Meet Jennifer Tran, one of Tesoro’s talented Food and Beverage Attendants who joined the team in September 2023. With a passion for hospitality and a knack for creating beautifully crafted coffee, Jennifer brings her dedication and creativity to Tesoro’s breakfast service. In 2024, she proudly secured second place in a local barista competition, showcasing her impressive latte art skills and commitment to perfecting her craft. Whether it’s designing intricate swans or reindeers in a cup of coffee, she ensures every guest starts their morning with a touch of artistry and exceptional service. Let’s learn about her background and what inspired her to be part of the Tesoro family.
Q: Tell us a bit about your background and how you came to Tesoro. Any career highlights you would like to share?
I graduated with a Bachelor’s in Business majoring in Hospitality, in 2022. Before joining Tesoro, I gained two years of experience in the industry, bringing my total experience to 3.5 years.
One of my proudest achievements is my journey to becoming a barista. Starting from scratch with no formal training, I honed my skills through social media tutorials and daily practice. Today, I can create latte art designs like swans, bunnies, reindeers, Christmas trees, and even a smiling sun.
Last year, I participated in a barista competition, where I tied for second place in a challenge to craft a perfect flat white with latte art. That moment gave me the confidence to strive for first place in the 2025 competition!
Q: What is your favourite part about your role at Tesoro?
I primarily work during breakfast service, and I love starting guests’ mornings on a positive note. Breakfast is such an essential part of the day for many guests, especially when they’re travelling or visiting, and it becomes even more special when paired with a great cup of coffee.
For me, the most rewarding part of my role is crafting coffee and delivering exceptional service to every guest who joins us for breakfast at Tesoro. Being able to help create a bright start to someone’s day is incredibly fulfilling.
Q: Tesoro’s menu shines the spotlight on Tasmanian producers. If you had to choose, which dish and supplier would be your number one choice on the menu?
On our new breakfast menu, the Crushed Potato Rosti is a standout! It’s a vegan dish with crunchy baked potatoes, caramelised red onions, creamy whipped lemon tofu, and mixed mushrooms from Mr Brown & Towns, a local mushroom farm in Tasmania. You can also add egg and bacon for extra protein. Pair it with a hazelnut mocha, and you have the ultimate breakfast experience!
For lunch and dinner, I’d recommend starting with the Smoked Buffalo Mozzarella with Grilled Eggplant, Pesto, and Sourdough – it’s truly a signature dish at Tesoro. For the main course, the Prawn Linguini is a must-try, and for dessert, you simply can’t miss the Chocolate Rocher. It’s been my favourite since day one. As they say, there’s always room for dessert!
Q: The cocktail menu at the bar is ever-changing and evolving – what’s your favourite cocktail or tipple you’ve ever had at Tesoro?
When I go out with friends, I always opt for a mocktail. My favourite is the Virgin Piña Colada (or as we like to call it here at Tesoro, the “Pin-NO AlCO-lada”). I also enjoy any mocktails that lean on the sweeter side.
Q: Where is your favourite foodie location to travel to, and what do you love to eat there?
Every country has unique flavours I’d love to experience, but right now, I’m craving the tastes of Vietnam – where I’m originally from. It’s been five years since my last visit, and I miss it so much. If you ever get the chance to visit, I recommend trying some iconic dishes like “bánh xèo” (Vietnamese pancake with bean sprouts, pork, and prawns), “chả cá” (fish cake), “xôi” (sticky rice, either sweet or savoury), and “bánh cuốn” (a pancake rolled with pork mince and mushrooms). Each dish is a unique representation of Vietnam’s culinary heritage.