ZIANNA MILITO

Enter La Colombe on 4th Street and Lafayette. After you make your way to the back of the line (that wraps around the whole counter), you'll be greeted and have your order taken by a member of the individually styled collective of baristas. Oftentimes it's Matthew, the Lead Barista.

 

With family roots in Los Angeles and a childhood in Brooklyn, he was a perfect fit for the laid back yet sophisticated coffee Mecca of Noho. Wearing all black save for a red beanie pulled over his strawberry blonde hair, he works with purpose, caring for the customers and the coffee.

 

"If I was gonna work in coffee, it was gonna be a place like this. This is the best it gets," he says leaning over the white marble counter. He seems proud yet relaxed; comfortable. He's been a part of the team for a year now, and is surprised at how much he's grown.

 

"I do really love it here; I've grown really quickly here. I'm in charge of a lot more than I thought I would be," he adds, keeping a watchful eye over his team.

 

He's always surrounded by a swift staff of baristas; you can tell they all drink the coffee here and know it's good. Although the quality of the coffee has earned La Colombe its spot in New Yorkers' hearts, its individuality is also what keeps people coming back.

 

"That's what makes it fun," Matthew says of the unique style of the baristas, including himself. You'll see him in a different Brooklynesque street-wear outfit each day. The style fits in with the lifestyle of a musician; he said most of the baristas have musical backgrounds, although his is the most impressive. He holds a Master's Degree in Clarinet Classical Performance, which has earned him a spot on Broadway.

 

"The Broadway thing...is just a couple times a week, but that's pretty good for someone my age," the 28 year old says matter-of-factly. He's been playing the clarinet since the second grade, which is not surprising as he was raised by a singer and a composer. While he currently performs as part of the orchestra in the pits, he has plans to take his musical career even further.

 

The creativity Matthew has harnessed as a professional musician has found its way into his work at La Colombe. He revealed that his favorite drink is one he invented: The Jedi.

 

"As you can see, I love Star Wars," he opened his coat to reveal a Star Wars t-shirt. The drink is a cold brew with two shots of espresso. "It gets you through a shift."

 

He says working there is high stress, but that it's common for musicians to work in coffee shops because they're used to stressful work environments where the demand for volume and quality is high. Matthew got his start in coffee during a month-long blimp working as a barista in a restaurant, but the crazy hours led him to look in other places. The manager of La Colombe also happened to be his longtime friend. "I just came in, and it was an instant fit."

 

When asked about his future plans in clarinet performance and in coffee, he answered thoughtfully. "There's a lot of room for growth. My goal for right now is to do both, and just stay here and grow in the company."

 

Matthew's connection to the coffee shop goes beyond career and creativity; he even met his wife through the manager. Like true east-coasters, they spent some time living in Boston, but like true New Yorkers, they decided to move back to New York City.

 

"Nothing like the city."

 

Matthew currently lives in Brooklyn and looks to rise up in music and in the coffee company as it expands.