When you find an intricate design in your coffee foam, there’s more than just a splash of milk behind it. The art of latte design is a delicate balance of technique and precision, from the steam of the milk to the grind of the beans.
“You taste first with your eyes,” stated Dillon Mancuso, an expert in specialty coffee and a seasoned latte artist. His six-year journey in the coffee world includes four years dedicated to perfecting his latte art.
Championing the Krampus Kup
At just 22, Mancuso secured his second consecutive victory at The Krampus Kup Latte Art Competition, outshining Melody Brown of Cafe Davina in a swan design showdown. The judges faced the challenging task of deciding between their nuanced creations.
Starting his career at Starbucks and later honing his skills at Canvas Coffee Roasters in Newport News, Mancuso has now transitioned to a dual role as an anesthesiologist assistant at Sentara and the owner of Trio Coffee Bar (@trio.coffeebar on Instagram). He credits his progress in latte art to embracing “love failure,” learning more from imperfect pours than flawless ones.
“It wasn’t until I realized I’m not going to learn from perfect pours, I’m going to learn from the ones that failed, that I actually started progressing,” Mancuso explained.
A Gathering of Talented Baristas
Vessel Craft Coffee, located in Norfolk’s Chelsea neighborhood, has played host to this competition for three years. Baristas from across the region compete in a format akin to March Madness. This year’s event attracted 18 baristas from 13 different cafés, marking a peak in participation and talent, according to Vessel’s founder, Sarah Cowherd.
“(The competition) really allows us to showcase our craft,” Cowherd expressed. “We believe in coffee and its power to change communities.”
Besides the honor of winning, the champion receives a year’s subscription to Barista Magazine, other merchandise, and a gift card to The Stockpot. This competition also functions as a charitable initiative, urging participants to donate nonperishable food items to the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore.
Judging and Industry Growth
Jon Hargreaves, a seasoned barista from Hampton Roads and a current industry commentator on his Substack page, The Coffee Club, served as one of the judges. He highlighted the growth potential of Hampton Roads’ coffee scene, aspiring to match the levels seen in Richmond, Washington, and New York. Events like these competitions are instrumental in cultivating the local coffee culture.
Hargreaves noted the efforts of local coffee shops like Vessel, Mea Culpa, Equinox, and Three Ships in elevating the standard of coffee in the area. “There’s just a lot of really great shops around here that are growing in those ways and challenging and pushing themselves to be better on a daily basis,” he commented.
Gavin Stone, 757-712-4806, gavin.stone@virginiamedia.com
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