I must be honest, things have changed around the apartment since getting back from Copenhagen. I wish I could say that Stephen hasn’t let success go to his head and is the same old lovable guy - but this simply isn’t the case.
The change wasn’t instant. It started slowly. I think I noticed it first when he started answering his phone “World Barista Champion, Stephen Morrissey….”, even when he knew it was me or his mother calling. Then, gradually, he started saying things like “You know… Before I was World Barista Champion, I used to think (such and such)….” Actually, come to think of it, I got back from Copenhagen before Stephen, but when he walked in the door he threw me a pound coin and said “My bags are downstairs. Go fetch them, yeah?” Just little things, you know, but how things have spiraled from there.
Just the other day, a FedEx guy arrived with a huge box from the Wedgwood factory. Stephen has had all his own monogrammed porcelain plates and bowls made, as well as solid silver monogrammed cutlery to go with them. He reiterates that they are to be used ‘by current World Champions only‘. He’s asked me to only use paper plates from now, because the sound of other people using cutlery on real plates annoys him.
I was OK with things up until this point. Fair enough, I figured, he deserves it, he’s worked hard. But recently, a real mean diva-like streak has started to show. Like Naomi Campbell…. with a beard. Last night, walking back from the supermarket, Stephen insisted that I (carrying the shopping) walk exactly 12 paces ahead of him, “just in case”, he kept saying…. “just in case”. In case, what? I had no idea. He asked me not to speak to him in public, if I wasn’t prepared to use his ‘title’.
Over the last week, he’s introduced a new policy, where no-one is allowed to make direct eye-contact before 2pm, which is a little futile, as he now wears sunglasses in the house constantly, anyway. He tells me this is a temporary measure, anyway, as he’s having a partition built in the loungeroom, to section off what he calls a “Champion’s Lounge”. Guess who’s not allowed to sit in it? Guess which section of the loungeroom has the TV in it?
I know that for people who know Stephen, this may seem preposterous. He’s an easy going, fun-loving, laid back and super-friendly guy, right? Sure… In the past! Just this morning, I made Stephen a mug of tea, but forgot to set the cup with the handle at a right angle from the edge of the table. I knew I’d done something wrong when Stephen smacked the cup off the table and into my lap, then stormed off into his room. He hasn’t come out yet, and it’s noon. All I can hear is soft, continuous muttering. “Klaus never had to put up with this shit.” Over, and over. The nurse at the hospital says the burns will heal, but I should think about pressing charges.
I asked James if he could have a word with him, you know, as someone who’d been there, but apparently Stephen isn’t taking James’ calls anymore. When I asked him about this, he told me that it just isn’t right - associating with ‘ex-champions’. “That was fine and all, in my pre-champion days (a term he uses a lot now), but it’s time to move on.”
I just thought that people should know what the WBCs in Copenhagen has spawned. I’m sure that everyone that knows Stephen wants to see the old guy back. The laughing Irishman with time for everyone. I would arrange an intervention at the apartment, but it looks as if the locks have been changed, and my stuff is all out here on the front step.
A friend that I treasure dearly brought this little guy into the world on 7 July, and if he’s not the cutest kid ever, then I don’t know who is…
Lachlan Jory: 3.4kg, 54cm long (tall?)
Everyone’s doing well, and I suddenly feel a very, very long way from home. I think I’m supposed to be the pseudo-uncle that spoils the kid, and that’s going to be hard to do from London. I’m sure I’ll find a way…
My God. I think I’m a bit clucky…
I meant to post this ages ago, but forgot.
On a recent work trip to Athens, we at Ristretto were aided by some local baristas in providing coffee at a gigantic shipping exhibition. It was with a certain level of trepidation that I waited to meet the guys I’d be working with for the few days at the old East Athens Airport. I knew nothing of Athens’ coffee culture, or to be honest, of Athens at all.
Providing the staff for the week was the cafe Evergreen, located in the centre of the city by the Monastiraki subway station. I tried to be a little underhanded, and check out the cafe, the coffee and the surrounds without introducing myself, in a hope to gain an honest appraisal of the everyday customer experience. Completely forgetting I had an ‘Espresso Parts’ t-shirt on was my first mistake, and I guess ordering a gibraltar and an espresso at the same time gave me away, also.
Within a few minutes, eyebrows were raised, people came over to chat to me, and before long, Antonis Georgakopoulos (Director of Coffee, I suppose) arrived and gave me an insightful and learned rundown of Athens’ coffee situation. Over the next few days, Antonis would prove to be not only something of a renegade in this bustling and confusing city, but a wonderful font of knowledge of all things coffee, culture, history and politics.
I didn’t have a lot of time, unfortunately, and couldn’t get stuck into a proper coffee tasting, but thoroughly enjoyed the espressos and gibraltars I had there. The cafe does up to 20kg/day some days, and is struggling with overheating Roburs, but as Antonis and the other baristas assure me, the switch to the Synesso Cyncra has been nothing but a joy.
A few nights later, Antonis, other Antonis and I met up at Evergreen for a beer, then took a stroll down to Plaka for kebabs under the austere gaze of the Acropolis, and talked coffee. Evergreen is the only venue in all of Greece that pushes what they refer to as Third Wave techniques, but at challenged by an incredibly well established coffee culture that contradicts everything we as baristas strive to achieve. Opening next to a Starbucks is surely a challenge enough, but Evergreen seem to be taking on the giant, and etching their own way into the market. Coupled with what was easily the best (and in some regards the only drinkable) coffee in Athens, Evergreen provides and amazing array of fantastic-looking fresh food, juices and more.
Moving on from coffee, the Antonis’s ran me through a brief overview of Greek history, the cultural problems of the country, and their hopes for the future of this most interesting and engaging city. With my jaw nearly on the table, Antonis (2) spoke quietly and nonchalantly of his national service time as a paratrooper - the first time Antonis ever flew in a plane, he had to jump out of the fucking thing. Incredible. Antonis (1) manned a radar station directing ships through channels. A little surreal for a guy who manned a checkout at Safeway, then worked in the relative comfort of the Queen Victoria Markets.
It’s with some regret that it’s taken me so long to post a write-up of Evergreen, and this should be in no way an indication of indifference. Not only did I have a great time in Athens, but the Antonis’s, the baristas of Evergreen and good ol’ dishie Hasian were the most gracious, accommodating, informed and informing hosts I could have hoped for, and it’s with a great sense of anticipation that either I get back to Athens to hang out properly, or see some of those guys over here.
Well, to say I’m a little tired would be putting it mildly.
On Thursday last week, just hours after seeing Radiohead alongside 40,000 other people at Victoria Park, I bundled myself into the Ristretto van, with Joe O’Hara, and his wife, Anne.
Our responsibility for the next few days was to man coffee-bars in the dressing room areas, backstage at Glastonbury, and keep the artists duly caffeinated.
Due to a total media, press, and photography ban backstage, I don’t have a single photo to post - although I think Joe got a shot of the bar setup. It was a great experience, however; not just chatting to Neil Finn about the dramas of finding good coffee at festivals, being called ‘da man!‘ by Jay-Z, and ‘darling‘ by Beyonce, but managing to see and enjoy a bunch of bands - some of which I’d never heard of.
Real standouts would have to have been Leonard Cohen, Kings of Leon, and Crowded House. The rain stayed away, for the most part, and we managed to get out on an early convoy last night, allowing me to be tucked up in my own bed by 3am, as opposed to Tuesday. Glorious.
Right now, I think it’s time for just a little more sleep…
STEPHEN MORRISSEY
Having just returned home from an extremely busy weekend in Copenhagen, I’m not posting a lot more than this:
I’m extremely honoured to have Stephen as a friend and housemate, and am absolutely elated at his success in this year’s competition. He deserves every morsel of praise that he so humbly bats away, and I’m excited for the year he has in store for him.
My utmost congratulations to the guy, and heartfelt thanks for the privilege of being involved.
Much more detailed analysis and reporting to come, when the hazy hangover brought on by associating with Tim Wendelboe and Tim Varney finally clears….
I’ve managed to spend the entire day watching the World Barista Championships online via http://www.ustream.tv/channel/2008-world-barista-championship-live-video.
A sideline chat function has made it able to catch up with a plethora of coffee friends from all around the world, and provided a most enjoyable afternoon.
Nik Orosi of Croatia was easily the stand-out crowd favourite, while Kyle’s performance was extremely professional and clean. David Makin was very slick and comfortable. I really can’t wait to get over there now, and see Day Three in the flesh.
I should pack.
It’s with a certain level of nervous excitement that I’m throwing a few things into a bag, ready to head out to Copenhagen, Denmark at the crack of dawn tomorrow.
Housemate, Irish Champion, and friend Stephen Morrissey was sounding remarkably relaxed, if a little pre-occupied, when we spoke yesterday. I can’t help but think that he’ll be enjoying the social aspect of the event just as much as the competition itself.
In other news, a recent visit to London by Mark Dundon of St. Ali and Ray renown, is seemingly indicative of something more substantial than an holiday. Some news from within the St. Ali camp seems to indicate a major change about to come through there - one that was alluded to in the comments of my previous post, as well as on Mark’s own blog. In due fairness, I’ll reserve saying too much until we hear officially. Whatever the future holds for Mark, Lisa and family, I’m sure it will be as pioneering and impressive as the track record to date.
So, it’s best of luck to all. To each and every competitor in the WBC’s, and in particular to both Stephen and Kyle Glanville, who I’m told is coming to stay at our apartment for a couple of days after the competition. And it’s with that thought in mind that I best tidy up, hopefully preparing the house for the return of a World Champion.
