illy Coffee Workshop @ Università del Caffè della Malesia (UDC)

Am pretty sure there are a considerable amount of true coffee lovers out there who are really a huge fan of this aromatic, umber beverage, especially those around me. To them, coffee plays an essential role in their every single morning in determining whether they would have an accomplished day or how far they could go, to the extent that it is a part and parcel of their daily lives.

Being intrigued by the charming produce of the coffee berries, this informative Coffee Workshop definitely comes timely in educating coffee enthusiasts like me. The event is held at Università delcaffè della Malesia (UDC), located at Phileo Damansara 2, and is co-jointly organized by illy Coffee and Thirstmag, with the aim to promote and spread the culture of good quality coffee.

This institution is an extension of the original university of coffee in Trieste, Italy (brainchild of illy) and has been in partnership with Classic Coffee & Beverage since 2010, in increasing the awareness of coffee knowledge among consumers. Thanks to this workshop too that I get to meet up with the bubbly magazine editor, Kim Choong : )

The UDC centre itself serves to be an interesting and explorative avenue, where you get to see myriads of coffee beans blends, accompanied by various coffee brewing machines, with the big boss goes to La Marzocco. Of course, this huge machine is meant for commercial purpose, but they do have a smaller design suitable for domestic usage. At the same time, many others types of gorgeous coffee brewing apparatus are also being displayed, besides allowing us to learn recognizing the two major coffee bean varieties; Arabica and Robusta.

There are also myriads of Monins on display. This would surely enticed mixologist wannabe J

Before the class actually commences, our palates are firstly being pampered with the preferred coffee beverage; latte and cappuccino, skillfully brewed by the affable barista, Mr. Goh Che Wan.

Over here, we have the opportunity to sharpen our perspective pertaining to the art of drinking coffee, which uses quality illy Coffee Beans as well as getting a tips or two in creating our very first own latte art, hands on, later part of the program.

During the workshop, Evelyn Lee (UDC and Marketing Manager of Classic Fine Foods/Classic Coffee & Beverage), firstly walks us through the history of illy Café worldwide with the slide shows, before we proceed to the next itinerary, that includes learning the Transformation of the Perfect Espresso, Theory on the Perfect Cappuccino, Milk and its Magic and last but not least, treating your visual sense in Creating Patterns through the  Introduction to Latte Art session, conducted by illy’s very owns Latte Artist, Mr. Goh himself.

The workshop reaches its climax with live demonstration in brewing a perfect cup of espresso, assisted by Mike Ho along the way, which later is ensued by the many awestricken latte arts crafted by none other than the humble and cheeky Mr. Goh.

Alright then, time to get the apparatus ready! 

That would include suitable sizes of pitchers, thermometer to measure the right  temperature of the frothed milk, ideally at bout 73 degree, otherwise you would get a burnt milk, cupping and other essentials.

Everyone is undeniably wowed to the max! Looking at these beautifully-crafted latte art by the adept barista.

Measuring the milk at the right temperature and frothing it up correctly are important, else you would end up with an artless latte design. Cuppa at the background are genuine examples of latte art gone awry. So do take note and a little bit of talent would help though :) 

Needless to say, everyone is mirthful over this discovery coffee workshop that left us with a much more deepened insights on coffee as well as admiration towards its aesthetic element that it brings along.

 For coffee aficionados who would love to take up professional courses on Latte Art or aspire to become a Certified Barista, you may kindly do so by giving UDC webpage a visit, to sign up for the course that appeals most to you. There are courses being organized on a monthly basis, and am sure they would be more glad than happy to assist you in realizing your dream of becoming a great barista in near future with his or her own creation of signature brew one day. Who knows right? As the saying goes, “Where there is a will, there is a way”.

Till then folks, do take a break in between your hectic schedule and sit down for a while to savour a good cuppa in order to prepare you for a longer journey.

Carpe Diem!

Location:

Università del caffè della Malesia, Block B, Unit 901, 9th Floor, Phileo Damansara 2, Jalan 16/11, Off Jalan Damansara, 46350 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

Contact:  03- 7960 3808