Passion for coffee earns European medal for student at Algarve Hotel School

Lara Gomes, 20 years old, recently graduated in Restaurant and Beverage Management at the Algarve Hotel and Tourism School (Faro), won the bronze medal in the Barista category at the 37th edition of the European Association of Hotel and Tourism Schools (AEHT) Annual Conference and Competition, which took place in Riga, Latvia, from 4 to 9 November.

430 students from 24 countries participated in this competition, which covers several categories linked to the different branches of Hospitality and Tourism and in which competitors have to perform several tests.

Lara Gomes, participating in the Barista category, had to take a theoretical test in English on the subject of coffee and a practical test which consisted of making two espressos, two cappuccinos and a signature drink with two doses.

The tests were taken in a team with a student representing the Netherlands, in a partnership that was a great success, even taking into account the technical demands of the practical test.

“For example, to obtain the perfect espresso, every gram of coffee counts. It depends a lot on how we handle the coffee, the way it is pressed and placed in the machine, as every detail will affect the final flavor of the espresso. Therefore, extreme delicacy and care must be taken to extract the best that coffee has to offer in a simple cup,” explains Lara Gomes.

Having completed her Food and Beverage Management course (post-12th grade course) just two months ago at the Algarve Hotel and Tourism School, the young woman, originally from Vidigueira, has no doubts about the professional life that is now beginning.

«This incredible experience only made me want to deepen my passion for the Barista field, especially when it comes to rabbit hole which are specialty coffees and the competitions that surround them. I think that, for now, I want to work, learn as much as possible and meet as many people as possible in the area, so that, eventually, in a few years, I can start participating in professional level competitions».

The Barista profession has become increasingly important in the world of bars and restaurants. A Barista is a coffee specialist who masters the art of preparing drinks based on this ingredient.

Knowing how to extract the best flavor from different beans and being able to steam milk with precision, creating different patterns, are just some of the skills currently required of a Barista.