barista

Interview: Angela Muniz of Girl From Arizona Aprons

December 2, 2013 By Michael 1 Comment

A barista is only as good as their tools, and one of the most important tools in any barista’s toolbox is their apron. And if you’re going to wear an apron, it might as well be an expertly crafted, custom apron made from high quality fabric- something that reflects the quality and craft that goes into a good cup of coffee. We asked Angela Muniz, founder of Girl From Arizona Aprons, what goes into a custom made apron.

How did you start making custom aprons?

Earlier this year, a chef friend asked if I knew a tailor who could modify an apron he’d bought. The straps didn’t fit quite right. I told him I knew how to sew and could probably adjust it. I ended up making him one from scratch. He’s got a big Instagram following and a popular restaurant, so it wasn’t long before other chefs were asking if I’d make some for them. The real shift to creating an online business came when one of our Phoenix resort chefs asked for 26 for his crew. I already knew there was a demand for custom aprons, and that just …

Gear Review: The Prima Tamp

June 24, 2013 By Michael 1 Comment

There are few things as delicious as a well crafted shot of espresso pulled by a skilled barista. Arguably, the biggest impact a barista has on the espresso is how she distributes and tamps the coffee grounds in the portafilter. In other words, tamping is important. It follows that a good barista must have good technique and
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Barista Interview: Kenny Smith of Sunergos Coffee

June 12, 2013 By Michael 2 Comments

Kenny Smith pouring latte art. Photo by Brian Moats

Long-time readers of the Compass know all about Kenny Smith. He works for Sunergos Coffee, which has been featured in multiple posts. We’ve also utilized his well-defined palate for several reviews, including our only non-coffee post. But perhaps Kenny is best known for being really awesome at latte art.

So far in 2013, Kenny has …

Barista Interview: John Letoto of Blacksmith Coffee, Houston, TX

February 11, 2013 By Darren 6 Comments

After we got the chance to experience what Dave Buehrer is doing in Houston, we were anxious to get down to the newest Greenway Coffee store front, Blacksmith. John Letoto, one of Louisville’s most seasoned coffee veterans and a personal friend to Michael and I, moved down to join the Blacksmith team Jan 16, 2013 – five days before the shop’s soft opening. While we were happy John moved onto Greener pastures (pun intended), we had to get a Q&A with the man that left such a powerful wake in his Louisville coffee path. With all the hype that Blacksmith has been getting, we also wanted to get the low-down on an amazing new shop from the unique perspective John provides. Without further ado:

You relocated 958 miles to work for Blacksmith. Why?

958 miles, eh? Hello, Google Mapper. Hard as it may be to believe, that’s only a quarter of the distance — give or take a large body of water and several States — I covered when I moved to Louisville back in 2003. I spent ten years and two days as a Kentuckiana resident, and, in retrospect, I think it’s pretty easy for me to see some of the bigger reasons for leaving. First, I wanted to really explore what I could do in the coffee community. I’m extremely grateful for the time I spent as a barista and roaster at Quills Coffee, and I’m proud of what we accomplished during my two years there, but in the end I felt an almost overwhelming itch to get out and explore the coffee world beyond the borders of the Midwest. Second, I wanted to …