The Daily Grind takes its coffee so seriously that General Manager Cadey Hess went overseas to sharpen her craft.
The Southern Illinois native has been a barista for 15 years and learned of classes at a Scottish coffee school when she first came to Evansville six years ago. The school likens being a barista to mastering a trade, like HVAC or carpentry.
In May, she and six other students spent a week in Scotland learning about traditional European coffee styles. Another class centered around roasting coffee beans and which climates they grow best in.
“I’ve used what I’ve learned in my everyday work, especially when it comes to more traditional and European drinks,” she says.
Toward the end of the week, they participated in a latte competition — Hess’ specialty — and she crafted a latte she came up with four years ago for The Daily Grind’s menu. The Bee Kind latte — which won her first place— includes local honey, raw cinnamon, vanilla, and a dash of brown sugar.
After finishing her studies, Hess was invited to return as a mentor. For a week in October, she mentored two classes — flavor components and balance in acidic levels of coffee and abstract latte art — with 15 students. In future courses, Hess will be working with students once per season.
“My favorite part has been teaching other people my passion,” she says. “It’s not just coffee to me. It’s art.”
