AASCA - 2008 Qld Barista Championships

[GrindOnDemand]

Re: AASCA - 2008 Qld Barista Championships

... Kicking off with a 30kg roaster on site, training rooms, cupping studio, first pour espresso bar. Going to make sure that we have all the toys to play with... Oh FB80 and the usual variation of grinders and reverse osmosis water treatment.

Drooling in anticipation ...

[Andy]

Yandinas screaming success

Yandinas screaming success
28 February 2008
http://www.thedaily.com.au

Coffee-making has come a long way from a flat white.

Just ask head barista of Pioneer Coffee, Kate Clarke, who earlier this month gained statewide recognition with her Yandina Screamer – a cocktail type espresso beverage with a tantalising mix of ginger, macadamia, and chocolate.

The Screamer rated highly for Kate in the Queensland final of the Australian Barista Competition, boosting her into fifth place.

A first-time entrant in the contest, Kate was keen to introduce a unique local flavour into her signature creation.

“I got the ginger from across the road (at the Ginger Factory), the macadamias from next door, and the name comes from my love of cars as well,” she said. “Signature drinks are about looking for something that you won’t get anywhere else. This one’s different and decadent, just like me.”

The competition tests baristas’ skills, both technical and sensory, along with judging their professionalism, creativity and passion. Competing baristas make four cappuccinos, four espressos and four signature beverages.

Meanwhile, AASCA certified barista judge Jason Joffe, also of Pioneer Coffee, wants to encourage other Coast baristas to enter the contest and also give local coffee standards a lift by hosting free “barista jams” to exchange ideas and techniques.

“The aim of these competitions is to lift everyone’s coffee-making standards,” he said.

“I will be satisfied the day I can walk into any café and have a great coffee.

“At the moment I think there would be less than 10 on the Sunshine Coast where I would be happy with the level of coffee being served.”

Any baristas interested in local “jams” should register their details with Jason at Pioneer Coffee.

“The get together will be a place to discuss ideas, techniques, coffee, and hopefully put together a team that will travel to Brisbane and have barista jams with some of Queensland’s best baristas,” Jason said.

from:
http://www.thedaily.com.au/news/2008/feb/28/yandinas-screaming-success

[Dennis]

Re: AASCA - 2008 Qld Barista Championships

Congratulations Kate...and Pioneer for employing such a talented person!

I just wish I could grab that coffee cocktail youre offering in the pic.

[pie_in_ear]

Re: AASCA - 2008 Qld Barista Championships

HaHaHa, the last place Id expect to see that would be here. Andy, youre not owned by APN are you?

Yes, one of the perks of being the main source of motivation (ie the morning coffee as we are across the road) for the staff at one of the largest print press in SEQ is we cant do anything good without them writing an article. Good thing the Head of APN is an avid espresso drinker and comes in 5 times a day when he is in town.

Watch for Kate next year, Im not making predictions, but....