Another unpolished diamond

Looking back two years ago, i just started to get myself exposed in the specialty coffee scene. Was working for a Coffee Manufacturer, CuppaChoice International Pte Ltd formerly known as Hui Yee Coffee Manufacturer. Previously I was from an MNC company, Starbucks Coffee, Where most youngsters been dying to work at. I wasn't one of them, i just happened to apply for a job there. Look how far it brought me. Seven months from now, where will I be? Will i look back to this post or I'll just move on? Starbucks was where I met people like Suhaimie and Shin Hao. The coffee legends.

It's a greater exposure for the younger generation now as we have more years ahead of us and the foundation of this industry is rather solid now. Being in the middle of the changing process, it widen up my knowledge in every aspect. It made me more detail and always have kept my option open and prepare back up plans with what i do in life. Quality can never be compromise.

Now serving the Nation, with 7 months to go, I'm really really excited to get back into the coffee scenes. It's almost to the end of my service where some who is enlisting.

Someone who i thought was "cocky" according to the stories told. Well, they're not a good story-teller i guess. 1 out of 10 diamond that will shine when polished. Sooner or later, the two-year holiday retreat will come soon. And that, is always the case. Guess what? we're all drivers.

This was Suhaimie's reply, "Never believe stories about others when shared by third parties. You have to experience it yourself and I am still not taking back my words. This person is definitely one of the passionate lot that I have ever rub shoulder with"

Was my mentor

Suhaimie Sukiman, the coffee guru i met when I just joined Starbucks in 2007. Now a full-time coffee roaster at Toby's Estate Asia. I remembered during his last shift at Starbucks Holland Village, we shook hands and said " See you in the same cafe 5 years from now".

In 2010, got a chance to work with him again at a local coffee manufacturer company, Cuppachoice International Pte Ltd. Sadly, i had to leave for National Service in 2011. Into 17 months of service now, feeling very excited and nervous to enter the "adulthood".

Will that mutual handshake happen or not? Will i go solo for my personal development before working hand in hand with him again. We'll see about that. It's almost to the 5th year already. Some inside info, i five places I have my eyes at to apply a job position.

An old primary schoolmate once said, " You have to keep your options open".

Looking at (not in order of preference), Jimmy Monkey Cafe & Bar, Toby's Estate, Espressoul, Papa Palheta and Oriole Coffee Roasters. Well that's six actually.

Roasting Panama Beans

Terence looking so mesmerized at Suhaimie roasting Panama Don Pachi for the coming weekend brew bar. I had the Don Pachi once during a coffee degustation workshop done by Toby's Estate Asia.

It "doesn't taste like coffee"; In a very good way. It has this tea-like body with jackfruit and apricot aroma and sweetness. A very unique taste indeed. I compared it with a peanut butter jelly. I bet most of them who i explained to, thinks that its weird.

I need a part-time job or get paid with my "talents". Standard of living is higher now that $420 a month ain't enough. Imagine this, $126 goes to my bike installments, $223 goes to school fees (because the bank declined my loan, i had to borrow someones credit card). With $70 a month, imagine what I am going through.

Man Versus Machine

Man VS Machine at Toby's Estate Coffee. Honestly, i almost lost my coffee mojo because have not been drinking brewed coffee. I have been busy re-organising my life and my coffee page on Facebook, "Freelance Barista Singapore". Have been struggling with some financial difficulties which make me worry so much for the future. I keep wondering whether the future will also be a struggle like now.

Plans for the next 6 months, apply for SCAE individual membership, get myself certified as a level 1 barista then level 2, finish up half of my school fees and figure out how to pay the other half of the term, get a part time job after I ORD in November until i graduated in January. Full time job in February.

Okay, let me share with you about the coffees. The "Man", i had some Costa Rica Beans and the "Machine", it's Ethiopia Yirgacheffe. Both had apricot acidity and a peach finish. It was more pronounced for the "Man". Still wondering what brewing tools? It's a Syphon and a Clover! The syphon won.

Speaking of brewed coffee, i realised that I have the equipments at home, why am i buying cups over cups during this difficult times. I miss brewing using my Aeropress. I have a feeling that I'll be buying beans tommorrow or ask for sample from Suhaimie.

Better Barista Coffee academy, one day kiosk

This is Pamela Chng, the founder of Bettr Barista Coffee Academy

She competed in Singapore National Barista Championship 2012with her Panama Geisha Beans. Well done Pamela, for putting in the effort to show us your love of coffee. Support them an subscribe to their news at http://www.facebook.com/Bettrbarista and website at the bottom of this post.

 They are a social enterprise centered on arming disadvantaged and underprivileged women with the skills and tools to make their lives better. They take a holistic training approach that focuses on mental (skills), emotional and physical development. Starting with the specialty coffee industry, we aim to lift the overall coffee standards in Singapore by producing better Baristas and coffee professionals.

  I just knew them recently, a bunch of people that I would look forward to know more about. The cappuccino i had (psst, i did not queue up, Pam cut the queue for me) was a blend of Guatemala,Colombia and El Salvador. Perfect for our local tastebuds. Its not so intense and not to mild. A perfect combination for an overall balanced coffee lover. Thanks!!

It was a  one day event, complimentary coffees to the public at Center point Shopping Center from 1200 to 1700.  There may be more to come perhaps?

Ethiopia Sidamo, the lemon fruit characteristic, one of my personal favourite. 

  

The queue did not stop, i hope they're running on enough staff.

Here's the website for Bettr Barista Coffee Academy http://www.bettrbarista.com/ and their location is at 8 Burn Road, Trivex #13-04, Singapore 369977 Tel: +65 6509 0113 (Sorry no retail sales. Meetings by appointment only!)