Zarraffas Barista Championships.
31 August 2010
WOW!
First of all, let me say that I have been coming to these events for 3 years now. The first year (2008) it was great, good vibe and positive attitude about the competitors and their development. This first comp was far from the level of AASCA (AustralAsian Specialty Coffee Association) comps but was a good all round “get in and have a go” attitude for their baristas to entre and better themselves through the experience. It was pretty informal, and lacked the structure of an AASCA event but was really pleasant to be a part of and rewarded both the baristas and the franchisees for getting involved.
The second year was huge, it made the previous year look like a backyard operation. The event had easily doubled the amount of competitors that entered and was really professionally run. It was still far from the AASCA level of competition but had all the great aspects of a good environment to promote the development, education and experience for baristas to further themselves. I had the pleasure of being the MC at this event, which was the first time I was able to be on stage at a barista comp without the shaky feeling usually present when competing (I’ve competed in a few comps in the past). All the competitors gave it their best and it was such a great environment to be a part of. I couldn’t help but feel proud for everyone involved as I left, and the knowledge that next year will be “bigger and better” was something I honestly looked forward to.
2010, HOLLY COW! I couldn’t believe the magnitude of how far the comp had come. From a backyard barista comp, to the foundation of something magnificent, to something TRULY MAGNIFICENT. This year I was invited to the finals to be a judge alongside Scottie Callahan (current AUS barista champ and ranked 3rd in the world, and also 2006 world latte art champion) and Ross Quail (current president of AASCA and world barista competition judge). Ross was the captain for the barista final, Scottie was the captain for the latte art final. With Ross behind the wheel the barista comp was run just like an AASCA Australian Barista Competition. The scoresheets used were the exact scoresheet from the world barista comp! And with Ross briefing and debriefing all the judges it really felt like one too. The latte art comp, ran by Scottie, was also of international standard, and the 3 competitors in the final were very impressive.
I left, in a bit of a rush to catch a plane, without finding out just who the winners were. My appologies to the team at Zarraffas for having to “eat and run” so to speak and I look forward to hearing the results, which will no doubt be in by the time I get in front of my computer later today.
Click here to watch the Zarraffa's Coffee 2010 Barista comp on Vimeo.
Yours in coffee
- trist
