Top Baristas Get Set For Final Showdown Tomorrow

10th November 2006

New Zealand’s Top Baristas Get Set For Final Showdown Tomorrow

Nine of New Zealand’s top baristas are gearing up for their final test at the 2006 NZ National Barista Awards being staged tomorrow at North Harbour Stadium. All nine competitors, having secured a place at the finals over the last five months, have been training anywhere between 10 and 20 hours a week in preparation for tomorrow’s competition.

Chris White, Chief Judge, says “Tomorrow is the ultimate test for these baristas. Not only will they win the title but they will also go on to compete at the World Championships in Japan in 2007.”
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The 2006 National Barista Awards Finalists who will be competing tomorrow are:
Carl Sara – Muffin Break, Christchurch
Rob Dempsey – Muffin Break Northlands, Christchurch
Andy Norman - Vivace Espresso, Wellington
Andrew Feldon - Streetwise Coffee, Samson
Jessica Garland РRobert Harris Caf̩, Rotorua
Claire Whitburn РCaf̩ DMP, Napier
Ben Boyle – Ben Cafe, Auckland City
David Huang – Magazzino, Newmarket, Auckland
Faatafa Liufau - Centre of Gravity, Auckland

Each competitor has a total of 45 minutes on stage – 15 minutes setup, 15 minutes competition time and 15 minutes clean-up. Within their competition time each barista is required to make four espressos, four cappuccinos and four signature beverages. A signature beverage is a unique espresso beverage, wholly designed by the barista, the only requirement is that it contains a shot of espresso and no alcohol or illegal substances.

The New Zealand National Barista Awards brought to you by Robert Harris are the only world recognised national competition allowing the winner to compete annually at the World Barista Championships. Robert Harris has been the major sponsor of the National Barista Awards since they began in 2001. Their consistent support of the Awards demonstrates their on-going commitment to the professional development of baristas in New Zealand.

The majority of New Zealanders prefer to enjoy their coffee with a dash of fresh NZ milk. Anchor has been a key sponsor and supporter of the National Barista Awards for the past six years.

The competition is open to the public and begins at 10am at North Harbour Stadium. The winner will be announced at the official Awards cocktail event on Saturday evening from 6pm. For further information about the competition visit: www.nationalbaristaawards.co.nz or for information on the Festival visit www.coffeefestival.co.nz

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