1 - “BEST” IS A MATTER OF OPINION

Katsu talked about his first real experience in cupping (coffee tasting) with a group of professional baristas in New York City. One taster commented how a cup tasted chocolately and bright. Katsu was surprised at how she described it. He realized that people’s own backgrounds, their food culture, the house they grew up in, their jobs, all influenced how they process and form opinions. A smell might remind you of a room in your home, while the same smell can remind a woman of her office. Because of this, the idea of “best” is unique from person to person. Instead of aiming to have something be proclaimed “the best” universally, the only true thing we can offer is an expression of our experiences and background. What is best to us. Some will like it. Some won’t. That is Bear Pond’s goal. Not to try to be the best espresso bar, but to offer what an espresso bar is according to Bear Pond.

Read more on The Essential Man - 5 Things I Learned from Katsu of Bear Pond Espresso