Serious baristas from throughout North America and as far away as Europe make their way to the Midwest Barista School each year to learn the fine art of making quality coffee. In fact, would-be cafe professionals have converged upon this Holland, Michigan, location to learn not only how to make a good cup of joe, but also how to make a profit from it. And now, the school has opened its doors to amateurs.
For individuals who simply want to brew cafe-quality coffee drinks in their own homes, the school offers four-hour Home Barista classes, sessions that teach how to steam perfect milk, choose the best beans and make drinks that taste as superb as your coffee shop favorite. One-on-one classes pair coffee lovers with a trainer who takes the student through the basics.
The instructor explains how to choose appropriate beans and offers advice on the purchase of a home espresso machine, coffee mill and accessories. Next, students get lessons in tasting espresso and pulling the perfect shot, steaming and texturing milk properly, and preparing lattes and cappuccinos. The final step: learning how to craft latte art, forming delicate floral and curlicue patterns with steamed milk atop rich, brown coffee.
Since instruction is offered individually, classes may be arranged at a time convenient for the student and the instructor. And while Home Barista classes are designed for a single student, participants may invite one additional barista wannabe to join in the coffee talk.