MILLENNIUM PARK - MILLENNIUM PARK BARISTA OF THE MONTH

Chris Kornman is the Barista of the Month for July/August 2006 at our Millennium Park Intelligentsia Café.  Chris also happens to be the first ever Barista of the Month at this particular location, being that our doors opened here just a few short months ago.

"After countless sleepless nights of being kept awake by caffeine of innumerable terrible coffees, I ended up supporting my habit by working at an independent café in Chattanooga, TN where I learned the art of being a Barista as well as an appreciation for the quality and care that goes into making a decent cup of joe." A Barista since the spring of 2004, Chris came to Intelligentsia with the opening of our Millennium Park location about 4 months ago.  He showed a true desire to be an excellent Barista as he became Bar Certified very quickly while also learning about different coffees and sharing that knowledge with customers and co-workers.  Chris’s favorite drink to make is a straight shot of espresso.  "I’m especially fond of the robust simplicity of a shot of espresso.  The drink’s intensity and the attention to detail required are reasons for my appreciation of a well pulled shot."

Chris’s favorite aspect of working at Intelligentsia is the encouragement from his co-workers to constantly strive for excellence.  "I think that people are the heart of coffee making, from growing to roasting to serving, and that more than anything else, is what I like about being a Barista.  Taking part in an industry that supports workers in underprivileged areas of the world and encourages relationship building, creates some of the most interesting community of people I’ve ever had the privilege to interact with."  

Outside of work, "I read voraciously, write when I feel inspired, take moonlit walks on beaches with my youthful lover and our dog, participate and appreciate arts, music, and culture, and chase thunderstorms."

A beautiful display of latte art pouring technique.

Chris is always great with customer service.

That technique? It led to this gem of a latte.