In case you imagine the judges on the 2024 US Espresso Championships, the Metropolis of Angels is now residence to the very best barista within the nation. Final weekend, native espresso store co-owner Frank La positioned first within the barista class on the specialty espresso world’s most outstanding commerce competitors.
La owns Melrose’s Be Brilliant Espresso together with his spouse, Michelle. The pair began off merchandising at Smorgasburg within the Arts District earlier than opening Be Brilliant Espresso in late 2022, and initially began the corporate as a subscription-based espresso bean provider.
It’s not the primary time an L.A. espresso store proprietor has gained the U.S. Barista Championships. In 2015, Charles Babinski, founding father of native chain Go Get ‘Em Tiger and the “B” in G&B Espresso in Grand Central Market, took residence the highest prize. Profitable the championships isn’t so simple as pulling an honest shot of espresso; along with making an ordinary drink to the judges’ specs, rivals should design and current their very own specialty drink (full with theme tune). In La’s case, as first reported by Sprudge, the theme for La’s specialty drink entry was kodawari, a Japanese phrase roughly translating to “the pursuit of perfection.” He was coached by L.A. espresso veteran Jaymie Lao, the previous director of experiences at Go Go ‘Em Tiger.
Because the winner of the U.S. Barista Championship, La will symbolize america within the World Barista Championship this Could in Busan, South Korea. Till then, you simply would possibly catch him behind the counter at his tiny espresso store on Melrose Avenue.
Be Brilliant Espresso is positioned at 7311 Melrose Ave and is open 8am–4pm each day.
