Mihnea Ioan Nicolescu | Romanian Comandante Champion

Name	Mihnea Ioan Nicolescu
Age	40
Hometown	Bucharest, Romania

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

I am a lecturer at “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Bucharest, and also work as a scientific researcher at National Institute of Pathology. I am currently leading the Histology and Regenerative Dentistry Division from the Dental Medicine Faculty.

I basically teach dental students about cells and tissues and their importance in overall human body architecture.

I also enjoy communicating science and translating scientific facts and data into simple & logical presentation for a wider audience. That was the reason of participating in last year FameLab competition – in which I won Romanian Nationals and the Audience Vote in both semi-final and International Final in Cheltenham Science Festival (UK). Coffee is, however, among my science interests, too. This year I had the opportunity to be the scientific coordinator of a graduation dissertation thesis about the importance of coffee in taste perception and occupational stress.

What does coffee mean to you?

A passion. A way of expressing my artistic side, hence the preference of alternative methods – V60, Chemex, Aeropress aso.

What do you love about Comandante grinders, and how did you hear about them?

Their precision, look and feel. Each and every coffee lover heard at some point about the Comandante legendary hand grinders. Personally, my first contact was at last years Comandante Romanian Cup, where I was lucky enough to compete using one.

Why did you apply for the Comandante Grind & Brew Cup?

It is always fun to meet people sharing the same passions and hobbies. I enjoyed participating last year and wanted to try again this edition, too.

What do you love about making coffee?

I find the versatility of coffee making methods to be fascinating. The same coffee can be moulded into different tastes and offer such a variety of experiences by simply modifying a few parameters or choosing another preparing method.

What are your future goals?

To research more about the science behind a good coffee cup and of course enjoy the whole process in the meantime.

How was the Comandante Grind & Brew Cup for you?

Fun. Enjoyable. Unforgettable.

It was my first win in a coffee competition, and for a home barista/coffee enthusiast competing with trained and experienced baristas it surely meant a lot.

What is your advice for future competitors?

Sign up, grind, brew, enjoy!