These are the words of Esther Maasdam, 2011-2014 Dutch Latte Art Champion, barista, trainer, and consultant. We sat down with her for this, the first in our new Coffee Tales series, to get to know the lady behind the cup of coffee.
First experience of coffee?
My first real memory of drinking coffee was when I was on a survival hike. After hiking and sleeping under a man-made construction for the night, the ground coffee that was offered to me in the morning seemed like a life saver. I had to make a fire, boil the water and build a drip construction out of an empty coke bottle to brew it, but I will never forget that cup of coffee and how it seemed to end all my troubles!
FAVOURITE PLACE TO HAVE A COFFEE?
At home.
Espresso or filter?
Filter.
Preferred brewing method?
Aeropress or Kalita.
African or South American?
It’s like choosing your favourite out of all your children...what I love about coffee is the variety if offers.
How many cups per day?
2 - 6.
Dairy or non-dairy?
Dairy.
Cocktail of choice?
Old Fashioned.
Favourite wine and why?
At the moment going hard on Nebbiolo, a DOCG from Barolo or Barbaresco. I just love the full bodied, full aroma bouquet, high in fruits and tannins that's great after you let it air for a while.
Favourite place for brunch?
Aloha in Rotterdam.
Given the choice of anyone in the world, who would you choose as a dinner guest?
Michelle Obama.
What would be your final supper?
The hottest hotpot! You wouldn’t have to deal with the consequences afterwards.
Holiday destination of choice?
New Orleans for a citytrip, South America for a coffee trip and Iceland for a hiking trip.
Bike or car?
Bike.
Favourite quote?
'Imagination is greater than knowledge.'
Three words that describe you
Energetic, work-a-holic, gastronomist.
If we were to look into your web history, what would we learn about you that most people wouldn’t know?
I’m addicted to watching episodes of Dragon’s Den.
Would you like to be famous, and if so, what for?
Not really.
Who or what is your greatest love?
The latte art cowboy ;)*
What is your greatest fear?
Missing out.
Favourite book and why?
Perfume — a book that really drags you in by the guts.
* Coffee Masters London 2016 winner, Ben Morrow