“This is really the best feeling anyone can ever have, knowing that you are the champion of your country and representing your country against fellow Baristas from all over the world.” These are the words of the National Latte Art Champion Alhenrico Thomas from Famous Brands, who will now go on to represent South Africa in the World Latte Art competition.
“This is the creative part of the skill, and also the part that draws the most people, as it is so very visually appealing,” says Lani on the importance of the Latte Art Championships. “It really takes great skill to perform to a good level of latte art delivery but often has the greatest satisfaction as the customer’s response is always very pleasing and motivating. This competition pushes baristas to get the best out of their skill, as it takes hard work to become good at this.”
In the competition, the barista needs to prepare two sets of latte art cups for the judges, with supporting pictures of what he or she will pour. “The Latte art designs consist of 2 free pour designs, whereby you only use your milk pitchers, and 2 designer arts whereby you can use your milk pitchers and any utensil to finish of your designs. If you make it to the finals then you are required to do the same plus another 2 macchiato which adds up to 6 cups in 10 minutes,” says Alhenrico.
On his journey with coffee, Alhenrico says, “I started at a restaurant many years ago which is where I was introduced to good coffee for the first time by a guy called Philip Reid, who is also my fellow colleague and best friend today. I decided to take the training that he gave me 5 years ago and told him then that within 4-5 years I will be the best in South Africa. I had a goal set and with the help of God, I have achieved it.”
Now that he’s achieved this milestone, what’s next? “I now have a new goal after winning the competition,” says Alhenrico. “This is to start my own coffee shop where people can come experience latte art on another level, and bring their children to have fun with my Baristas and make their own latte art on a hot chocolate or milo.”
