2007 Great Lakes Regional Barista Competition.

The final announcement of the 2007 GLRBC championship concludes the 3 day Coffee Fest in icy and snowy Chicago. It is great to see friends at the show, but at the same time feeling disappointed for missing the others.

This year’s barista competition is like Deja Vu all over again. Steve Fritzen is 3rd, Amber Sather is 2nd, and Matt Riddle is again the GLRBC champion, the same sequence from previous year. I like all three of them, but there could only be one winner, and it is hard to watch the disappointment from some contestants.

Final 6.

Final 6
Originally uploaded by Spinnaker007.

Intelly dominates the Great Lake Regional Barista Competition again. All four of its baristi who entered for the competition will compete for the top spot in the final tomorrow.

I spent all day on my feet, walking the crowded show floor, playing with La Marzocco GS3(I love to have one), drinking tasty espresso, and snapping some competition pictures in between. I didn’t eat anything except my breakfast and a couple of the protein bars… I am totally exhausted!

The 6 finalists are (L to R):
Kristin Marks, Metropolis Coffee
Amber Sather, Intelligentsia Coffee
Matt Riddle, Intelligentsia Coffee
Mike Phillips, Intelligentsia Coffee
Chris Kornman, Intelligentsia Coffee
Steve Fritzen, Coffee Hound

Craving For Some Chocolate.

Waiting In Line Like Everyone Else.
Originally uploaded by Spinnaker007.

I just redeemed the orange one for a 12oz mocha at Intelly's Millennium Park store. While waiting for my drink and talking with Andy, a barista trainer, I learned Doug, the owner of Intelligentsia will compete in the latte art competition which coincides with the Great Lakes Regional Barista Competition (which is a totally different competition), and the Coffee Fest this coming weekend. SWEET!

Love To Hate You by Erasure.

Chocolate vs Orange.

Chocolate vs Orange.
Originally uploaded by Spinnaker007.

I photo this zesty Ethiopia’s Idido Misty Valley with Chocolate Milano that I have around yesterday, then Jim suggested to pair it with Orange Milano. The zing from the Orange Milano matches well with this coffee. Great call!

Hooked on Classics!

This electrical electric guitar version of Canon by Pachelbel is quite refreshing…

Coffee Fest 2007.

Hey Mikey, we are going to Coffee Fest!
Originally uploaded by Spinnaker007.

Coffee Fest is only 2 weeks away! I got some passes, courtesy of Jay from Intelligentsia. I can’t wait to see and cheer for my friends at the barista competition, and walk the floor of the coffee related exhibits...

the coffee studio

Miguel, Lee, and I share something in common, to be the owner of an espresso bar that commits and offers the ultimate espresso experience. Their the coffee studio is due to open this spring, and if you are in the city, please visit and support them!

A Thousand Miles BY Vanessa Carlton