Marek Żydek | Polish Comandante Champion

What is your job and where do you live and work?

I live in my hometown Katowice. I got back here after a few years and established together with my highschool friend, a cafe called "Serwis Cafe & Pub”. We serve only specialty coffee, Neapolitan style pizza, craft beers and cocktails (also coffee in good spirits) :)

What does coffee mean to you and what do you love about it?

Coffee for me has three aspects:

1. A great journey in the world of flavours. This means fun in discovery - each cup of coffee I have is always a bit different, and always interesting.

2. It's great for socializing and connecting people. I love this part (as much as the first). it's amazing how people gather and talk, network, have fun or deep conversations. Awesome!

3. It's also a strong addiction, I can't live without it. I drink 4 or 5 cups of coffee every day even if there is no speciality coffee around!

What is your experience with Comandante grinders and what do you like about them?

I have had a Comandante C40 MK3 Black for a few years know. It totally changed the way I brew coffee. It let me experience coffee beans as they are. It's amazing how repeatable and consistent grinding it has even after several dozen of kg of coffee! And since I keep it clean nothing happens with it - looks and works the same way as a new one straight out of the box! Also, I do appreciate that a lot of recipes are made for Comandante users so... you can check them at home!

Why did you apply for the Comandante Championship?

Because I wanted to win the Gold Comandante! :)

How was the competition for you?

Stressful, exciting, amazing!

What are your future goals?

Depends in which area of my life :) It’s a few months to my son's birth, and my daughter is turning two years old soon (so exciting!). And for coffee? More and more coffee, championships, people and coffee once more!

What is your advice for future competitors?

Trust yourself, and brew a coffee you would like to drink - after all, that's what really matters