for the Third Annual Canadian Western Regional Barista Competition
The battle for the Best Barista in the West has been determined at the third annual Eastern Region Canadian Barista Championship held on August 15, 2007 at Heritage Hall in Vancouver.
Derek Lucas, from Buon Amici’s Coffee in Victoria, BC., took the title of Western
Regional Barista Champion. He won a trip to the finals of the Canadian National Barista
Championship to be held at the Toronto Congress Centre September 16-17, 2007.
The event celebrates the skills of the barista; the consummate artist of the espresso
machine. In competition, baristi have 15 minutes to prepare four servings each of
espresso, cappuccino and a signature drink of their own invention for a panel of judges.
The audience was thrilled to experience the energy and excitement created by 12
competitors from across British Columbia all vying for the title of Western regional
barista champion.
“This event was met with enthusiastic competitors and provided the audience with an
opportunity to learn about the high level of skill it takes to make a proper espresso
beverage,” says event organizer, Les Kuan of the Canadian Barista Academy.
The Canadian National Barista Championship is open to both novices and seasoned
operators alike, and some fabulous prizes are available to be won – including the
winner’s trip to the 2008 World Barista Championship in Copenhagen The 2007 World
Championship took place in Tokyo, and Canada was represented by our current national
champion, Colter Jones of Caffe Artigiano in Vancouver.
The regional competitions were organized by the Canadian Barista Academy
which also offers hands-on Barista Basics & Espresso Training and Advanced Barista
Training & Latte Art and Barista Jams in Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal. The
Academy will be offering more barista training classes in September in Toronto.
Donations at the event went to the Coffee Kids charity helping children & their families
in coffee producing regions to improve the quality of their lives
Top Six 2007 Western Regional Barista Championship Competitors and their scores and
rankings:
1. Derek Lucas, Buon Amici’s Coffee, Victoria BC Score: 541
2. Logan Gray, Discovery Coffee, Victoria: 540
3. Ken Gordon, Habit Coffee & Culture,Victoria: 479
4. Katie Wu, Wicked Cafe, Vancouver 468
5. Brette Richard, 2% Jazz, Victoria: 458
6. Zachary Simon, Habit Coffee & Culture, Victoria: 449
For more information visit www.canadianbaristaacademy.com or call 416 784-5210