Some coffee lovers in the capital city will immediately recognise Akuila Uluivanuavatu. The 28-year old Lauan has served Bulaccino’s two Suva outlets as a leading barista. He personally delivers coffee to customers who call the cafe from the comfort of their cars in the carpark. Mr Uluivanuavatu enjoys serving people and projects himself on the front line when the occasion commands. But by the same token, he describes himself as an introvert when he is not at work. “I enjoy my own company when I am not work,” he said. “Not many know I’m actually a shy person The soft spoken, smiling barista works between Bulaccino’s Raiwai cafe at Garden City, and its Tamavua outlet which is located at The Lookout adjacent to the at MH Superfresh complex. The cafes open from 7am to 6pm, Mondays to Saturdays, and 7am to 4pm on Sunday.

What is the one place in Fiji you would take visitors to, and why?
Bulaccino. I know what I am serving, I know what they are selling.

Hot Bread Kitchen is known for its variety of sweet and savoury pies.

What is your favourite place for a coffee/pie?
Aside from Bulaccino, I enjoy the coffee at Weta – because a former barista of Bulaccino works there, so there’s that comfortable familiarity. For pie, Hot Bread Kitchen offers a wide variety, be it something sweet or savoury. I love the range of chicken pies they have – particularly the spicy chicken and the stew chicken pies.

Thurston Garden, Suva.

What is your favourite backyard spot, and why?
I enjoy the natural ambience at Thurston Garden, the shade of the trees and the breeze. And there is the museum, where one can wander through for more local knowledge on Fiji’s history. It’s the one secret spot I go to totally immerse myself in my own downtime.

The International Dateline runs through Taveuni.

What is the one place in Fiji on your bucket list, and why?
Taveuni. There is lots of adventure there, and so much to explore. The girls from there are beautiful.

Feedback: frederica.elbourne@fijisun.com.fj