Barista Magazine

BAM_DEC 2013 -JAN 2014

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very hard-working and loyal person to our championship. He understands the work that goes into it and the results that has given us in the Mexican barista community as a whole." Arturo's far from alone in his appreciative sentiments about Fabrizio. Skip Finley of Dalla Corte USA says, "Fabrizio is just a remarkable guy—such a good guy. Sometimes people in this industry can be bought, but Fabrizio isn't one of them. He just doesn't operate like that. He's an amazing father, an amazing businessman. He doesn't have any ego, just a desire to do coffee right and ethically. He's a real role model." His fellow barista champions agree. Italian Barista Champion, Francesco Sanapo says, "Wow, Fabrizio—what a guy! He is a really, really great barista, and his coffee, wow—it's so high quality. He is a visionary. I respect him a lot." Six-time Greek barista champion Stefanos Domatiotis competed against Fabrizio in London and Vienna, and has nothing but nice things to say about him, as well. "I love Fabrizio. I learn a lot from Fabrizio about coffee because he comes from Mexico, and he lives in a coffee country. He was so great [at the WBC] in Vienna. I spent time with Fabrizio in Peru [in 2010] for Let's Talk Coffee, and wow, we have so much fun. And we are serious, too. Like I say, I learn a lot from him." But Fabrizio has role models of his own, too. "As a barista, I admire [2002 WBC Champion] Fritz Storm's mentality, and the way he works in a human and honest philosophy," he says. "In the coffee industry, I take my hat off for Dalla Corte's family, the philosophy behind [their products], and how they apply real technology is fascinating. For me, Dalla Corte is consistent, intelligent, and sexy. It is also clear that they don't think only [about] brewing espresso; they also think [about] the planet—energy consumption is a key element. Now I'm part of a new project, DC Pros, [which] includes experts from around the world like Troels Poulsen, 2005 WBC champion [Denmark]; Kim Osenblok, Spanish Cup Tasters Champion; Andrey Godina from Italy; Sevan Istanboulian from Canada; and Ingo Rogalla from Switzerland." The DC Pros are working together, Fabrizio explains, to "share knowledge, build a strong platform and provide high-quality solutions for every coffee concept." It's all part and parcel of Fabrizio's overall nature. "Having the opportunity to share with baristas from around the world with the same passion and commitment for specialty coffee is outstanding," he says. "It's all about sharing and learning. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, but you always learn." Fabrizio has no future plans to get back into competitions, however—at least not in the immediate future. "For now I'm focused on Mexico, the coffee shop, the roastery, and working in a new project involving high-end food, coffee and wine, which will open next December. So no more competitions for me, but I would love to continue [to be] close to it, judging and training new baristas for competitions." Fabrizio's shop, 5pm, is unique, as well—another reflection of his personality. While so many baristas have to arrive at work blearyeyed at the crack of dawn or even earlier, it's not that way at 5pm. www.baristamagazine.com 59

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