Whether you're new to coffee as a profession or renewing your commitment to success through quality, our Elements of Espresso workshop series provides all the tools you need to achieve excellence in espresso. Every Elements of Espresso graduate receives an Elements Blue Book, a complete compendium of your coursework and knowledge exams that includes free downloads from the Coffee Solutions website whenever new material is added to the workshop curriculum. An Elements Blue Book is like taking your instructor with you so that all the important details of quality espresso preparation do not fade from memory. More importantly, every Elements Blue Book is an A to Z resource for training your staff, from pulling shots, to espresso science and latte art.
Effective training is an ongoing process that never truly ends for the quality-driven coffee professional. Coffee Solutions recognizes the need for continuous learning and improvement and provides instruction that lasts beyond your time in the classroom with our Elements Blue Books.
Elements of Espresso: Complete Series
Class Type: Hands On
Instructors: Sarah Dooley (Seattle), Anne Nylander (Boston)
Elements of Espresso Curriculum Director: Ellie Matuszak
Sign Up for all four of our Elements of Espresso Classes and save 10%!
This series includes each of our Elements of Espresso Classes:
- Barista Fundamentals
- Intermediate Espresso
- Latte Art
- Strategies for Staff Training
$900.00 per attendee
Elements of Espresso 1: Barista Fundamentals & Seed to Cup for Baristas
Class Type: Hands On
Instructors: Sarah Dooley (Seattle), Anne Nylander (Boston)
This course is an introduction to the world of espresso preparation. Learn how to correctly prepare espresso and texture milk to prepare espresso drinks. Students will gain hands-on experience with step-by-step espresso preparation techniques of all drinks found on the common coffeehouse menu. Additionally, students will learn how to operate, break down, and clean espresso equipment. Each student will also map a one-year preventive maintenance schedule for implementation on espresso machines, grinders, and water filtration systems. This class is ideal for new retailers or baristas as well as established retailers looking to engage the latest trends in espresso preparation. Class runs from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM and includes lunch.
Class Overview:
- Step-by-step espresso preparation
- Equipment overview
- Adjusting the grind
- Step-by-step milk texturing and drink preparation
- Cleaning equipment
- Ongoing maintenance
$250.00 per attendee
Please select a date:Elements of Espresso 2: Intermediate Espresso: Espresso Quality Control
Class Type: Hands On
Instructors: Sarah Dooley (Seattle), Anne Nylander (Boston)
An in-depth approach to managing the many variables of preparing the best espresso, this class addresses various real-world situations to help you achieve optimum performance and efficiency, both from your equipment and your preparation techniques. Learn to comfortably and quickly calibrate and troubleshoot espresso including changing dose, grind, and extraction times with various coffee types to prepare the best-tasting espresso and espresso drinks. Furthermore, students will develop their palates through calibration and evaluation of several single origin espressos and blends from various Specialty Coffee Roasters. This class is recommended for established retailers and professional baristas, and is also recommended for new retailers in tandem with Elements of Espresso 1. Class runs from 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM.
Class Overview:
- Troubleshooting
- Managing Variables: Grind & Coffee Dose
- What happens when the espresso is off?
- Efficiency techniques
$250.00 per attendee
Elements of Espresso 3: Latte Art
Class Type: Hands On
Instructors: Sarah Dooley (Seattle), Anne Nylander (Boston)
Sophisticated presentation and craftsmanship can stop your customers in their tracks. Learn all elements of espresso drink presentation and service including the Latte Art technique. Emphasis will be on hands-on repetition and refining of techniques. This class will build a solid foundation for pouring and refining several advanced preparation techniques, with attention to the details that can generate the buzz to set your café apart. This class is recommended for retailers and baristas wishing to take preparation skills to an elite level or can be taken by new retailers in tandem with Elements of Espresso 1 & 2. Class runs from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM and includes lunch.
Class Overview:
- Milk texturing overview
- Latte Art
- Etching
- A creative look at ceramics
$250.00 per attendee
Elements of Espresso 4: Strategies for Staff Training
Class Type: Discussion Forum
Instructors: Sarah Dooley (Seattle), Anne Nylander (Boston)
At Coffee Solutions, our motto is "expertise is only helpful if you can understand it," and this class will prepare you for the ongoing process of taking your new knowledge and skills back to your staff. In this highly unique class, learners are guided through the process of translating your new expertise into real world results. We will help you to recognize and avoid the common pitfalls of hands-on training and adult learning. Each student will craft an organized action plan that is customized to instruct and inspire your staff to at once serve your customers and get the most from your Coffee Solutions training. Class runs from 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM.
Class overview:
- Overcoming obstacles to staff training
- Organizational skills
- Principles of adult learning
- Creating a custom training action plan