia, my trainer, because she teach me how to work with coffee.
What would you like to see change about the coffee industry/community?
The quality of coffee in our market.
Name a coffee luminary (famous person) you would like to meet, and why:
Roukiat Delrue
Name a barista you admire, and why:
William Hernandez, because he has faith in himself.
Besides your own cafe, what cafe do you think everyone should visit?
El Salvador, Finca Santa Patrona
Which coffee producing country you would like to visit, and why?
El Salvador, because of the amazing coffee.
What are your interests outside of coffee?
Traveling, teaching people.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Have my own company.
Is there anyone you would like to thank or who helped you prepare for the WBC?
Silvia
