We have confirmed that the barista competition is open to the public and there is no charge to watch (we will be taking donations for Coffee Kids). So, mark your calendars and join us for a great time and to watch the best barista’s in the Prairies go head to head.

Here is a PDF with the Schedule of Events for the two day event.

For those who want to compete (and you SHOULD compete), click THIS LINK to download a PDF of the registration form.

Prior to the Barista Competition will be a Barista Jam, held at Cappuccino King.

This will be a great time for competitors & non-competing baristas to get together and hang out, talk espresso and have a latte art throwdown !

This will also be a Q&A time for judges and competitors and to demonstrate the format that we’ll follow at the competition.

Agenda:

3:00 - 4:00pm: Set up @ Cappuccino King. They’ll provide two 2gp machines and you’re welcome to bring your own coffee and grinder.

4:00 - 5:00pm: Introduction and meet & greet

5:00 - 7:30pm: Competitor routines, Q&A

7:45 - 9:00pm: Latte Art Throwdown. $5 buy in…Followed by pizza & beer

Barista Jam
Date: May 17
Time: 4 pm - 9 pm
Where: Cappuccino King Calgary

The Canadian Barista & Coffee Academy will be offering two days of barista training at Fratello this May 26th and 27th - following the Barista Competition.

This special training academy for barista (espresso machine operators) and those interested in learning more about coffee and espresso presents its 2008 Educational Program. The hands-on training workshops are lead by Canadian and international expert trainers and professional baristas. They are for those new to the industry or those who want to perfect their coffee skills and include: Basic Training, Advanced Training and Expert Barisa workshops.

Please refer to the schedule below for details and click here to register.

Location: Fratello Coffee

4021 9th St. SE Calgary, Alberta

403-265-2112

Monday, May 26, 2008

9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Barista Level I: Beginner Barista Workshop

2 p.m. - 6 p.m. Barista level II: Advanced Barista Workshop

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Level III: Expert Barista & Latte Art Workshop

9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Opening a Successful Coffee Business Seminar

2 p.m. - 5 p.m. Coffee Cupping Workshop

This coming May 24th - 25th, Fratello will be hosting the first ever Prairie Regional Barista Competition. This is an event sanctioned by the Canadian Barista Academy and the 3 winners of the PRBC will go on to compete in the Canadian National Barista Championship with that winner representing all of us at the WBCDATES:

• Barista Jam: May 17th
• Judges Certification Workshop: May 23rd
• Competition Qualifying Rounds (16 competitors): May 24th 10:00am to 4:00pm
• Finals & Award Presentation (8 competitors): May 25th 10:00am to 2:00pm

Baristas must compete in one of the 2008 Canadian Regional Championships in order qualify for entry into the Canadian National Championship. Baristas working in cafes, restaurants and foodservice establishments in each region are encouraged to sign up. One registrant per company (see rules and regulations). For rules, information and registration visit www.canadianbaristachampionship.com or www.canadianbaristaacademy.com or call: 416-784-5210

We highly recommend that if you are interested in competing - that you sign up quickly as there is a maximum of 16 competitors.

Also - they are in need to volunteers to be a competition Judge !!  This is a great way to get involved - please contact Les Kuan at ibex1989@yahoo.com to sign up.

Cheers

Jason