WHO MAKES YOUR COFFEE?
Denika Smith STOKED EATERY TE KUITI
What do you do when you’re not making coffee?
I enjoy spending time with my family, watching movies and enjoying the summer sun with a few cold brewskies. I live in a rural settlement so there’s not really too much to do but relax.
What’s your coffee order?
Caramel mocha. There’s nothing better than caramel and chocolate together, and when I have a beautiful double shot of Atomic’s Veloce roast in this sweet caramel chocolate with some creamy full blue Anchor milk, my taste buds are just dancing with every sip.
What’s the key to a great coffee?
For me, you have to have quality beans, perfectly textured milk, and service with a smile makes a coffee taste that little bit better
What’s the hot topic in your neighbourhood this week – what are people talking about at the cafe?
Everyone is raving about how good our new outdoor blinds are because they can now dine outside without getting sunburnt.
What’s your favourite thing about being a barista?
Meeting new people and recognising regular customers. I love that I can just start their coffee as soon as they walk in the door. I think this shows our regulars that we do value their patronage.
Dairy substitutes, yay or nay?
Me personally, nay. I’ve never really liked the taste of any of the new milk, and we have so many milks nowadays which can be frustrating on busy days. But I do understand a lot of people have dietary requirements so I don’t mind making coffee with their preferred milk.
Decaf, yay or nay?
No way. I thought coffee was all about the caffeine.
Flavour shots, yay or nay?
Definitely yay. I am a bit of a sweet tooth and caramel is always my go-to for flavoured shots.
Tell us a secret your customers don’t know about you.
I am a Canadian. Most people assume I’m American and sometimes I just roll with it.
What’s the biggest coffee sin? Why?
A ¼ decaf soy latte in a tulip cup with a ½ teaspoon of sugar. If I’m busy I will almost always use more than a ¼ shot and have to remake it because it’s too strong.