Europe, China, where next? Where else but Russia. KOFEFEST PIR-SCAE is an event jointly organized by the SCAE Russia and the PIR. It includes the Moscow qualifications to the RBC (Russian Barista Championship), which was won by the entertaining Olesya Schichko who I had already met in Shanghai. During my trip I again looked into the existing coffee market. To my surprise (and shock as a girl who loves a latte to go) I discovered that the concept of take-away coffee has yet to hit the streets of Moscow. Rick, my guide in Russia told me that people in Moscow are still fond of sitting down and taking time over their coffee with some food. I did however soon get the hang of taking an hour enjoying my morning coffee rather than having it rushed on the way into the office. The biggest coffee chains in Moscow are Coffee House and Coffee Mania both of whom serve a full menu of food, fruit juices and coffee. It may be a while before we see StixToGo in Moscow, but the enthusiasm and skill exists within the industry, particularly amongst the baristas, so it’s only a matter of time.
I was lucky enough to meet up with Kate from Coffee Mania in their branch just off Red Square. On a chilly Saturday morning their outside terrace was packed with customers wrapped up in complimentary blankets while enjoying their coffees. Coffee Mania is leading the trend in Moscow for speciality coffee. Not only do they have a number of shops, they also run a barista school. Their own in house baristas are put to the test every three months to make sure they meet the required standard. I was truly spoilt as Kate ordered an array of drinks – including a Mohito (at 11 in the morning - cheeky), Sunrise on the Jupiter - fruit smoothie with black current sorbet, El Nino - a shake of strawberry, orange juice & lime, a wide range of their delicious coffees, and the unusual Bumble - coffee and orange juice, which we think is a somewhat acquired taste! Huge thanks for Kate for an introduction to Coffee Mania, and the coffee scene in Moscow.
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