The Silvia National Domestic Barista Competition

[Andy]

Pinot (aka John Doyle) posted the below idea in another thread. Expecting plenty of replies I have moved it into its own thread.

Andy.

The Silvia Challenge
The Silvia National Domestic Barista Competition

I would be happy to come on board as a sponsor. Would be easy to get the judges. Maybe style the comp along the lines of the WBC. One suggestion, maybe alow a touch of alcohol to be put into the Signature beverage.
John

[Andy]

Re: The Silvia National Domestic Barista Competiti

John, when you say "national" were you thinking of a single competition or a series of heats leading-up to the grand-final national event?

Can we make it that the users have to roast their own beans? If so could that be extended to a "control" green bean supplied to the competitors to see who had the best "bean to cup" take on it?

Im more than happy to supply web space and the control bean for the comp if needed.

[BeanPusher]

Re: The Silvia National Domestic Barista Competiti

There should also be a class for a budget machine too Sub $300. because if someone is able to pull a "Devine" cup out of a thermoblock machine they shoulld be reward as well. the techniques are different to using a boiler machine like a Silvia. plus you could get Sunbeam or whoever as a sponsor.

CodeBrown has done some judging in the prelims for the recent competitions held at celebrate the bean.

Such an endevour would certainly put CoffeeSnobs on the map and make CS Autralias premier coffee website and make any others that attempted to start pretty lame.  CS was there first afterall.  ;D

Great Idea Andy and Pinot. Let us know if we can help out at all.
Rich

[Andy]

Re: The Silvia National Domestic Barista Competiti

I have never known our base of Silvia owners to be so quiet…

Here is a golden opportunity to show the world how great a shot you can pull. 8)

Step right up... step right up...

[fatboy_1999]

Re: The Silvia National Domestic Barista Competiti

Would we use our own Silvia, or a supplied one?
Wouldnt that be a sight? 10 Silvias lined up, same beans from the same roast.. off you go. You grind it, load it, tamp it and do an espresso, a ristretto :, a macchiatto and a latte.
Then.. a home roast of your choice (SO and blends categories), do a coffee best suited to the roast in your opinion.

Id definitely participate if possible (dates and times etc.).

[Andy]

Re: The Silvia National Domestic Barista Competiti

I dont think you need to turn-up Fatboy... as the only entrant you are declared the Australian National Silvia Domestic Barista Champion.

Congrats!

;D ;D ;D

[ed_vinas]

Re: The Silvia National Domestic Barista Competiti

I dont think you need to turn-up Fatboy... as the only entrant you are declared the Australian National Silvia Domestic Barista Champion.

Congrats!

;D ;D ;D

hey, wha......what did I miss?

[Boris]

Re: The Silvia National Domestic Barista Competiti

.."I have never known our base of Silvia owners to be so quiet… "

Id be embarrassed by some of the muck I produce, still its better than dirt. Id definitely like to watch it. Fatboy cheer squad maybe??

Taking the machine into work tomorrow, unleash the beast!! See if the unsuspecting workmates can tell the difference ;D

Boris

[kaanage]

Re: The Silvia National Domestic Barista Competiti

There should also be a class for a budget machine too Sub $300. because if someone is able to pull a "Devine" cup out of a thermoblock machine they shoulld be reward as well. the techniques are different to using a boiler machine like a Silvia. plus you could get Sunbeam or whoever as a sponsor.

What about the Gaggia Carezza? OK, theyre sub $300 now cos theyre being run out...

Actually, Id be interested in lining up with a Gaggia (theyre all the same espresso wise from a $300 Carrezza to a $600 Classic) vs a Sylvia.

Greg

[GR8WineandCoffee]

Re: The Silvia National Domestic Barista Competiti

May be better to just have an open final in each state.
Your machine
Your grinder
Your bean
etc:
All machines to be under $1000 at RRP.
No commercial grinders or machines!!!!!
John

[kaanage]

Re: The Silvia National Domestic Barista Competiti

Are mods allowed? PIDs, grinder microstepping/burr taping/burr spring loading....

[Andy]

Re: The Silvia National Domestic Barista Competiti

Maybe the under $1000 RRP could be exended to under $1000 of equipment... ie, if someone at the competition offered you a grand you have to part with your gear?

That way someone who got a good deal on on a $1200 machine could compete.

It is getting far more complicated than the initial Pinot idea of a Silvia comp but at least people are showing some interest

[Javaphile]

Re: The Silvia National Domestic Barista Competiti

Sounds like youll need classes. One where you have to use stock equipment (multiple classes if so desired) and an Open Class where anything goes as long as the basic machine is a Silvia or meets other set basic requirements. Perhaps even a further division between useing your own equipment and another where you use a stock supplied machine. Lots and lots of possibilities.

Java "Drooling at the smells coming from the cupboard" phile

[Andy]

Re: The Silvia National Domestic Barista Competiti

Maybe... I really did like the simplicity of a Silvia comp but there were very few takers.

Heck... I even thought about buying one just to enter

Different classes could work with enough interested people.

[TC]

Re: The Silvia National Domestic Barista Competiti

Is anybody really game to take on Ed??? Way too scary...   I had to sell my sylvia and buy a giotto to protect myself  8)