The beans will be grinding, the cappuccino machines whirring and flavored syrup shots blending as coffee enthusiasts from 11 states and Washington DC pour into western Pennsylvania this February for the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast Regional Barista Competitions presented by the Specialty Coffee Association of America. This “Iron Chef”-like event, hosted by Kiva Han Coffee, the Pittsburgh region’s premiere coffee roaster, marks the first time the competition will be held in the region. With a “For the Love of Coffee” theme, the competition takes place February 6-8, 2009 at the Pittsburgh Marriott North in Cranberry Township, Butler County.

“The event is as much of an entertaining food show featuring coffee as the star ingredient as it is a serious competition,” says Ed Wethli, owner of Kiva Han Coffee. “Anyone who loves drinking coffee, enjoys cooking and watches food shows on television will have a great time, plus they’ll learn a lot about specialty coffee beverages.”

Baristas Create Delectable Coffee Concoctions
While the barista at your local coffee shop may know that your favorite coffee drink is a “tall, skinny capp with a double shot of espresso and no whip”, the more than 50 baristas competing in the event will each prepare three of their own original signature drinks. Attendees will be able to watch the intricate preparation process via video cameras that will showcase each step on large projection screens. The competition, judged by the association’s credentialed coffee experts, continues through three daily rounds in a single-elimination format. Winners from both the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions will be named at the conclusion of the final round on Sunday, February 8. The winners advance to the national championships in Portland, Oregon later in the year.

“The baristas are judged not only on their preparation process, ingredients, final presentation and flavor, but also on their personal style, physical movements and verbal explanations during the demonstration,” explained Wethli. “People who come to watch the event will see some of the region’s most talented baristas create some incredible, gourmet drinks.”

The event is made possible by the Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau and these platinum sponsors: Crazy Mocha Coffee Company, Marburger Farm Dairy, The Coffee Tree Roasters and DaVinci Gourmet/The Kerry Group. (read less)

The beans will be grinding, the cappuccino machines whirring and flavored syrup shots blending as coffee enthusiasts from 11 states and Washington DC pour into western Pennsylvania this February for the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast Regional Barista Competitions presented by the Specialty Coffee Association of America. This “Iron Chef”-like event, hosted by Kiva Han Coffee, the Pittsburgh region’s premiere coffee roaster, marks the first time the competition will be held in the region. With a... (read more)