SITTING DOWN WITH VENEZIANO COFFEE HEAD BARISTA TODD SOUTER
Ahead of their return to MICE next year, we recently had a chance to catch up with Veneziano Coffee Head Barista Todd Souter. Pictured above, Todd was recently a competitor at the ASCA Southern Region Barista Championships.
Q: How did Veneziano first start out?
A: The Veneziano story started with two guys that knew there was a better way to do business in coffee. After 25 years’ experience in the industry, our founders, Rocky Veneziano and Craig Dickson set up shop in 2000. From there our humble operation has grown into a team of coffee lovers who bring a wealth of experience to the table, and a burning desire to learn and grow.
Q: If you could drink a cup of single origin from one place in the world, where would it be?
A: Most likely ‘La Palma Y El Tucan’ in Cundinamarca, Colombia – I’ve had some of the best coffee I have ever tasted from that farm. I would also love to visit ‘Gesha Village’ in Ethiopia.
Q: Favourite piece of coffee making equipment?
A: The EK43 Grinder is my all-time favourite, its large flat burr design grinds coffee really evenly, it has a very narrow ’spread’ of particle sizes – more evenness means sweeter coffee with more flavour. It can make delicious espresso and filter coffee – the possibilities are endless
Q: How many cups of coffee a day before you draw the line?
A: I used to drink 10-12 coffees a day, but these days its more like 3 or 4 and lots of tasting and thinking more about flavour and the tactile experience.
Q: Which city makes the best coffee in the world?
A: Of course Melbourne!
Veneziano will be exhibiting in Roasters Alley next year, just next to the grand stand hosting the ASCA Australian Coffee Championships – be sure to get your tickets so you can check out their stand and see the action up close!
