Bringing the Italian Barista Method to Tampa Bay

Nov 6

When Nataly and I decided to start our coffee cart business, Bendecido Coffee, we knew we wanted to do it right. Our goal was to offer our customers the highest quality coffee drinks made with the freshest ingredients and crafted by the most skilled baristas. That's why we decided to venture to the home of espresso and take the Italian Barista Method (IBM) course at the Espresso Academy in Florence.

The IBM program is a comprehensive training program that covers all aspects of barista work, including coffee theory and practice, espresso machine operation, and milk frothing techniques. We learned how to make classic espresso drinks such as cappuccino, latte macchiato, and espresso macchiato, as well as advanced drinks like the shakerato and affogato.

But the IBM program taught us more than just how to make great coffee drinks. It also emphasized the importance of customer service and counter skills. We learned how to interact with customers in a friendly and efficient way and create a welcoming experience for everyone.

Besides the IBM program, we had the opportunity to visit the La Marzocco factory in Florence. La Marzocco is one of the world's most prestigious espresso machine manufacturers, and we were thrilled to learn about the history and craftsmanship of their machines.

Our visit to La Marzocco gave us a deeper understanding of Italian coffee culture and its emphasis on quality and tradition. Italians take their coffee seriously, and they appreciate a well-made espresso above all else.

At Bendecido Coffee, we are committed to providing our customers with an authentic Italian coffee experience. We use only the highest quality locally-roasted coffee beans and La Marzocco espresso machines.

Here are some interesting insights into Italian coffee culture:

Italians prefer their coffee strong and black; milk and sugar are rarely added to espresso drinks.
Cappuccinos and other milk-based coffee drinks are only consumed before 11:00 AM.
Espresso is typically served in a small cup called a demitasse to preserve the coffee's flavor and aroma.
Italians often drink their coffee standing up at the bar, making it a quick and convenient way to enjoy a cup of coffee on the go.
Coffee is an essential part of Italian social life, with people often meeting up at cafes for a quick espresso or to chat over a cappuccino.

We hope that our coffee cart can bring a little bit of Italian coffee culture to your next event. We offer a variety of services to meet your needs, including: