I wanted to let you all know that the Brazil Sete Cachoeiras Estate - Rainforest Alliance coffee was given an award at the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) this year to recognize their quality among all the Rainforest Alliance Coffee produced.

When I went out for dinner with Renato Farhat Brito and his father Marcel Renato Brito, the owners of this estate, they had mentioned that when they entered this contest, they entered the exact same Lot of coffee we chose to import.

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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.

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