Behind the Beans: A Chat With Local Barista Kylie Fink
I have worked at Sidecar Ridgeway since the summer. I did an interview with another local barista in the Cedar Valley you can check out on my blog, but here is the same interview with my answers!
How did you get started as a local barista?
“I became a barista because I have a strong passion for coffee. Especially Sidecar Coffee.”
What inspired your love for coffee? Before or after becoming a local barista?
“I was inspired by my mom. She started getting into coffee when I was in high school and I did not get the hype at first. We watched Gilmore Girls together and the mother-daughter duo always drank coffee on the show. I gave it another chance and I fell in love with lattes. I needed a summer job and had always dreamed of dressing cute and getting to make people drinks at a local shop. Sidecar is my favorite coffee shop, so I am so happy to be working there!”
What is your favorite drink?
“My favorite drink changes a lot. Right now, I have been loving honey hazelnut lattes with oatmilk and extra extra ice.”
What are your best tips for pouring latte art?
- Kiss your milk 4 times.
- Less heat is better.
- Tap the bubbles out.
- Make sure you only have a little amount of milk in your pitcher.
- Start close to the center of your cup.
- Jiggle your wrist super gently!
What is one thing you’ve learned through being a local barista?
“There is a science behind being a barista. Pulling an espresso shot has a careful step-by-step protocol to get it right.”
What is your favorite memory as a barista?
“Working with my coworkers. We always have so much fun together. It doesn’t even feel like work when I go in!”
What’s the most difficult coffee drink to make, and why:
“Any blended drink. They are so much work and if you’re working alone can be a pain in a rush.”
If you could serve coffee to anyone, alive or dead, who would it be and why?
“The whole Friends cast. Easy answer.”