If there were any half dozen points at which the Junction began to change from a sleepy retail dead zone into an up and coming neighbourhood it would probably have to include the opening of Crema, which has not only helped revive street life on this stretch of Dundas West but survived the opening of a Starbuck's right across the road. Its youthful staff has probably been part of its key to success, which has spread into a mini-chain of cafes across the city, staffed by baristas like Liam, interviewed during a lull on a rainy Tuesday morning.

Name:

Liam Bradford.

How long have you been a barista?

About six months.

Favorite customer and why?

I enjoy the customers that like to joke around, that don't take things too seriously. There are a few that come in here where it doesn't matter if they're on their way to work or whatever - they usually take the time to joke around a bit.

What's your secret for pulling the perfect shot?

It's hard to say - there are so many variables involved on pulling a nice espresso shot. A lot of it has to do with really being in touch with the machine, I know it sounds a little bit cheesy, but having a good feel for how the espresso's pulling that day and being able to adjust on the fly and make sure it's right.

Do you moonlight as a writer, actor, artist, and/or adult film actor?

No comment on the last one. No, actually, I don't. Quite a few of my colleagues do, but I'm a political science graduate, actually.

What's something that no one else knows about you?

I was the head of the A/V crew in high school doing the lights and stuff for assemblies. Pretty geeky club to be a part of, but I mostly just did it so my friends and I could hang out in the lighting booth and play video games. When I tell people that today they seem surprised. I guess you could say I really embraced my nerdy side back then.

Favorite Toronto hideout?

The third floor of the Toronto Reference Library. At the back, though - not at the main tables.

Best album to spin at work?

Hands down, Music from Big Pink by The Band.

To take the nerves out of customers, how do you properly order an Americano?

A lot of places i know, all you have to say is 'An Americano,' and they only do one size. Here at Cream we do two sizes, so big Americano or small Americano - that's it. No judgment.

How do you take your coffee?

I just take a drip coffee with a splash of cream. No sugar.

RAPID FIRE QUESTIONS:

Dogs or cats? Dogs, for sure.

Beatles or Rolling Stones? That's a tough one. Probably say Beatles.

Beards or moustaches? Beards.

Bikes or streetcars? Bikes.

Rob Ford or Tim Hortons? Tim Hortons.

PREVIOUSLY IN THIS SERIES

• Ami Spears, Jet Fuel Coffee
• Michael Cubero, Manic Coffee
• Damien Zielinski, Capital Espresso
• Lachlan Kinnaird, Jimmy's Coffee
• Matthew Sonberg, R Squared

Photography by Joel Yum.