Photos and Coordination by Julie Rings, SDCN Social Media Manager. Technical Assistance by Jose Lopez, SDCN Videographer. Words and Smiles by Pablo Lara, SDCN Blog Editor & Chief. Photo Contribution by Benjamin Street.
The coffee realm of our city has come a long way in the past three years. Aside from the new shops and roasters, we have bourgeoning talent. Baristas in San Diego are a diverse bunch, a reflection of our lovely region. As different as we may be, coffee unites us. Last week James Coffee Co. opened their doors after hours and allowed the SDCN Blog team to photograph San Diego’s barista community. There was a lively energy through the event, baristas mingled and shared knowledge around a La Marzocco GS3. This generation of millennials cares about quality and sustainability. It is a group that seeks individuality in the creation of artisanal beverages. We hope to recreate this event to unite the community, foster collaborations and friendships.
Photos by Julie Rings.
James Davalos, Aussie Bean: His latte-art and sketching are mediums that influence each other.
Kat Adams, Aussie Bean: An AeroPress makes for a great clutch.
Photos by Julie Rings.
Gan Suebsarakham and Steven Torres, Pop Pie Co: The ultimate coffee and pie power couple.
Photos by Julie Rings.
Lindsey Vargo, Bird Rock Coffee Roasters: She might like donuts more than they like her.
Jacob White, Bird Rock Coffee Roasters: Totally stole that plaque, I don't see his name on it.
Photos by Julie Rings.
Max Damitrov, Bird Rock Coffee Roasters: He'd love to check your temperature.
Carrie Anne Saccone, Bird Rock Coffee Roasters: Rosettas are her thing.
Photos by Julie Rings.
Aaron Bledsoe, Bird Rock Coffee Roasters: He's like James Dean meets Bay Watch.
Lindsey Bania, Bird Rock Coffee Roasters: "A random lady gave me this flower on the bus"
Photos by Julie Rings.
From Left to right:
Manilla Fever by Jocylynn Breeland, Bird Rock Coffee Roasters & Marcel Reyes, SDCN Blog Senior Editor.
A Family Portrait by Pablo Lara as the stern father, Aaron Bledsoe as the prodigal son and Carrie Anne Saccone as the loving mother.
Zael Ogwaro and Ariel Vieweg, Ironsmith Coffee Roasters: "The best thing about working in Encinitas are the dogs."
Photos by Julie Rings.
Ray & Ashley, Global Coffee Trading: They brought a handful of beans.
Jonny Chesterfield, Village: Big spoon or little spoon?
Photos by Julie Rings.
Layla Zbinden, Hawthorn Coffee: What draws you into coffee? "The people"
Benjamin Street, Freelance Photographer: Loves coffee, cameras and coffee.
Photos by Julie Rings.
Linda Garcia, The Lot: Singer and coffee lover.
Xana Young, Ironsmith Coffee Roasters: She loves hummus and ranch.
Photos by Julie Rings.
Kaleb Ede, James Coffee Co: That kettle did not have hot water.
Ewan Bennie, James Coffee Co: He probably wished there was hot water in the kettle.
Photos by Julie Rings.
Dylan Michalek, James Coffee Co: He has a lot of rubber duckies.
Sarah Girdzius, James Coffee Co: She's riding Dirty Diana.
Photos by Julie Rings.
Jeffrey Johnston, Lestat''s Coffee House & Caffe Calabria: Quite the festive array of pitchers you got there.
Daniel Whitaker: "Coffee creates a comfortable atmosphere and unites classes. It's a universal drink."
Photos by Julie Rings.
Brandon Sanders, Twiggs Coffee House: He didn't bring a prop so I gave him a portafilter (His pin is also a portafilter)
Amanda Laclaire, James Coffee Co: Pups and coffee cups.
Behind the Scenes:
Photo by Benjamin Street.
Photo by Benjamin Street.
Photo by Benjamin Street.