Anyone who knows me knows I can usually be found at Matter of Taste (MOT) coffee shop when I'm not at work. I've always said Matter of Taste has the best coffee around, and now they have a plaque to prove it. Owner Phong Tran came in second at the Barista championship last Friday, making Phong the most skilled Barista south of Collingwood. Kate, a barista who works at Matter of Taste, placed fifth. Another Phong & Dawn-trained barista, Amber, who now works for a cafe in Toronto, came in sixth. Of the top 6 baristas, 50% were trained at Matter of Taste.
I couldn't attend, but Phong filled me in on the details Saturday, "Lindsay, put on an amazing show." Lindsay, another of Phong's baristas, didn't place in the top 6, but certainly made an impression. Both Lindsay and Kate were asked by Elektra to pose with the Elektra Classic Espresso machine.
Matter of Taste has a really relaxing atmosphere, and the owners, Phong and Dawn, are both very approachable. MOT has a relaxed dress code which seems to consist of black top and jeans. Before the competition Kate and Lindsay were chatting about dressing up for the 'host' role, and as everyone can see, they both look great!Kate has been training as a Barista since January, 2006, making her fifth place finish is an amazing accoplishment. Being a "regular" I got to hear about the long hours Kate prepared for the competition. There were baristas in the competition who have been baristas for years, who didn't place in the top 6. No doubt Kate's hard work contributed a great deal to her victory.
A big congratulations to all the staff of Matter of Taste! You're all the best!
