Filed under: Uncategorized — canadianbarista @ 8:44 pm

First of all,  a billion apologies for not keeping up with this blog.  I have a million excuses, and some pretty good believable explanations… but I’ll spare you all those and will just say that I hope to make this blog more of a regular thing.

One of my mandates has been to involve more people into building the culture around the competitions, and as such I sorta hoped others would start their own blogs to finish what this Canadian Barista blog had started.

Those of you who know me, know that I’ve not been idle in the coffee world, as the past year+ has kept me very busy… so busy that I’ve had to scale down some of my coffee exploits.

But I will try to maintain this blog,  ( but in reality I will be delegating/blackmailing certain people to take some of the load)

On that note, I am pleased to announce that the regional championships have been given to the local communities to further develop.  Steering/organizing committees have been set up in the Eastern, Central, Prairie and Western regions to help find sponsorship, involve cafes and their baristas, and beat the bushes for volunteers.

The rationale behind this was to allow the locals to create partnerships with local businesses.  This is a far better solution than the Canadian Barista Academy trying to do this from outside your communities.   The idea is to create local coffee “events”, that will attract the general public, but mostly it is to showcase the state of the local coffee scene.

Sort of like separation of church and state, we’ve decided to separate the economics of the event from the running of the event itself.

That being said, the Canadian Barista Academy is still creating sponsorship opportunities for the regionals, and is running the actual contest.  All judges must go through training, certification, and the stage setups, scorekeeping  etc are firmly in the Academy’s hands.  This way we keep an impartiality in the judging process, and the steering committees are free to pursue sponsorship without fear of bias.

Fulcrum Events, the host of the Nationals,  October 14/15th in Vancouver, is sponsoring the regionals both financially and with infrastructure/support staff.  I hope everyone can make it to the nationals,  I know it’s going to be one of the best nationals ever.

There will be more to come in future posts, including some opportunities for baristas to pay their expenses if they come to the Vancouver Coffee Tea Show…  if you are willing to work in booths, making drinks to serve the public, let me know!

Okay.  I better go get some coffee..

 

Les

August 8, 2009

Filed under: Uncategorized — canadianbarista @ 9:35 pm

Where to begin?  So much has happened this past year, and we’re just BEGINNING our 2009 competition season.

Sammy Piccolo… came out of retirement, knocked off the rust in the Canadian Nationals last November in Montreal…  then did us proud by losing a squeaker to those brits…  Silver Medal!!

This makes Sammy the most decorated barista ever… three silvers and a bronze, in four events gives him the highest slugging percentage ever.

I was lucky enough to be allowed behind the scenes in Sammy’s training for Atlanta this year.   Usually I only relegate myself to doing some trial judging of Sammy’s performance in the weeks prior to the competition, as I always tried to maintain a separation from baristas I might judge in the future.

But this year I decided to step away from the judging circles and let the new crop of WBC certified judges take the lead.  This allowed me to going into the Sammy Piccolo/ Artigiano inner sanctum, and I got to see first hand how a champion trains for competition.  I accompanied Team Piccolo to Atlanta, and got so wrapped up in things that I missed the meeting with WBC hemisphere coordinator Roukiat Delrue  (Sorry Roukie!!)

Maybe we can get Sammy to do an article for the blog about the run to Atlanta ( subtle hint)

Atlanta could be a whole book by itself.  It was a great weekend.

Speaking of great weekends, I just came back last month from the first regional this year, the Central , held at the Gladstone Hotel in Toronto.

Despite a tight schedule, an uncooperative macbook, some sound issues, bandwidth issues it was a highly competitive event.  Judges, baristas, volunteers all worked to put on the best contest possible, culminating in a victory by Chris Tellez of Espresso Post in Collingwood.

Chris showed he was the most polished ( and the most practised , based on the after comments of the competitors), so he definitely deserved the crown.

His espresso shone well on the cool green WBC competition Aurelias,  as he cruised in just ahead of  Sam James  of the soon-to-be opened Sam James Coffee House, and Momiji Kishi of Dark Horse Espresso, both in Toronto.

Fellow Torontonians, Ivonne Ramirez of Dolce Gelato & Cafe, and Adam Vrankulj of Grinder, placed 4th and 5th respectively, and will be entered in the wildcard draw of all 4th and 5th placed finishers for one of four wildcard spots available at the nationals in Vancouver. Good luck!

The place was packed to capacity which means we have outgrown it. This is a good thing.

Okay.. that’s it for now,  just a reminder for those in the East and West, if you haven’t registered for your regional competitions yet, DO IT NOW!!!! NOW!!!

We will be closing off registration very soon.

 

Les

 

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Thursday, July 30, 2009 9:04 AM 

‘B-a-r-i-s-t-a…?’, the customer standing in front of me at my coffee shop is mouthing the word with a perplexed look on her face.  I explained that a barista is someone like me, a person who can whip out beautiful cappuccinos, lattes, and espresso shots for a crowd of die-hard coffee connoisseurs while making it look easy.  Customers often seem surprised that a barista competition actually exists, as they generally never think about the effort that is put into the perfect cup.  In other parts of the world, baristas are respected for their skill, and are proud to have chosen this career.

Recently, I attended the 2009 Canadian Central Regional Barista Championships at the trendy Gladstone Hotel on Queen West in downtown Toronto. Sixteen baristas from all over Ontario signed up to compete and I would be judging six of them.  Each barista was responsible for preparing each of the four judges with an espresso, a cappuccino and an espresso based signature drink of their own creation – all in 15 minutes.  The winner of the competition as well as the top two competitors will go on to the Canadian National Barista Championship in Vancouver in October.

There are several reasons for holding barista competitions: competition is healthy, and ultimately it helps baristas perfect and improve their skills.  The competition also increases public awareness of the profession, promotes better choices in the coffees we drink, and supports local, independent espresso bars.

Most competitors were keen and passionate, but were clearly battling their nerves.  For many, it was their first competition. Can you imagine trying to make the perfect cappuccino for four stone-faced judges while an audience looks on?  There were also many seasoned veterans including Sam James and Momiji Kishi.  As a result, the drinks I tasted were all over the board with taste balance and visuals; some were too sweet, some too milky, or way too bitter and burnt, while many were obviously prepared by the creme de la creme and were outstanding.

After two or three sets, the caffeine high really started to kick in. The intensity peaked when the judges gathered to tally the competitors’ scores and I imagine anyone observing might have thought we were all “on something”.

For many of the new competitors, the experience was an eye-opener.  As judges, it is our job to be critical, but fair. Our comments are severe and precise so the baristas can take the information and use it in their own shops and practice until next time they come back.  It feels awful being so negative; in my own shop I try to be encouraging and nurturing with my staff. I know the effort, the hours of practice, the thought that went into picking the perfect coffee, the drills of getting the perfect grind, dose and tamp for the sweet, honey-like espresso extraction, and the days spent trying to practice the perfect micro-foam to pour that rosetta, tulip or heart design atop the cappuccinos. I know that in their own shops, these baristas are the gregarious hipsters, the passionate technicians in their craft, and when it comes down to competing against like-minded people, they can rise to the occasion, or crumble under pressure.
When I was finished judging my last set, I settled in to watch the final three baristas.  The winner of the competition, Chris Tellez of Espresso Post in Collingwood, Ontario, was one of these. Unfortunately, because I wasn’t on his judging panel, I did not have a chance to sample his coffee, but noticed his relaxed and professional approach to his set.

After the results of the scorekeeping were announced, we said our goodbyes to those who had travelled from across Ontario, and in some cases, Canada.  
Winners of this years Central Barista Championship are:

1st Place – Chris Tellez, Espresso Post, Collingwood, Ontario
2nd Place – Sam James, Sam James Espresso Bar, Toronto, Ontario
3rd Place – Momiji Kishi, Dark Horse Espresso Bar, Toronto, Ontario

If you live in Montreal, Victoria, Calgary, or Vancouver, you can catch a Barista competition first-hand.  Here is the 2009 schedule:

Eastern Regional Barista Championship
Just for Laughs Museum
2111 Saint-Laurent Boulevard, Montreal QC
August 23, 2009

Western Regional Barista Championship
Leonardo Da Vinci Center
195 Bay Street, Victoria BC
August 29-30, 2009

Prairies Regional Barista Championship
Fratello Coffee Roasters,
4021 9 Street SE., Calgary AB
September 12, 2009

2009 National Barista Championship
Vancouver Convention & Exhibiton Centre
200-999 Canada Place, Vancouver BC
October 14-15, 2009

Sarah Ostwald and her husband John Ruttan own Cherry Bomb Coffee, located at 79 Roncesvalles Avenue in Toronto, Ontario. 

Related:

• Judge Coffee like a Pro: Tips from my Stint as an Espresso Judge 
• Ricardo visits a coffee shop to learn the finer points of roasting coffee

Published by Guest Blogger 

2009 Canadian Barista Championships Central Part 4 07/19/09 05:31PM

2009 Canadian Barista Championships Central 07/19/09 05:31PM

2009 Canadian Barista cENTRAL Toronto Part 3

Barista Competition

2009 Canadian Barista Championships Central 07/19/09 01:11PM

2009 Canadian Barista Championships Central 07/19/09 01:11PM

2009 Canadian Barista Championships Central 07/19/09 10:00AM

2009 Canadian Barista Championships Central 07/19/09 10:00AM

Laura Paolozza comes from a long line of baristas. While pursuing a degree in literature and Italian cinema at the university of Toronto, she found herself in need of employment. Naturally, she chose to embrace her destiny and take her rightful place behind the espresso machine. Since then Laura has worked behind the bar of several of Toronto’s top cafes, bar, and restaurants. She currently works at the Osteria Ciceri E Tria by Terroni.

Samuel James – A barista now for 4 years with experience in various cafes across the city, as well as a participant in 4 barista competitions, and winner of the 2008 regional barista championships, Samuel is set to open his own cafe early August named Sam James Coffee Bar, where he will feature coffees prepared as espresso drinks, as well as french press and hand milled siphon coffees made to order. Samuel will also be featuring his signature drink from this year’s competition on the menu at his cafe.

Neil Rankin has no cell phone. Neil Rankin is rarely at home. When he’s at work he’s at work. When he’s making coffee he’s making coffee. When he’s playing music he’s playing music. When he’s on his bicycle he’s on his bicycle. That’s where you’ll find him most of the time.

Chris Tellez – “I started in coffee about three years ago as a part-time job while in high school. It quickly became an obsession and a passion. Now i make coffee a whole lot, and I like it too. I drink espresso and live in a small town. Solid!”

Ian Di Chiaro – “My name is Ian Di Chiaro, my home cafe is Lit Espresso Bar located on Roncesvalles ave. I’ve only been a barista for less than a year now however i have been quickly introduced to the espresso world. For the competition i have chosen to use an espresso from the regions Caranavi, Carmo de Minas. Those are located in Brazil and Bolivia. I chose this espresso because i have worked with it the most in my brief career and it is also the best my pallet has tasted so far.”

Momiji Kishi – “Fond my love for espresso in Australia few years back. I have been a barista ever since then. I became a barista because I just wanted to recreate the drinks I had in Australia but it became my passion. I love great food and in love with coffee!”

Ivonne Ramirez – “I LOVE COFFEE. My first job in Canada was working as a barista in an Italian Cafe and ever since then I’ve had a passion for coffee.  I competed in the Canadian Eastern Regional Barista Championship in 2007 and I got 3rd place.  Today I run my own café. It’s such a pleasure to keep experimenting with coffee. I love to brew new flavours and come up with different flavours for all the coffee lovers such as myself.”

Adam Vrankulj – “I have been working as a barista for 5 years and am excited to compete in this years’ regional championship. Much of my time is devoted to fully understanding coffee, and pulling the perfect shot. I am always looking to try new beans, and new methods of extraction. Coffee is constantly evolving and it is important and exciting to me, as a barista, to be a part of its growth.”

Giacomo Bruno – 33 years old … Owner/Operator of Isabella’s Chocolate Café, Downtown Oshawa … “I am a graduate of the Ontario College of Art and Design in the field of Integrated Media.  In 2006 I satisfied a personal goal and opened Isabella’s Chocolate Café offering fresh food, great coffee and of course, chocolate.  I chose to open in my community as I felt it was important to introduce a more upscale and inviting venue.  I nurtured the local music and art community by offering space for exhibitions and live music. I am married and have two wonderful girls- Isabella and Sophia.”

Espresso Enthusiasts invited to 2008 Canadian Regional Barista Championships

Toronto, ON (April 9, 2008) Coffee enthusiasts from across Canada will be gathering to watch some of the country’s best baristas (espresso machine operators) at the 2008 Canadian Regional Barista Championships. Four regional competitions to be held in Toronto, Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver have been announced beginning with the Prairies Regional Barista Championship in Calgary on May 24 & 25, 2008. Masters of the espresso machine from around the country will be competing for the coveted title of Barista Champion in each region.

Each competitor must prepare and serve 12 separate espresso beverages: 4 espresso, 4 cappuccinos, and 4 “signature” drinks of their own creation. Competitors have only fifteen minutes to prepare all twelve drinks and are judged on various elements including station cleanliness, taste, beverage presentation, technical skills and total impression by a distinguished panel of judges.

A few weeks later, the Eastern Regional Barista Championship will take place in Montreal on June 9 & 10, 2008, followed by the Central Regional Barista Championship on July 18 & 19, 2008 at the Queen Elizabeth Building, CNE in Toronto and the Western Regional Barista Championship on August 15 & 16, 2008 in Vancouver, BC.

The first place, second and third place winners of each competition will secure a place at the Canadian Barista Championship to be held October 21 & 22, 2008 at the Canadian Coffee & Tea Show in Montreal. The eventual winner of the championship will represent Canada in the World Barista Championship (WBC) in Atlanta, USA in 2009.

Spectators are encouraged to visit the displays of the event’s sponsors and sample some of the newest coffee and tea products on the market. All the competitors will receive some great prizes for participating as well as valuable experience. The events are open to the public and admission is by donation to the CoffeeKids charity, helping families build a better life in coffee growing countries.

In conjunction with the events, the Canadian Barista Academy will also offer hand-on barista training for those new to the industry or those who want to perfect their skills.

As the premier regional event in Canada, organizers are encouraging baristas from cafes and restaurants to sign up. The Canadian Barista Championship is endorsed by the Coffee Association of Canada and the WBC.

The regionals’ host sponsors include Espuccino Imports, Espresso Mali, Zuccarini and ECM Espresso. Additional sponsors of the event are Gerhards, Monin, Oregon Chai, Ghiradelli, Jet Smoothies, Pacific Soy, Cappuccino King, Coag, and Toi, Moi & Café. Krups is the Canadian Barista Championship’s Host sponsor.

For information and to register, visit the website www.canadianbaristachampionship.com