Dan Bacaintan
Italy
Freelance
Please tell us a little about yourself:
I was born in Romania and I grew up in Italy, where I am actually based and I work as a freelance trainer barista.
I love traveling and discover different cultures.
I have been living in London for 4 years where I had the opportunity to work as lead barista and trainer in specialty coffee shops like Local Hero and Kaffeine.
How did you get started in coffee?:
In 2008 I had the chance to watch my teacher Orazio Saretto compete in the Italian Barista Championship. He shared all the knowledge with us but most importantly, he shared his passion.
Thanks to hospitality school I had the opportunity to learn about coffee and cocktails, and began working with them at the age of 19. Since then I’ve never been bored!
Please list the coffee competitions you have participated in, what year they took place, and your results:
2010 Italian Barista Championship
2012 Italian Barista Championship
2013 Italian Barista Championship
2014 Italian Barista Championship
2017 UK Coffee In Good Spirits Championship
2018 Italian Coffee In Good Spirits
What are you excited to do while you are in Brazil?:
I hope to go and say hello to the coffee farmers who I met in 2017.
What was your first amazing experience with coffee?:
I had an amazing feeling after 7 years of working in the coffee industry, I finally had the chance to see a coffee farm and taste a fresh coffee cherry. IT WAS IN BRAZIL :)
Besides your own competition drink, do you have a favorite cocktail?:
An Americano is always a good choice!
What coffee-producing country most interests or excites you?:
Kenya for sure, but also Panama and Ethiopia.
What are your interests outside of coffee?:
Sport and traveling.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?:
Working in coffee… of course! I definitely want to keep challenging myself and travelling to discover more about origins, and to have the opportunity to learn and share.
Is there anyone you would like to thank or recognize, or who helped you to prepare for the competition?:
I want to thank my wife, my coach, my friends, and my family for all the support.
—
