Cherish meeting new people
If there’s something I really value and started making time for is meeting new people. Your perspective changes when you have a new way of looking at things. In this past year alone, ever since I have launched this blog, I have met some really genuine people who have helped me along the way. They have opened their doors for me, taught me in ways I cannot express. I cherish that and I am grateful for it.
As I was reading portafilter’s visit to Gruppo Cimbali Dubai, I got an invitation to connect with Aleksa on LinkedIn, who was also featured in the post. Was this pure coincidence? This kind gentleman invited me for a cup of coffee while explaining all that he is doing for Cimbali Group Dubai.
The training center is unlike anything I've seen before. Surrounded by a plethora of FAEMA espresso machines, striking leather couch right at the entrance, the views, and I can list other countless elements why this space is focused on achieving an experiential twist in training. We kick started our meeting with a much needed espresso shot, because of what was about to come. It was extracted on a beautiful single group Slayer.
If I have to introduce Aleksa, the mere fact that he is handling training and marketing for the Cimbali Group, in addition to being the Brand Ambassador of Slayer, is not enough. I honestly can’t think of anyone else who can represent the brand the way he does.
To the extent that I became infatuated with the Slayer and somewhere deep inside, I could imagine it on my countertop. I also knew the hefty price it came with, when he began to explain why this little machine stands out from the rest in its class. The more he spoke about it, the more I wanted it.
He took me back in time with the history of Gruppo Cimbali, and from there I understood that this was not something he had memorized. He was, in fact, very passionate about. The history of espresso being complicated and complex like the drink, there are so much intricacies and nuances involved that quite literally blew my mind.
So much innovation has been done, it's quite unfathomable to imagine the modern espresso machine has come a long way indeed. Did you know that the Faemina espresso machine can also prepare pour over coffee? This is the rate at which technology is progressing making it easier for the customer to brew quality coffee.
It was clear to me that this man passionate about history, to remember the dates and names is not important, but to know the why behind it. He is clearly a master of his domain and I cannot wait to feature him on the coffee story.
