Rusi Nadakuitavuki is famous in Wellington for his long serving barista profession since 1992 at L’affare until he recently followed founder Jeff Kennedy to his new establishment Prefab. An award winning coffee maker (Felix Awards). Rusi has an infectious laugh and is well loved by his colleagues and customers.
What is your earliest coffee related experience? 1979 back home in Suva, Fiji. Lovely but needed more consistency.
Why did you first get working in coffee? Loved the whole vibe & buzz & the aroma of fresh brewed coffee
What led you to becoming a barista? The love of coffee & primarily the desire to get the perfect flat white
What is the best part of your job? Meeting people who appreciate coffee
Talk us through a typical work day. Prefab – making hundreds of cups of coffee with a touch of love put into it
What are your roles outside of making coffee? Being a Dad!
What is your favourite brew method and/or coffee origin and why? Always home – the combination of PNG & Fiji grown coffee but it’s not available here.
Tulip or rosetta? Tulip.
What would be your dream ‘coffee experience’? To visit plantations around the world.
Do you have a ‘coffee crush’ ? Jeff Kennedy – respect, respect, respect!!