‘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
To learn more the barista championships please visit the Canadian Barista Academy or the World Barista Championships.
Sarah Ostwald and her husband John Ruttan own Cherry Bomb Coffee, located at 79 Roncesvalles Avenue in Toronto, Ontario.
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