cafe in TTDI

David and Bee, Barista and Manager, Pickle and Fig

What do you do and how did you get into the industry?
David: I’ve been working as a barista in Pickle & Fig for two years. It all started two years ago, January 2013. It was the beginning of Pickle & Fig and one of my friends invited me to the job interview. It was funny because I had very poor English, so I didn’t really know what do I would be doing in Pickle & Fig. I only knew that I’d be working behind the bar according to my friend, until the coffee trainer taught me how to make coffee. The first moment I saw him complete a cup of coffee, it looked awesome with great latte art, and I told myself that I wanted to be like him, and the journey began.
Bee: I’m the supervisor of Pickle & Fig. I work more on managing cafe operations. I have been in the food and beverage industry for almost four years and I always love to be in the service line.
Tell us an interesting story from behind the scenes.
Bee: David is a dancer and I love to sing. So every time when the right song comes out we just go crazy dancing and singing while making drinks.
What’s the best/worst part of your job?
David: The best part of my job is definitely when customers appreciate my coffee. When they compliment about the taste, and the art, some of them even ask me to do their coffee when they come back. I feel really happy and honoured when customers call my name to do their coffee, because it shows how much they like my coffee.
The worst part is when a customer judges or complains about my coffee, because sometimes it’s hard for me to decide whether I should share my knowledge or not. Some of them might feel offended, some of them will ignore what I share, some of them will appreciate what I share and start sharing to each other, and some of them will just point at you and say you’re wrong.
Bee: The best part of my job is when I can make friends with my customers. It’s fun to get to know people from different backgrounds who share the same interest as you. The worst part is when I have to face grumpy and rude customers. It doesn’t matter if you’re right or wrong you need to calm down and be polite to each other. People need to start to know that people in this industry work hard and servers should be respected. Sometimes when we do our very best to provide good service to customers they ruin it by being rude.
What’s your personal favourite meal/drink at Pickle & Fig?
David: To drink, even though I’m a barista, but my favorite drink is the Avocado Date. It’s the nicest smoothie ever! For food, my favorite is Pulled Beef Panini, because I’m a beef and cheese person.
Bee: My favourite drink would be Dangerously Red. I love fruity and tangy taste. My favourite meal is the Rotkraut Pastrami. I’m a beef lover and love the sweet and sharp taste from the Rotkraut and Russian sauce.

3 Comments

  1. Very interesting.
    See my 2nd comment on "Narrow Marrow" – some people are just
    plain impossible to please. Like on a tour, there is always one!
    I only went on one tour in Japan – it was sheer bloody hell.
    Travel by yourself or if married with "T.O.H" – that's the way
    to enjoy yourself.
    Cheers
    Colin
    PS: Absolutely lovely warm sunny day here – being in the sun is magical.
    In the shade – not so good – ha ha.

  2. Such an interesting name for this place, and a very nice interview! 🙂

  3. I've always enjoyed stories from behind the scenes ^_^

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