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Thundergods journey

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  • #16
    Re: Thundergods journey

    Originally posted by ozscott link=1155193457/0#14 date=1171236324
    Good luck mate...I reckon that the vast majority of the snobs here would be able to pull better coffees that a lot (not all because there are some tremendous ones) of those working in cafes in Brisbane.  I guess the trick is speed - no cafe owner wants someone fussing about.  I reckon one month or less of cranking them out and most people would be getting to the speed required in a busy cafe.

    Cheers.

    PS.  I have mates who own busy cafs and the pace can be really shocking!
    Agreed TG, speed is an issue and no amount of home experience will ever replicate the real world. In addition hygeine and consistency are paramount....

    I say that a good barista must embrace the feminine:

    Youre communicating both verbally and non-verbally with your team members. You are often taking orders, prioritising take-away coffee whilst juggling at least 3 different milks, jugs and flavours and pouring latte art. You are looking down the line of orders to see if you can gain efficiency by making multiples where there may only be one. Youre making on the fly grind adjustments when they are required....All of this occurs whilst having a conversation (or flirting ) with with the customer and maintaining that smile, no matter how much pressure youre feeling.

    Easy, isnt it?   ;D

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    • #17
      Re: Thundergods journey

      Chris....

      I find it interesting that some cafes (a very small percentage admittedly) manage to take their time and prepare a quality shot using freshly roasted beans (read more expensive!) The management of the cafe and their customers are happy for this to be the case - they charge "the market price" for this quality coffee..... and must be returning a reasonable profit. They are only slightly faster at producing these coffees than we are at home!

      So those cafes who churn out second rate coffees at an almost astonishing rate using much cheaper ingredients must be making an obscene profit..... and customers continue to flock to them..... a sign of the times where quality has given way to speed (and at the same price to the consumer)..... many of these cafes dont look all that hygienic either :-/.

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      • #18
        Re: Thundergods journey

        Thanks for the encouragement and hints.

        But a little of my background to put you at ease.

        The week after I was born I returned home to the accommodation above my fathers café.
        So the first few years of my life were living in and around a café.
        Its in my blood.

        In later years dad had a take-away shop that mostly catered to factory lunches.
        My record is 24 hamburgers at once for a lunch run; that included many variations, like no beetroot, extra onions, BBQ sauce not tomato, you get the idea.

        Years later again I progressed from driving for Pizza Hut to Duty Manager.
        Busiest night was a State of Origin Football night where we took over 200 orders and delivered probably over 400 pizzas plus side orders.

        All were delivered on time, mistake free; ie no complaints.

        I have the ability to process and prioritise orders as they come in.
        In a café you dont have to worry that an espresso needs to go to a suburb 5km away and another just around the corner.

        Im pretty sure I could get back up to speed pretty quickly.

        Anyway, as I said, this last place did 6 coffees in the hour between 10 and 11.
        I dont think speed was going to be an issue.

        Whilst I mention that one, I missed out.
        The recruiter said they were looking for someone more junior.
        Im guessing I take up too much room.


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        • #19
          Re: Thundergods journey

          I think its going to be hard to get a break in a cafe when you have "no experience", despite the fact 99% of those other clowns with "experience" have no idea what theyre doing...

          Maybe you could do some work experience somewhere for a week or two and get a reference, that way you can say you have experience.

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          • #20
            Re: Thundergods journey

            Its illegal to get work experience without being paid, so no different really.

            Ive proven myself to both owners so far.

            The first one has my number and asked if he could call me when business picks up.

            Not all ask for experience and considering theyve seen what I can do, a quieter cafe would suit us both.

            Im not looking to fill a position at Campos or Epic.

            I can more than handle a quiet surburban cafe.

            And in the long run its not what Im after or need to fill my financial requirements.

            -----------------

            Heres a thought bon.

            Where did everyone with experience get it?

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            • #21
              Re: Thundergods journey

              TG I reckon with your attitude youd be good for a gig at a top notch coffee place - because you are willing to work to get it right.

              Did I ever mention the steam wand in the cafe that was coated with congealed gravy?

              Ahhh Cunnamulla - its all class I tell you!

              Keep trying mate - there must be someone out there that wants a barista who loves coffee.

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              • #22
                Re: Thundergods journey

                congealed gravy.....reading that made me dry reach literally.

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                • #23
                  Re: Thundergods journey

                  Fortunately I saw that steam want being used to make gravy for an order of chips BEFORE I ordered a coffee. I spent 15 months in that town withour ever ordering a coffee from the cafe.

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                  • #24
                    Re: Thundergods journey

                    Hey grendel.....

                    I can tell you where you can have scrambled eggs from the steam wand to go with your gravy......

                    and thats live and well??? and happening in Perth right now!

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                    • #25
                      Re: Thundergods journey

                      Originally posted by 2muchcoffeeman link=1155193457/15#15 date=1171236755
                      ....All of this occurs whilst having a conversation (or flirting ) with with the customer and maintaining that smile, no matter how much pressure youre feeling.

                      Easy, isnt it?   ;D
                      Never underestimate the power of flirting/having a conversation with the customer.

                      During chemo, when I was bald and feeling just dreadful that wee chat with the baristas really made my day as they are as passionate about good coffee as I am.

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                      • #26
                        Re: Thundergods journey

                        Got to say, guys, if you want lumpless gravy for your chips then a steam wand is the way to go. Having said that, I prefer my gravy lumpy and my steam wand clean. ;D

                        Thundergod, next time youre asked about your experience, you can talk about TGs Cafe - youve been there for six or seven months now. Im sure you can give your son as a reference.....

                        Not everybody would like their resume thoroughly checked out. And Im only suggesting this because you clearly are capable of doing the job, and your home experience is still valid.

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                        • #27
                          Re: Thundergods journey

                          Thanks for the votes of confidence.

                          We all know the home experience counts.
                          My instructor at the barista course reckoned the day we spent with him counted more than bad "on the job" training.

                          UPDATE: The fellow from the first coffee shop has rung the recruiter asking me to call him regarding some casual hours.  

                          UPDATE UPDATE: Starting tomorrow - 3 hours a day (12 - 3) M - F. ALso have negotiated first day off - Im taking my wife to a doctors appointment on Thursday and my new boss has agreed thats OK. 8-)

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                          • #28
                            Re: Thundergods journey

                            Survived Day 1.

                            I lost track of how many coffees I made in my 3 hours but it wasnt flat chat.

                            Steady enough though and I go a few compliments.

                            Made my first macchiato (2nd really but 1st paying customer).
                            He liked it so much, he said, that he ordered another one a few minutes later.

                            Also had an old guy come in towards the end of my shift that was scrounging to find the money for his flat white but said if it was good hed have another.
                            He did.

                            At least this owner likes a clean steam wand.
                            There are so many other things that could be done better.

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                            • #29
                              Re: Thundergods journey

                              Thats great Thundergod.

                              I know it isnt the job you are after, but it will get you out of the house for long enough to freshen you up for the next "real job" interview.

                              Have fun in the meantime.

                              Comment


                              • #30
                                Re: Thundergods journey

                                Congratulations Thundergod, I hope the job serves you well.

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