Meet Laine!
Pronouns: They/Them
What’s your position at Ritual?
Head of Barista Training
How long have you been working in coffee?
For over 6 years, 5 years at Ritual!
What is your favorite thing about working at Ritual?
My favorite thing about working at Ritual is getting to work and connect with so many different kinds of people over our shared common interest: coffee!
What’s your favorite drink?
I love “a shot and beer”, or a shot of single origin espresso and an 8 oz batch brew.
What’s your favorite coffee shop when you’re out of the Bay Area?
Bloom & Plume Coffee in LA is one of my favorite shops to spend time at outside of the Bay Area. I also have a huge soft spot for any cafe that has that second-wave-mismatched furniture-open mic night vibe (plus a couch! More coffee shops need to bring back the couch vibe!)
Any brewing technique tips or secrets?
Always use a scale!!!
What’s your first coffee memory?
I remember demanding my parents give me “coffee with milk in it” as a child. It ended up being 1 part coffee, 5 parts milk and 2 parts sugar but it was the best sweet treat ever!
The best coffee you’ve ever had?
The shot of espresso that changed everything for me: Ritual’s Side Door seasonal espresso circa 2016. I remember ordering a shot of Side Door as a novice coffee drinker and being so stunned by how delicious it tasted. I distinctly remember it tasting like an Orange Julius! I had no idea that coffee could taste like that and was determined to get hired at Ritual to build a palate for tasting coffee.
What are your non-coffee interests?
I like to play music and go to shows with friends! Local music is the best. I’m also a dog parent and find a lot of joy in taking my lil guy to the dog park.
Anything Else?
I know a lot of facts about Henry VIII for some reason.
