The City of Los Angeles hosts the latest installment of the traveling roadshow of education, community and coffee known as Barista Nation tomorrow at the Wilbur Curtis HQ. I’m pretty excited to be able to attend (and present)! These events are always fun, a great chance to meet people and catch up with folks, and as always learn a little more about coffee.
The keynote presenters tomorrow are none other than Kyle Glanville and Charles Babinksi owners G&B Coffee and Go Get Em Tiger and barista competition all stars. I had a chance to drop by G&B for a moment yesterday and sampled some of their delicious bottled cold brew. Perfect for a sunny and 75-degree day (Sorry for everyone who doesn’t have weather like that!).
I didn’t realize what a great location G&B was in before I visited. It’s in a welcoming spot right at the front of a vibrant, bustling city market, full of food vendors, produce stands and palpable community energy.
Not too far away, in this huge metropolis, I also was lucky enough to visit the new Stumptown roastery and cafe. It’s in a gorgeous converted warehouse space. Well, part of it is converted. Some of it is still warehouse space for the green coffee. All of it is beautifully restored.
I couldn’t believe the shop had only been open for a few days. It already had a familiar feel and vibe to it, with people sitting at table chatting or working on laptops, and a non-stop line at the counter.
The huge 60-kilo Probat is visible through a glass wall to all the customers in the cafe, so once that starts full operation, customers will be able to watch the roasters do their work.
Also behind the bar on the way to the roasting bay is a training space with a La Marzocco Strada and Linea (along with dozens of brewing devices) set up for baristas to practice on.
I feel very lucky that I got to visit such cool spots on my way across town yesterday. I hope to drop by a few more today.
And I can’t wait for Barista Nation tomorrow! It’s going to be a blast! And if you’re not in the LA area, don’t worry, the next installment may just be in your city.
