Top Baristas Compete For National Title Today

11th November 2006

New Zealand’s Top Baristas Compete For National Title Today

Nine finalists from all over the country will, today compete for the ultimate title of ‘NZ National Barista of the Year’ at the NZ National Barista Awards brought to you by Robert Harris. The Awards, now in their sixth year, will be staged at North Harbour Stadium from 10am as part of the Wildbean Café Coffee Festival and Awards.

The 2006 National Barista Awards Finalists who will be competing today 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

An expert panel of seven judges will determine the 2007 Champion.  Each competitor has a total of 45 minutes to compete – 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 winner is sponsored by Robert Harris to fly to Japan in 2007 for the World Barista Championship. Four regional heats were held earlier this year with the top two baristas from each competition plus the wildcard heading to compete in today’s finals that are part of the Wildbean Coffee Festival and Awards at North Harbour Stadium Friday 10th – Sunday 12th November 2006. Â

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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