Since there is bo football this sunday I thought I would check out a different type of competition. As I mentioned last week, Pittsburgh is hosting the the Mid-atlantic and Northeast Regional Barista competition at the Cranberry Marriot. The best baristas from 11 different states are here competing for a chance to go to the national competition.
Each barista has 15 minutes to prepare espresso, cappicino and a signature drink for 4 judges. Baristas are scored on a bunch of different criteria from presentation to speed – if you go over 16 minutes you are disqualified. There are 3 coffee bar set ups at the front of the room. While one person is competeing, another person is setting up for their competition.
There is a screen set up so that the audience can get a better view of the barista at work and there is quite a crowd of coffee lovers here to watch the competition. The entire competition is also being streamed on the internet on Ustream TV. You can find a link to the video and more information at www.pittsburghcoffee.org
Today are the finals for each competiton – from Pittsburgh – one of Crazy Mocha’s baristas has made it to the final 6. The folks from Crazy Mocha are making coffee and there are desserts for sale in the lobby. All of the proceeds benefit the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank.
Please excuse any spelling errors as I am writing this on my cellphone.