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| photo by Thari Parson |
...relaying the brew to you
4 Mar 2016
2016 Dutch Barista Championship - The Finalists - Esther Maasdam
Esther Maasdam is a real competition barista. Next to competing in almost all competitions you can think of, she has represented the Netherlands multiple times in the Latte Art competitions. Will she get to do the same for the Barista Championship?
15 Feb 2016
2016 Dutch Barista Championship - The Finalists - Vincent Zwaan
The Amsterdam Coffee Festival is happening in March 2016. It will host the Dutch Barista Championships. Who will get to represent the Netherlands in Dublin during the World Barista Competition? One of the competitors is Vincent (Vinni) Zwaan, representing Bocca Coffee Roasters.
11 Jan 2016
2016 Dutch Barista Championship - The Finalists - Merijn Gijsbers
The Amsterdam Coffee Festival is happening in March 2016. It will host the Dutch Barista Championships. Who will get to represent the Netherlands in Dublin during the World Barista Competition? Introducing Merijn Gijsbers, coffee trainer at the Koffiegenootschap and consultant for Alpro.
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| photo by Thari Parson |
2 Jan 2016
2016 Dutch Barista Championship - The Finalists - Jesper van Stek
The Amsterdam Coffee Festival will crown a new Dutch Barista Champion. Who will get to represent the Netherlands in Dublin during the World Barista Competition? Introducing Jesper van Stek of Doppio Espresso Amsterdam VU.
29 Dec 2015
2016 Dutch Barista Championship - The Finalists - Wendelien Verver
The Amsterdam Coffee Festival will crown a new Dutch Barista Champion. Who will get to represent the Netherlands in Dublin during the World Barista Competition? Introducing second finalist Wendelien Verver (Single Estate Coffee Roasters).
27 Dec 2015
2016 Dutch Barista Championship - The Finalists - Lex Wenneker
The Amsterdam Coffee Festival will crown a new Dutch Barista Champion. Who will get to represent the Netherlands in Dublin during the World Barista Competition? Introducing our current champion Lex Wenneker (Espresso Service West).
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| Picture from SCAENL taken by Marjolein Meulendijks, Smit Prins Amsterdam Agency |
22 Nov 2015
2016 Dutch Latte Art - The Finalists - Joep Willemsen
Early 2016 seven gifted latte art pouring baristas will fight for the ticket to Shanghai, where the World Championship will take place. Who are the baristas that want to represent the Netherlands? Let's get to know them a little better...Who is Joep Willemsen?
Where can people find you?
Lucifer Specialty Coffee, Eindhoven.
What figures did you pour for the qualifying rounds?
I poured a hummingbird with a flower next to it for my designer latte. For the free pour I made a combination of rosetta's and a tulip.
How did you prepare?
Because of Dutch Design Week in Eindhoven I started way too late and it showed in a sloppy presentation. The patterns were decent though. I prepared in evenings after work in my work place.
Who inspires you when deciding what figures to pour?
The routines of the competitors of the world championships are always pushing the envelope, and there is always inspiration to obtain by watching their routines. Also just browsing pictures of things, animals, shapes and trying to think how you could adapt them and pour them into a cup.
How long does it take to learn a new figure?
After some 10-20 tries you tend to get it right. Then lots more to not get it wrong anymore. But that level is hardly ever accomplished with difficult patterns.
And how do you master a new figure?
The first part is looking for inspiration. Then I draw on a paper in a circle how I would try to pour it and start trying. Sometimes you have to abandon an idea because it's just not working the way you thought it would.
How are you going to make sure you win the National competition?
Considering Nick is in the finals again, that will be one hell of a job. The level he obtained in a few years is really impressive. I will have to choose complex and original patterns and totally nail them, so that will be my strategy, to kick ass.
If you could change the Latte Art Championship format, what would you change?
I think it is quite well thought out. The change from 6 to 8 minutes (in the preliminary) was good, because now you have some time to have somewhat of a presentation, instead of rushing to get everything done in time. I already struggle to get it done within 8 minutes with some etching.. Being able to bring your own music would be nice though.
Anything you would like to add?
Yeah, to the team of SCAE volunteers, you guys rock.
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| Photo by Vinni Zwaan @WetTheFilter blog |
Where can people find you?
Lucifer Specialty Coffee, Eindhoven.
What figures did you pour for the qualifying rounds?
I poured a hummingbird with a flower next to it for my designer latte. For the free pour I made a combination of rosetta's and a tulip.
How did you prepare?
Because of Dutch Design Week in Eindhoven I started way too late and it showed in a sloppy presentation. The patterns were decent though. I prepared in evenings after work in my work place.
Who inspires you when deciding what figures to pour?
The routines of the competitors of the world championships are always pushing the envelope, and there is always inspiration to obtain by watching their routines. Also just browsing pictures of things, animals, shapes and trying to think how you could adapt them and pour them into a cup.
How long does it take to learn a new figure?
After some 10-20 tries you tend to get it right. Then lots more to not get it wrong anymore. But that level is hardly ever accomplished with difficult patterns.
And how do you master a new figure?
The first part is looking for inspiration. Then I draw on a paper in a circle how I would try to pour it and start trying. Sometimes you have to abandon an idea because it's just not working the way you thought it would.
How are you going to make sure you win the National competition?
Considering Nick is in the finals again, that will be one hell of a job. The level he obtained in a few years is really impressive. I will have to choose complex and original patterns and totally nail them, so that will be my strategy, to kick ass.
If you could change the Latte Art Championship format, what would you change?
I think it is quite well thought out. The change from 6 to 8 minutes (in the preliminary) was good, because now you have some time to have somewhat of a presentation, instead of rushing to get everything done in time. I already struggle to get it done within 8 minutes with some etching.. Being able to bring your own music would be nice though.
Anything you would like to add?
Yeah, to the team of SCAE volunteers, you guys rock.
21 Nov 2015
2016 Dutch Latte Art - The Finalists - Maryse van der Hak
Early 2016 seven gifted latte art pouring baristas will fight for the ticket to Shanghai, where the World Championship will take place. Who are the baristas that want to represent the Netherlands? Last year we met Maryse. She is back this year. Let's get to know her a little better...
Where can people find you?
I'm a freelance barista.
What figures did you pour for the qualifying rounds?
I poured a rose with two swans, and an Indian smoking a pipe.
How did you prepare?
Unfortunately I did not have a lot of time to prepare, because of work. I spent a lot of time just developing the patterns. I did not feel that comfortable in the pre-rounds, so i definitely need more training for the finals.
Who inspires you when deciding what figures to pour?
Most of the time I find inspiration within myself. I often show the figures to my friends, parents and colleagues to get their opinions and to decide if it's good enough.
How long does it take to learn a new figure?
It depends on the difficulty, but most of the time I first make a plan in my mind on how to make it and after a few pours it usually works.
And how do you master a new figure?
Practise, practise, practise! Keep pouring till it works out, try to analyse why some figures do not work and then try again.
How are you going to make sure you win the National competition?
It's all in the preparation.
If you could change the Latte Art Championship format, what would you change?
Anything you would like to add?
Let's make some Art!
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| Photo by Vinni Zwaan @WetTheFilter blog |
Where can people find you?
What figures did you pour for the qualifying rounds?
I would probably give every competitor two extra minutes. Time is always a struggle.
20 Nov 2015
2016 Dutch Latte Art - The Finalists - Wouter Andeweg
Early 2016 seven gifted latte art pouring baristas will fight for the ticket to Shanghai, where the World Championship will take place. Who are the baristas that want to represent the Netherlands? Let's get to know them a little better...Who is Wouter Andeweg?
Where can people find you?
I work for Bocca Coffee Roasters and BorgmanBorgman.
What figures did you pour for the qualifying rounds?
I wanted to make two abstract figures, because I think latte art can be beautiful in and of itself. So I made an 3-2-1 tulip with an inverted heart in between. My second figure was an inverted tulip with stripes in between.
How did you prepare?
Practicing everything over and over again. I really have to thank my two coaches Belle Montanus and Vincent Zwaan. The taught me a lot of tricks about the competition. And how to stay sexy all the time.
Who inspires you when deciding what figures to pour?
I’m a big fan of the Instagram feed of latte art cowboy Ben Morrow. Its nice to see that there is still some much ways of pouring to explore. It’s inspiring to create things instead of copying.
How long does it take to learn a new figure?
It depends on the figure ofcourse, but making a lot of cappuccino’s on a busy Saturday is the best way I think!
And how do you master a new figure?
In my case I really like to put excising figures together to create a new one. So it’s just creating, and then a lot of practice.
How are you going to make sure you win the National competition?
Filling even more evenings with pouring milk and pushing my skills to a next level.
If you could change the Latte Art Championship format, what would you change?
There are actually two things. I think we should think more about the presentation. Why not tell the judges why you chose the figures? I also think we should give more attention to pouring instead of etching, but that might be a personal thing.
Anything you would like to add?
I would like to thank the BorgmanBorgman team in Leiden and the Bocca team in Amsterdam. Without all their support; in coffee, milk, machines but also mentally, I wouldn’t be in the finals. I was actually pushing everyone to compete, and then someone asked me ‘why don’t you do it yourself’? Thanks for that!
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| Photo from the SCAE Nederland Facebook album. Shot by Thari Parson |
Where can people find you?
What figures did you pour for the qualifying rounds?
I wanted to make two abstract figures, because I think latte art can be beautiful in and of itself. So I made an 3-2-1 tulip with an inverted heart in between. My second figure was an inverted tulip with stripes in between.
Anything you would like to add?
19 Nov 2015
2016 Dutch Latte Art - The Finalists - Nick Vink
Early 2016 seven gifted latte art pouring baristas will fight for the ticket to Shanghai, where the World Championship will take place. Who are the baristas that want to represent the Netherlands? Let's get to know them a little better...We met Nick Vink last year, when he became the Dutch Champion. He is back defending it title again this year. Has anything changed?
Where can people find you?
H32 in Oss.
What figures did you pour for the qualifying rounds?
I made a rose, and an inverted tulip.
How did you prepare?
I trained a lot at H32, just practise runs over and over again.
Who inspires you when deciding what figures to pour?
I get inspired of the Internet in general.
How long does it take to learn a new figure?
I would say maybe one, maybe two days...
And how do you master a new figure?
The most important thing is to really challenge yourself. Step out of your comfort zone and do something completely different.
How are you going to make sure you win the National competition?
You can never sure that you are going to win the National Championships. But I train a lot and I'm going to challenge myself to do new things.
If you could change the Latte Art Championship format, what would you change?
if i could change something, it would be that we need to do the Art Bar on the National level! Then you can get used to the Art Bar. And you know what to expect on a World Cup when you win the National competition.
Anything you would like to add?
Ni hao (-_-)
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| Photo from the SCAE Nederland Facebook album. Shot by Thari Parson |
Where can people find you?
What figures did you pour for the qualifying rounds?
How are you going to make sure you win the National competition?
Anything you would like to add?
18 Nov 2015
2016 Dutch Latte Art - The Finalists - Benjamin van den Berg
Early 2016 seven gifted latte art pouring baristas will fight for the ticket to Shanghai, where the World Championship will take place. Who are the baristas that want to represent the Netherlands? Let's get to know them a little better...Who is Benjamin van den Berg?
Where can people find you?
Coffeelicious, in Dordrecht.
What figures did you pour for the qualifying rounds?
I made a tulip for my free pour and a peacock as designer latte.
How did you prepare?
Practise, practise and practise.
Who inspires you when deciding what figures to pour?
My boss and myself.
How long does it take to learn a new figure?
Sometimes I only need two days. Sometimes it takes longer.
And how do you master a new figure?
I watch a video on YouTube and then I just try do it.
How are you going to make sure you win the National competition?
I don't know. We will see what will happen.
If you could change the Latte Art Championship format, what would you change?
I would not change anything. Everything is just fine the way it is.
Where can people find you?
What figures did you pour for the qualifying rounds?
How did you prepare?
Who inspires you when deciding what figures to pour?
And how do you master a new figure?
How are you going to make sure you win the National competition?
I would not change anything. Everything is just fine the way it is.
17 Nov 2015
2016 Dutch Latte Art - The Finalists - Lieke Kersten
Early 2016 seven gifted latte art pouring baristas will fight for the ticket to Shanghai, where the World Championship will take place. Who are the baristas that want to represent the Netherlands? Let's get to know them a little better...Who is Coffeelovers' Lieke Kersten?
What figures did you pour for the qualifying rounds?
For my designer I poured a fish, which is tulip-based. For my free pour I poured a wave heart into a smaller cup.
How did you prepare?
To be honest, I just worked a lot. I asked other barista's and trainers for advice and tried to give my own twist on this thing.
Who inspires you when deciding what figures to pour?
My friends! I wanted my designer to be an uncomplicated and cute design, just something to put a smile on someone's face. I tried a couple of things and showed them to friends, colleagues and customers. The fish won!
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| Photo from the SCAE Nederland Facebook album. Shot by Thari Parson |
What figures did you pour for the qualifying rounds?
For my designer I poured a fish, which is tulip-based. For my free pour I poured a wave heart into a smaller cup.
How did you prepare?
To be honest, I just worked a lot. I asked other barista's and trainers for advice and tried to give my own twist on this thing.
Who inspires you when deciding what figures to pour?
My friends! I wanted my designer to be an uncomplicated and cute design, just something to put a smile on someone's face. I tried a couple of things and showed them to friends, colleagues and customers. The fish won!
The wave heart was a safe bet. Something I like to pour and know I can manage.
How long does it take to learn a new figure?
Quite long...
And how do you master a new figure?
I look at pictures and clips and try to figure it out (pun intended). If I can't get it right, I ask other barista's how it's done and practise some more.
How are you going to make sure you win the National competition?
Practise, practise, practise! My goal is not to win. The competition is way too talented to beat. It's to have a really great time and amaze myself and others with the fact that I can do this!
If you could change the Latte Art Championship format, what would you change?
It would be nice if it took place in a cafe or bar, since that is kind of our natural habitat.
Anything you would like to add?
I'm just so excited about all of this! When I heard I got into the National Championship Finals, my jaw dropped, I didn't understand. And then I just started dancing. Happy, happy, joy, joy!
How long does it take to learn a new figure?
Quite long...
And how do you master a new figure?
I look at pictures and clips and try to figure it out (pun intended). If I can't get it right, I ask other barista's how it's done and practise some more.
How are you going to make sure you win the National competition?
Practise, practise, practise! My goal is not to win. The competition is way too talented to beat. It's to have a really great time and amaze myself and others with the fact that I can do this!
If you could change the Latte Art Championship format, what would you change?
It would be nice if it took place in a cafe or bar, since that is kind of our natural habitat.
Anything you would like to add?
I'm just so excited about all of this! When I heard I got into the National Championship Finals, my jaw dropped, I didn't understand. And then I just started dancing. Happy, happy, joy, joy!
16 Nov 2015
2016 Dutch Latte Art - The Finalists - Kai Yasuda
Early 2016 seven gifted latte art pouring baristas will fight for the ticket to Shanghai, where the World Championship will take place. Who are the baristas that want to represent the Netherlands? Let's get to know them a little better...First up, Kai coming out for de Blonde Pater.
What figures did you pour for the qualifying rounds?
For my designer I poured a flying phoenix. My free pour consisted of a triangle of hearts.
How did you prepare?
A lot of practise...Plus I was so lucky to have Esther Maasdam [four time National Champion for latte art edit.] train me.
Who inspires you when deciding what figures to pour?
For the qualifying rounds Esther inspired me. I hope to design my own figures in the future.
How long does it take to learn a new figure?
I believe it differs per figure. Some are easier to master than others. It depends on the difficulty level.
And how do you master a new figure?
If you know the basics of latte art, really you can pour anything. You just need to figure out the right order of all the different parts. What steps of the figure do you lay down first, in order to get to the best result.
How are you going to make sure you win the National competition?
A lot of practising. Really, that is all I can do.
If you could change the Latte Art Championship format, what would you change?
No. It is a fun and exciting competition. Although the time you get for your run shouldn't be any shorter.
What figures did you pour for the qualifying rounds?
For my designer I poured a flying phoenix. My free pour consisted of a triangle of hearts.
How did you prepare?
A lot of practise...Plus I was so lucky to have Esther Maasdam [four time National Champion for latte art edit.] train me.
Who inspires you when deciding what figures to pour?
For the qualifying rounds Esther inspired me. I hope to design my own figures in the future.
How long does it take to learn a new figure?
I believe it differs per figure. Some are easier to master than others. It depends on the difficulty level.
And how do you master a new figure?
If you know the basics of latte art, really you can pour anything. You just need to figure out the right order of all the different parts. What steps of the figure do you lay down first, in order to get to the best result.
How are you going to make sure you win the National competition?
A lot of practising. Really, that is all I can do.
If you could change the Latte Art Championship format, what would you change?
No. It is a fun and exciting competition. Although the time you get for your run shouldn't be any shorter.
13 May 2015
12 May 2015
11 May 2015
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