If you've always wanted to be a barista and work in a coffeehouse, there are several New York schools that offer instruction in this fun and challenging occupation. You can find one close to where you live or work so that you can attend classes when they fit your schedule.
Kitten Coffee Barista School
This school has been open since 2007, and offers courses in Espresso 100 and Advanced Espresso. The first course, Espresso 100, teaches you the basics of working with espresso products and the equipment used to produce and serve them, while the Advanced Espresso Course goes into further detail, especially where working with the espresso machine is concerned. The school is located approximately 20 minutes from Union Station, at 187 Skillman Street in Brooklyn. It is easily accessible from the Bedford-Nostrand "G" Train, as it is only two blocks from that station.
New York Training LabIf you live or work close to Broadway, you can attend Barista Training for the Espresso Enthusiast Class at 594 Broadway, Suite 909A. This course is offered by Intelligentsia Coffee and Tea Company, and lasts for three hours.
During that time, you'll learn how to prepare espresso, and how to steam the milk properly for the best results. It's very hands-on, so you will be working on the espresso machines.
"Coffee Expert: From Plant to Cup"This is the title of an intensive two-day course. It is held at the International Culinary Center, 462 Broadway (right in the heart of SoHo). You'll learn about the process that goes into growing coffee, as well as how to work a state-of-the-art espresso machine. During the class, you'll be doing a lot of coffee-tasting, so expect to come away with a caffeine "buzz" along with your newfound education.
