Cafédirect | Fairtrade Coffee, Tea & Cocoa Products | Friend of the Month

Friend of the Month – Simone Guerini Rocco

posted at 10:53am, 17 Nov 09 by Yasmin [ 0 comments ]

Simone works as a barista trainer for Peros, who make sure that Cafédirect gets to the thousands of schools, cafés, hospitals, Universities and workplaces that serve our delicious hot drinks.

He’s been into the Cafédirect office to teach us all how to make the perfect cappuccino, and makes great coffees at events. You might have seen him at TasteFair or at the Southbank during Fairtrade Fortnight.

Recently, Simone came with us to Paris to serve coffee backstage at Stella McCartney’s show. We thought we’d find out the secret to the perfect coffee and what models on the international catwalk like to drink.

You’ve made coffee backstage for two of Stella McCartney’s fashion shows, what was the best part?

It’s not every day that you only see beautiful women queueing up waiting for a coffee.

Simone backstage at Stella McCartney's Paris show

What was the most popular drink that you made backstage for the models?

Definitely lattes. Oddly no-one asked for a skinny latte.

What is your favourite Cafédirect coffee or tea?

Organic espresso beans. I like it because of its dense body and the long lasting aftertaste.

Simone with Victor Manuel Salas from Union Majomut in Mexico and Alex

How long have you been drinking it?

For about a year, when I started working for Peros.

You train baristas, but when did you make your first espresso?

I don’t even remember. The espresso machine was a red cimbali; I used to make espresso for my parents after lunch and dinner. I was probably about 7-8 years old.

Simone's father's bar - where he made his first espresso aged 7

What’s the secret to the perfect coffee?

Coffee should be picked, roasted, brewed and served by hand. I don’t think too much technology should be involved during these procedures.

Simone and I making coffees during Paris Fashion Week

How did you discover Cafédirect?

The first time I’ve tried it was about a year and half ago. I was eating a hamburger in a “fine burger” shop in Islington, and when I asked for an espresso I received it in a Cafédirect cup.

What’s the best thing about being a Friend of Cafédirect?

It’s good to know that when I enjoy something that for me is a pleasure, I’m actually influencing someone’s life a little on the other side of the world. It should be the same for everything.

Name one thing not many people know about you?

I always drink espresso, not by holding the cup from the little handle, but from the actual cup.

Do you have any hidden talents?

In Italy I used to play drums.

What’s your favorite thing to do on a Sunday afternoon?

I spend most of my Sunday afternoons in the kitchen cooking Italian food.

If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go?

A one-year trip in south and central America.

Tea or coffee?

Single espresso please.

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