Baristas brew with a head of steam
Two Mugg & Bean baristas are adding a pinch of awesome to their drinks.
Modern baristas are proving there is more to coffee than roasted beans and water.
With the correct combination of a deft hand, a creative mind and passion for their work, Mugg & Bean baristas, Mondli Maseya and Andile Gordon are creating beverages that certainly taste as good as they look.
Watching these two ply their trade is a lesson in technique and dexterity.
Mondli and Andile begin with the surprisingly complex process of brewing a delicious espresso blend, before frothing milk and combining the two with the gentle hand of a lover.
At this point, one starts to witness the magic of their craft.
From delicate floral designs to faces, suns, animals and teddy-bears, Mondli and Andile create enticing designs atop every coffee, inviting the customer to enjoy the tasty brew.
The pair’s designs are of such standard, Mugg & Bean as a brand has recognised them as some of the best.
Last year, Mondli explained, he fell just short of the 97 per cent average score on a monthly assessment by the brand, but both he and Andile were above the benchmark this year.
Franchisee, Sue Law proudly proclaimed this set Mondli and Andile in the top 10 for baristas within Mugg & Bean.
“I am quite chuffed with their achievements,” she added.
Mondli began with his barista training a short while before the Newcastle branch of Mugg&Bean opened in 2012, and was eventually elevated to the position of head barista.
Andile, on the other hand, has worked at the restaurant for about a year.
Despite this limited experience, both men have demonstrated they possess the talent to rival major centres across the country, boasting they were becoming masters of the trade.
“A lot of these designs have come out of our own heads,” Andile added.
Reinforcing the fact that passion was a key element in creating the perfect coffee-top designs, both men admitted to doing extensive research on the art of being a barista.
They also take inspiration from champion baristas the world over.
Although both men continue to perfect their designs in pursuit of the elusive 100 per cent score and the champions crown, residents can feel comforted knowing their beverages will always be made that one bit more special.
