U.S. Barista Champion Laila Ghambari once said that, “a great cup of coffee is the sum of countless tiny decisions—each one influencing the final outcome. It's about precision and passion."
I’m not a professional barista, not even close, but I do appreciate a great cup of coffee. Up until a few years ago the convenience of my Keurig was more than sufficient—just pop in a pod, crunch it down, and I was good to go. Sure, I knew the difference between a decent cup and a truly great one, everyone does, but I had no clue about the intricate craft behind it or the rich, nuanced experience I was missing out on.
Seeing how other cultures treat coffee as an art form sparked my curiosity to dive into the complexities -the crucial decisions that turn an ordinary cup into something extraordinary. Take Italians, for instance, whose coffee is more than just a drink; it's a cultural ritual rooted in tradition, and almost never taken to go. It’s enjoyed socially with others, in the moment, and not to be rushed. The coffee itself is the star, not overshadowed by syrups, whipped cream, or trendy flavorings. It’s all about the quality and the skill required to make it.
To do this right, I learned I would need to start with the beans. Selecting varieties with smooth, full-bodied flavors and understanding how oil content influences richness. Then, there’s the roast level. My trusty medium roast strikes the perfect balance of acidity and sweetness.
On my quest for handcrafted coffee perfection, what was perhaps most revelatory was my new awareness of the crucial matter of roast date. If you’re serious about great coffee, buy beans within seven days of their roast date. If there’s no roast date on the bag, put it back on the shelf- walk away.
Invest in a grinder, and dial it in for optimal extraction- too coarse, and the flavors don’t develop fully. Too fine, and the coffee becomes bitter. It’s the grind that determines the quality of crema- that foamy golden layer on top of your perfect espresso.
And let’s not forget about temperature. That small 5 degree window between 195-200 degrees. So, when ordering in a coffee shop you should request it “extra hot please”- yes, you have to be that person. And yes, you’ll need to tip extra.
My curiosity, extensive research, and ongoing experiments have transformed coffee into something I genuinely look forward to savoring. Each morning, the walk down the hallway to the kitchen fills me with eager anticipation, marking the start of my day with a beloved ritual, far more satisfying than just grabbing a quick caffeine fix and rushing out the door.
Like so many things, a little effort goes a long way.
Appreciating art is no different. As the director of the Art Center of Burlington I interact with people every day that are drawn to art. They know they like that painting, that particular sculpture sparks something inside, but not always can they put into words why it resonates. To fully appreciate art is to build your knowledge, immerse yourself in its context.
Go to a gallery opening to meet the artist, ask them questions. It’s the connection to the person behind the brush, the clay, or the camera that deepens the experience and forges a human-to-human link. You might even take an art class. You may not become a great artist, but you will certainly better understand and appreciate the craft.
Visit the great museums, surround yourself with the work of the masters. Allow one of Clyfford Still’s color field paintings to nudge you into the fascinating complex lives of the Abstract Expressionists. Unpack their motivations, the key players, the impact their work had on the 20th century, the historical context that ignited it all. Perhaps the next time you stand before one of Still’s paintings his use of punchy color and jagged linear forms will elicit a stronger emotional response, a more profound visual experience.
Indulge me in one more analogy.
I have a lot of runners in my life. They weren’t always giddy to wake at the crack of dawn but there was something about the thought of potentially loving it, maybe even excelling at it. To be great, yes, you need consistency—logging those miles is essential. They join running clubs, subscribe to Runner’s World magazine, research different training plans to achieve their PR goals, and experiment with various ways to fuel their bodies. We all know them, these people that love to run, always talking about how much they love to run. I’m starting to suspect coffee snobs are the same…And just so you know, if you turn into an art snob, there is always a place for you here in downtown Burlington.
So, explore the things that pique your curiosity, that tug at you to learn more, and march confidently into the unfamiliar. That’s where true appreciation begins.
Elizabeth Pappas is Executive Director of the Art Center of Burlington.
The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of Tri States Public Radio or its license holder, Western Illinois University.
Diverse viewpoints are welcomed and encouraged.