The Restaurants

Mariela Lara

Cream, chef

Prior to the opening of the café, every staff member attended a one week training course, but unfortunately I did not attend one of the sessions in which the staff learned how to create designs in the froth of our coffee drinks. When the café opened, we began serving coffee drinks with a rose pattern in the froth but I was incapable of making the rose. I relentlessly practiced for several days until I finally perfected it. Expecting to be congratulated, I enthusiastically showed my fellow employees; however, they responded bluntly, "we are creating hearts now." Ironically, I felt somewhat disheartened as I still remained one step behind my coworkers. Not to be discouraged, I fervently practiced and one Sunday afternoon after many unsuccessful attempts, I correctly created the design. I was so overly ecstatic that I unintentionally shrieked aloud in excitement. Suddenly, the café seemed silent and I noticed many of the customers glancing in my direction. A bit embarrassed but still overjoyed with my success, we later laughed about my heartfelt outburst.