Coffee lovers and latte art enthusiasts come unite! From August 28 to the 30th, the highly anticipated Coffee Fest is happening in Los Angeles, and it is set to be an energizing bazaar showcasing not only the nation's most cutting-edge and premier coffee businesses, but also 64 of the most talented baristas with a determined goal to win the best latte art.
One of these passionately masterful baristas, Kelvin Kumar, hails right from our own Bay Area, who already has other competitions under his belt and is ready to delicately and precisely decorate cups of espresso to victory. We had a chance to get to know about Kelvin and what his background, strategy, and motivations are going into this e-steamed competition, especially when it comes to representing his NorCal roots and our vibrant coffee culture.
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Hi Kelvin, It's great to meet! I would love to start off with knowing a bit about your background and how you got into the world of barista artistry. Did you always know that this is what you wanted to do?
I’m a Bay Area native; I grew up in Hayward. I graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in English. Upon graduating I was unsure of my career prospects. I considered being a teacher but ultimately felt it wasn’t for me. I ended up working at my local Peets thinking it would be a part time job while I finished a web development boot camp. I quickly realized how passionate I was about coffee, particularly the barista craft.
It was meditative in a sense. When you’re on bar making drinks and get lost in the process, your mind can’t wander anywhere else. It’s a flow like state, peaceful.
And then I discovered latte art. What I love about it is the act of expression, of creating something out of nothing, the artistry, the performative nature, the work it takes to try and perfect a particular pour or design, the smile you bring to people. Whenever I’m passionate about something, I’m borderline obsessive; I give everything I have if I love something. It could’ve been any other medium, but it manifested itself in latte art. I just want to be extraordinary and great at my passions.
And so how what sparked your interest to enter latte art competitions?
I wanted to challenge myself against other like-minded baristas. I played sports growing up so competing in barista and latte art competitions was just natural. I looked up competitions and found the Coffeefest World Latte Art competitions and applied. I competed in Portland and Anaheim last year. Let’s just say it was a great learning experience. I got eliminated in the first rounds in both while making elementary mistakes: botching the milk steaming and overfilling and spilling the cup. I’m confident the past experiences will help me in this competition.
Having that prior knowledge definitely helps! What, then, is your strategy going into Coffee Fest?
My strategy going into the competition is to have fun and embrace the moment. The butterflies that I’ll eventually feel before my round is something I’m ready for. I’ve been visualizing and meditating and trying to picture myself on stage. Ultimately, no matter how much I prepare mentally, I have to stay composed and put on a show, baby.
Additionally, I’ve been practicing daily, mimicking the competition setting and working to perfect my pours with minimal attempts. I have three designs that I’m comfortable executing; it’s just a matter of choosing what I want to pour. While I’m on my shift, I practice as I make drinks for customers and I’ve been coming in when we are closed to do more extensive practice. I’ve also been referencing the scoring rubric to maximize the amount of points I earn.
I'd love to know, how has the culture of the SF Bay Area contributed to your growth and love for becoming a barista?
I think Bay Area culture has encouraged me to pursue passions and career paths that some would find nonconforming. Some of that has to do with the general culture of acceptance that’s prevalent in the Bay. I think there’s a bustling culture of self-expression and innovation stemming from Silicon Valley and beyond. Furthermore, the multifaceted diversity in the Bay, ranging from ethnicity, culture, and ideas fosters a culture where creative minds can thrive. I think having supportive parents and family has also encouraged me to follow my heart. I wouldn’t be able to do what I do without them.
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Do you have a favorite particular latte art to make?
My favorite latte art has to be the classic rosetta. I feel it’s aesthetically so beautiful when poured well. When the wing is wide and symmetrical and the inner leaves are perfectly embedded inside the wing, it makes for a stunning pour. And then you finish it off with a stacked or layered heart. I mean what more could you want. It’s also interesting that there are variations of the rosetta and that even while you’re attempting to replicate a pour, the pour you end up executing will be wholly unique to you.
What is the most challenging pour that you've created?
The most challenging pours I’ve attempted and executed would have to be the drawing style free pours. These are more intricate and involve pouring designs that include pegasus’, sea horses, or really whatever your imagination can conjure up.
This is an area of latte art I’m excited to start tackling. The current competition prep has forced me to work on my tulips. It’s good to have an arsenal of tulips for these competitions, so I’ve worked on three wing base tulips with sight variations to each.
Lastly, I have to know, what is your personal favorite way to have coffee?
My personal favorite way to enjoy coffee is as an espresso or a cappuccino. There’s something enlightening about drinking espresso in a demitasse cup outside on your ten minute break as you overlook the passing cars. If I want something sweet, I love having an iced mocha.
Brilliant, thank you so much Kelvin!
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You can stay tuned into the latte art competition, as well as the other happenings of the massive Coffee Fest on their various social media channels, as well as even join for yourself next time around!
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This interview has been edited and condensed.
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