This is Lex's favourite quote — hardly surprising coming from the 2015 and 2016 Dutch Barista Champion and 2016 World Barista Championship finalist. Hardly a quitter...
Lex is one half of duo Friedhats Coffee Roasters, 'a garage, two guys and a coffee roaster,' as he and his business partner Dylan describe their set-up.
It all started in 2011 when Lex founded De Espressobus, a classic Citroen HY foodtruck that he travels around in making coffee at festivals and events. He started roasting his own coffee and opened a roastery and espressobar in Amsterdam called Headfirst Coffee Roasters, 'a magical place where great coffee was sourced, roasted and brewed.'
Lex and Dylan then joined forces to create Friedhats — we sat down with Lex to find out more.
First experience of coffee?
At home I started making coffee on a La Pavoni Europiccola manual lever machine. It took me quite some time before I could make a nice espresso with that.
FAVOURITE PLACE TO HAVE A COFFEE?
A place called Stadsbranderij Noord (translated 'City Roastery North') owned bij Kees Kraakman. A great place in the north of Amsterdam where coffee is brewed and roasted.
Espresso or filter?
Both. At home I used to drink mainly filter, but I have a very nice Slayer espresso machine at home now. So I drink a lot more espressos. But nothing beats a great filter coffee if you've got some time to enjoy it.
Preferred brewing method?
Aeropress!
African or South American?
African. Kenya has always been my favourite coffee producing country. One I have yet to visit.
How many cups per day?
On a normal day, just a few. But when we’re tasting coffees at work I drink quite a lot.
Dairy or non-dairy?
If I have to add something to my espresso it’s usually milk. I’ve never been much of a fan of the non-dairy options like soy or almond milk.
Cocktail of choice?
Whiskey Sour.
Favourite wine and why?
I recently bought a great natural red Pinot Noir from Champagne, France. I bought it because I mentioned Pinot Noir from France in my World Barista Championship 2016 presentation. Turned out to be great wine!
Favourite place for brunch?
Hopper in Rotterdam.
Given the choice of anyone in the world, who would you choose as a dinner guest?
Hmm...maybe Lance Armstrong. Or Doutzen Kroes. Lance will probably the better choice to eat a meal with. Doutzen probably wouldn't eat a lot :)
What would be your final supper?
A very nice pizza!
Holiday destination of choice?
Kenya!
Bike or car?
Bike. I’m trying to save the planet these days.
Favourite quote?
'Pain is temporary, quitting lasts forever.'
Three words that describe you
Driven. Stubborn. Friendly.
If we were to look into your web history, what would we learn about you that most people wouldn’t know?
I order coffee from Starbucks online.
Would you like to be famous, and if so, what for?
No, I’d rather be infamous.
Who or what is your greatest love?
The one and only Tess Hartman from Amsterdam.
What is your greatest fear?
To wake up one day with 2.5 kids, a dog and a Volvo Station in a nice house surrounded by a hundred nice houses that look identical, filled with other families that also have 2.5 kids, a dog and a Volvo Station.
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