Barista Nation LA is just a day away!

The City of Los Angeles hosts the latest installment of the traveling roadshow of education, community and coffee known as Barista Nation tomorrow at the Wilbur Curtis HQ. I’m pretty excited to be able to attend (and present)! These events are always fun, a great chance to meet people and catch up with folks, and as always learn a little more about coffee.

Kyle Glanville and Charles Babinski of G&B Coffee will keynote Barista Nation LA.
Kyle Glanville and Charles Babinski of G&B Coffee will keynote Barista Nation LA.

The keynote presenters tomorrow are none other than Kyle Glanville and Charles Babinksi owners G&B Coffee and Go Get Em Tiger and barista competition all stars. I had a chance to drop by G&B for a moment yesterday and sampled some of their delicious bottled cold brew. Perfect for a sunny and 75-degree day (Sorry for everyone who doesn’t have weather like that!).

The bar at G&B.
The bar at G&B.

I didn’t realize what a great location G&B was in before I visited. It’s in a welcoming spot right at the front of a vibrant, bustling city market, full of food vendors, produce stands and palpable community energy.

The market around G&B Coffee is very cool and vibrant!
The market around G&B Coffee is very cool and full of energy (and amazing aromas)!

Not too far away, in this huge metropolis, I also was lucky enough to visit the new Stumptown roastery and cafe. It’s in a gorgeous converted warehouse space. Well, part of it is converted. Some of it is still warehouse space for the green coffee. All of it is beautifully restored.

The bar at the new Stumptown LA.
The bar at the new Stumptown LA.

I couldn’t believe the shop had only been open for a few days. It already had a familiar feel and vibe to it, with people sitting at table chatting or working on laptops, and a non-stop line at the counter.

The side of Stumptown's custom La Marzocco reads "City of Angels."
The side of Stumptown’s custom La Marzocco reads “City of Angels.”

 

What a beautiful machine!
What a beautiful machine!

The huge 60-kilo Probat is visible through a glass wall to all the customers in the cafe, so once that starts full operation, customers will be able to watch the roasters do their work.

The 60-kilo Probat roaster is behind a glass wall, visible to customers in the cafe.
The 60-kilo Probat roaster is behind a glass wall, visible to customers in the cafe.

Also behind the bar on the way to the roasting bay is a training space with a La Marzocco Strada and Linea (along with dozens of brewing devices) set up for baristas to practice on.

A tasty cappuccino served at Stumptown LA.
A tasty cappuccino served at Stumptown LA.

I feel very lucky that I got to visit such cool spots on my way across town yesterday. I hope to drop by a few more today.

Stacked bags of green coffee wait their turn in the roaster.
Stacked bags of green coffee wait their turn in the roaster.

And I can’t wait for Barista Nation tomorrow! It’s going to be a blast! And if you’re not in the LA area, don’t worry, the next installment may just be in your city.

Some of the art outside the new Stumptown LA location.
Some of the art outside the new Stumptown LA location.
About Ken 263 Articles
Kenneth R. Olson (he/him) is co-founder and publisher of Barista Magazine the worldwide trade magazine for the professional coffee community. He has written extensively about specialty coffee, traveled near and far for stories, activities, and fun, and been invited to present on topics important to coffee culture. He is also an avid fan of the Portland Trail Blazers, the Washington Huskies, and public libraries.