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12A
Wednesday, October 18, 2000
For comments, contact Clay McCuistion at 864-4924 or e-mail features@kansan.com
The creme of the crema: Clint idol, Topeka junior, took second place in a national coffee-making competition in April and works as a barista at Henry's, 11 E. Eighti Street. Photo portrait by Jamie Roper/KANSAN
By Sara Shepherd Special to the Kansan
For award-winning barista Clint Idol, it's not just about the caffeine
Laptop computers, books and a game of backgammon are strewn over the tables in the coffee shop at 11 E. Eighth Street. A light breeze blows through the open front door, and the whir of a blender, the whoosh of the espresso machine and the clanking of ceramic dishes being dumped into a tub intermittently interrupts the blaring music.
More than half of the seats at Henry's are full on a sunny Thursday afternoon.
In between surges of customers, a single barista — Clint Idol,
Topeka junior — quickly replenishes the stacks of plastic to-go
lids, straws and napkins.
"Taste OK?" he calls to an exiting customer.
Feat, it is good, comes the reply,
"Are you sure?" Idol asks again.
Obviously a friend, the patron says, "If I thought it sucked, I'd make you make me another one."
make you think Idol started working behind the counter of the Eighth Street coffee bar when it opened about two years ago. After taking second place in a national coffee competition in the spring, he's had job offers from a few other shops across the country, but for now, Idol said he was enjoying what he was doing in Lawrence.
A new scene
Idol, a confessive coffee addict, said he usually drank a four-shot latte before class in the morning and another cup of coffee later. But once he starts his 4 to 9 p.m. shift at Henry's, keeping track becomes tricky.
"I might as well have an intravenous drip or something." Idol said, "It's just like a constant supply."
But for Idol. coffee is not just about caffeine.
Idol's interest in coffee started early, around age 13. He said he first got hooked by the coffee house ambiance when his stepfather took him to a poetry-reading.
"It was a new scene," Idol said. "The atmosphere probably started it; I think that was the draw."
After frequenting PT's in his hometown of Topeka, Idol got his first job behind the counter there.
"It started out just really liking coffee and the art behind it," Idol said. "Now it's more of a social thing."
Henry's owner Dave Boulter described Idol not only as modest, gracious, dedicated and honest, but also as "incredibly personable" — an essential trait for getting along in the social atmosphere at a downtown Lawrence coffee bar, where patrons come dressed in anything from suits and ties to piercings and tattoos.
"when you're working behind the counter, you certainly can't have any types of prejudices," Boulter said.
The best espresso
Boulter, who said he had sipped coffee all over the world, recommended 100ml-made brew over anything else.
"I really think he makes the best espresso that I've ever had anywhere," Boulter said. "He's a master of detail when it comes to making it."
So what is Idol's secret to pulling a quality shot or pouring a quality cup?
"How do you make a good cup of coffee? It's kind of like asking somebody, 'How do you blow smoke rings?' Idol said. "Out of 100 people, you'll get 100 different responses."
Idol said there was a standard method of measuring and using the machines that required a surprisingly high level of timing, precision and practice. After that, it depends on the barista's personal style — and his or her love for the job.
style and his love of coffee. "He [Idol] looks at this as an art, not just a job in a coffee shop," Boulter said. "He's great with coffee because he has a passion for it."
Idol, who also trains new employees at Henry's, said new employees were usually surprised at all they had to learn.
"When I train people, they look at me like they're just dumb-bounded," Idol said. "It gets really technical."
Idol, a purist, said his favorite drink was a straight shot of espresso or a very short double latte.
"The more milk—it mars the flavor," he said.
All for fun
Idol was one of six baristas chosen nationwide from a pool of more than 200 applicants to participate in a national coffee competition last April. The sponsors flew him to San Francisco, where the competition was held as part of an annual coffee conference, Idol said.
To compete, Idol made coffee on command in front of a panel of six judges, as well as an audience of friends, family, and other conference-goers.
Baristas were judged on qualities such as personal style, technicality, precision, personality and efficiency — all reflected by a strategically placed mirror above the coffee bar.
Though some of his jitters were caffeine-induced (free coffee was abundant that weekend), Idol said he was a bit nervous. But in spite of the seriousness of the competition, he said his main goal was to have fun.
Idol's second place prizes included an aluminum trophy, $100, T-shirts, and a new espresso machine.
it's really pretty," Idol said. "But I never use it."
Idol said it just wasn't usually worth the effort to make coffee at home.
"I just don't even bother," he said. "I just come here."
A very diverse person
Making coffee isn't the only thing keeping Idol busy. He also works the door at Replay Lounge, 946 Massachusetts St., plays in a band and hopes to someday teach English.
"He's one of the most unusual and one of the most dynamic people I've ever met in my life," said Margot Angles, Idol's roommate. "He's a very diverse person, just in terms of his likes and dislikes."
"He's a very diverse person, just in case Angles met Idol several years ago when they worked together at Henry's. She said Idol didn't talk much about work when he came home. The two, and a third roommate who also works at Henry's, are friends and usually talk about what is going on in their lives, she said.
"All three of us have or have had the same job, so we know what's going on," Angles said. "We've all been there."
Boulter said he thought Idol's ability to make good coffee stemmed from his general passion for whatever he did — whether it be playing in a band or working at Henry's.
Tattoo watch
Last week, we asked you to decide whether Kansan writer Amanda Kaschube should get a tattoo. Eighty percent of you told us yes. Now we need help deciding on the design she'll have inked on her body for all time. Go vote online now!
see http://www.kansan.com/sections/extra_front/wed.html
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