Q&A: Abracadabra Cafe & Bar's Cherrise Karaitiana

Champion Cherrise Karaitiana in action during the Hospitality Awards judging last month. Photo / Stephen Parker

This week's Q&A is with Abracadabra Cafe & Bar's Cherrise Karaitiana, who was named the city's Outstanding Barista at the 2014 Rotorua Hospitality Awards.

Tell us about yourself.

I'm from Taupo, I am on the Sulphur City Steam Roller Derby team, I have been a barista for 10 years and at Abracadabra for three years now.

I have worked in a lot of different cafes all over the North Island from Mac Cafe in Taupo, Robert Harris in Auckland, Columbus Cafe in Hamilton and a few more.

What do you think makes a good barista?

For me, I feel you need to have passion for coffee to produce a delicious coffee.

What's the best thing about your job?

The variety of people you meet from all around the world, including home Aotearoa. You never know who is going to walk through the door.

Tell us about winning Outstanding Barista at the Hospitality Awards.

It meant a lot to win outstanding barista of the year. To have actually been judged on our technique and consistency this year, it means even more. The recognition that has come from this is even more overwhelming than I expected.

Abracadabra has recently changed owners, how is that working out?

It was intimidating at first but we got to know one another over the last two months and they are really lovely people. We have had a lot of changes in the restaurant, the bar has been extended, the menu has been changed as well. I am really excited for the summer as we are looking at having smoothies and live bands weekly, so there is a lot to look forward to.

What's the best thing about living and working in Rotorua?

The best thing about working in Rotorua is meeting a lot of friendly local and out-of-town people and the best thing about living in Rotorua would have to be the locals' discount all around Rotorua.

Finally, do you drink coffee?

Yes, I drink coffee but I do find it hard letting other people make me a coffee. But I have to say I went to Fat Dog for the first time last week and a young lad made me two very nice lattes.