Name: Hamad AlMajed

Cafe: Macchiarte

Title: Executive Manager / Barista

QUICK SPILL

My Coffee: Cold brew, our Bieder & Maier Vienna blend.

My Equipment: I use a huge range of Coffee machines. Including Slayer espresso, Orchestrale, Astoria and so many more. Perks of having a coffee machine showroom!

Most overused ingredient: Water / milk.

Favorite Coffee Destination: Our Macchiarte Vienna Branch.

Favorite Coffee Gadget: Bottomless portafilter. Makes you really see what’s going on with your extraction.

Why did you become a barista/involved in the world of coffee?

My Cousin Sara pushed me into taking one of their Barista courses at The Confectioners shop. I instantly fell in love with the amount of detail that comes into creating the perfect cup of Coffee. Being a perfectionist really helps.

What’s the best part of the job? Which part is the worst?

The best part to me is watching as my loyal customers come in early in the morning with a frown, only to leave with a smile after they get their coffee fix. The worst part is constantly cleaning and monitoring.

What makes a regular cup of coffee amazing?

Extra TLC: Tender love and care.

How much coffee do you drink in a day?

2-3 cups a day! But if we include tasting, I lose count.

What do you do for fun?

I like restoring classic cars. I own a beautiful ‘69 stingray which is my baby.

How do you deal with challenging customers?

Smile and wave, baby.

If you weren’t a barista or in the coffee business, what would you like to be?

I could never imagine myself being the 8-2, clock in and clock out, type of person. I’d probably be working from home.

What’s your favorite treat to have with your coffee?

Dark chocolate goes amazingly well with coffee. The secret is to take a bite, then drink, and let it infuse in your mouth.

Featured image by Ali @arabian.nomad on Instagram.