Lauren Green began her coffee career at Whangarei’s Mokaba cafe, where she trained and served over 500 coffees a day during summer. She moved to Kirikiriroa in 2018 to pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology and worked at Coffee Culture and McDonald’s before joining Everyday Eatery a little over a year ago while completing her post-graduate studies.
Although she wasn’t always a coffee drinker, Green thought becoming a barista was cool, specifically because of the latte art concept. She also found it an impressive way to travel the world, which she has yet to do, thanks to the pandemic.
“But this is still my life goal: to make coffee worldwide,” said Green.
One of Green’s favourite parts of the job is the customers she has met, both regulars and visitors to the nearby zoo. Her day is made when the team provides the customers with delicious food and beverages and excellent service.
“Seeing customers happy is so rewarding. However, it couldn’t be done without our awesome team at Everyday Eatery. We may be small, but we are mighty.”
This winter, Everyday Eatery is offering a special for adults with a boozy hot chocolate. The kids' menu also offers favourites such as chicken nuggets and fries, waffles, ham and cheese toasties, and pasta with a juice pouch.
“There is nothing better on a cold afternoon coming in for a hot choccy, but add a little bit of rum to it for that extra kick.”
Great coffee starts with the beans, and Everyday Eatery uses beans from Hamilton-based Rocket Coffee roasters. These beans provide the perfect, smooth, and creamy espresso shot, with a rich golden crema and no significant light or dark patches. The eatery is also supplied with milk from Waikato’s Kaipaki farms.
“Pouring a presentable coffee may also take some time and practice, but don’t stress if you can’t pour a rosetta straight away; a circle or a heart looks just as beautiful.”
Green loves a caramel latte with oat milk, hot in winter and iced in summer and enjoys visiting her family or playing Fortnite with her flatmates when she's not working or studying.
