Coffeeman

a coffee. a man. his thoughts.

[kiwicoffeeman]

Aeropress ...

I know, i know.. its been a while since I posted saying I would post more frequently. Well, here I am, with the hope that I will keep the odd regular post cranking. 

What makes this a bit easier, is there's alot of coffee events starting to take place this season here in New Zealand, hopefully I will cover a number of these in some sort of detail. 

First of all tho, this weekend is the New Zealand Aeropress competition. (Yes that is Valentines Day - Hopefully my wife will forgive me for skipping town) 

For those that don't know what an Aeropress is, as you can tell in the above picture, it looks like an oversized Syringe crossed with a plunger (french press). It uses a paper filter to restrict the grinds from going into the cup. Very simple very clean.

While i have had an Aeropress in my cupboard for many years, its rarely made an appearance in my coffee making adventures until the last few months. With some experimenting and some tweaking, I have tasted some amazingly clean coffee brewed through the Aeropress. 

Since competitions are a great way to learn more about the craft, and meeting great people, I made the decision to jump (with a couple of pushes from various people) and enter the event. 

I won't give too much away this side of the competition regarding what method and what coffee I will be using, but do stay tuned and I will give some ideas on what I have learnt and how to get the best out of this fairly inexpensive coffee making device. 

So now to prepare to descend onto New Plymouth with my coffee kit (and nerves in one piece), and give it my best shot! I hear there will be some amazing people entering, so looking forward to learning and seeing what others do to get the best they can. 

The amazing team at Ozone Coffee are hosting the event in New Plymouth, NZ. 

[kiwicoffeeman]

Fresh start on Coffeeman

As a bunch of people have been commenting to me, I have no updated my blog in a very long time.  Combination of being super busy combined with family life. 

However I aim to slowly start posting again. So watch this space. 

I haven't been sitting on my hands mind you, I have recently launched my own coffee training company called Mouthwater Coffee Training. 

You can read more about it at www.mouthwater.co.nz

Also - while I have been able to submit as many articles as i would like to yet, I have helped out a great friend of mine with another site called www.thecoffeereviewer.com - talking about everything from great cafes here in NZ, as well as reviews on domestic and commercial equipment. 

If theres anything you would like to see on here or there - let me know. 

Keep checkin out this page, as we aim to have more content soon! 

Coffeeman (Andrew)

[kiwicoffeeman]

NZ Coffee industry alive and kicking..

Recently - while I have been a little distracted by the pending arrival of a baby in my household, There have been a number of fantastic events happening in the NZ Coffee Industry. 

These events are driven, and supported by the NZ Speciality Coffee Association, which has been going from strength to strength with growing support within the industry. The growing support from Coffee Roasters and individuals within the industry, has enabled the association to equip the industry with new training programs, competitions, and events that build up professional development and coffee excellence. 

The NZSCA administers the NZ Coffee Roasters Guild and also the NZ Barista Guild. 

Last week we saw the "Huhtumaki NZ Cup Tasters Championship" and for the first time, the "Aeropress NZ Brewers Cup".

While I was unable to attend these events, what i have heard has been totally positive, with a professional standard in organisation and competitors. 

A huge congrats must go to the winners who are grinners! 

The 2013 Cup tasters champ was (for the 2nd time) Krisse McGregor from Coffee Lab.

The 2013 NZ Brewers Cup champ is the nice guy that is Guy McCracken from Cafe on Oxford - Nelson.

Both of them will be representing NZ at the respective world championships coming up later this year.

For more info on how the championships went, you can visit the NZ Speciality Coffee Association Website at: www.nzcra.org.nz

However - Coming up this week ... (aside from a stork making a delivery to my house... ) Is, the 2013 Meadowfresh NZ Latte Art Championships! 

Check out the details here at: http://www.nzcra.org.nz/events/meadow-fresh-nz-latte-art-championship/

This competition is alot of fun, for the spectators and competitors alike. Having competed last year I know first hand, it can be incredibly challenging yet a lot of fun in the fast paced environment.  

So you want to see the best Latte artists in NZ? in Auckland on the 3rd/4th of May? Then come and support your favourite Barista! Or if you are a Barista yourself, and can do a pretty awesome rosetta (or 5) in a cuppa, then why not enter yourself, push yourself... you never know what you may achieve!

Depending on the timing of my pending blessing arrival, I may see you there.... Are YOU going to enter?

[kiwicoffeeman]

Public Holidays - To surcharge or not?

As another public holiday is upon us today here in NZ, so too do I hear comments from the public and friends moaning about cafes/businesses that put a "small" surcharge on to try and cover some of the extra costs of opening on a a public holiday. 

I just want to take a moment to share my opinion. It is just that, an opinion - so take it as you like, but having been an employer in a small business, and an employee, I can see both sides of the coin. 

To open the doors on a public holiday is a big call for any business. Will it be busy? What's on around us? How many staff will I need to be efficient vs cost?

The latter question is probably the biggest factor.

To have staff work costs at least time and a half, but also usually, if its the normal working day of a given staff member, a day in Lieu is also required by law to be given! (just checked my facts at http://www.dol.govt.nz/er/minimumrights/publicholidays.asp )

So for argument's sake.. let's take a cafe that may have 5 staff working 10 hours. (Nice round figure to make it easy math...) 

Again for argument's sake and ease of math, let's say they are all on an average of $15 per hour. 

Which would mean on a standard day would cost the given employer/business $750 just in wages alone (plus 8% holiday pay and other costs).

Now let's use that same equation on a public holiday.. assuming they all would normally work that given day. So the employer would have to pay out time and a half, AND a day in lieu. That $750 gets blown out to $1875.00 ($1125.00 of immediate costs, and another $750 to cover a day in lieu). 

That means you have to sell a hang of a lot more to cover your costs - so we hope and pray to be busy on those given days. 

Then we get the likes of the NZ Herald and other media outlets putting pressure on businesses to drop the surcharge. 

For those businesses that don't charge a surcharge - great, good on you. But for external people putting pressure on to drop it, amid the pressures of the way the economy is at present - I dont agree! 

We as consumers, often expect places to be open on public holidays, but if we expect them to be open, giving up their holiday/day with family to be able to serve you, and make you your latte, muffin, and sandwich.. then I think we need to be expecting to pay extra! 

For the record, I currently work for somewhere that does not charge a surcharge, but if they did, I would totally understand why and respect it! 

I invite your thoughts! 

Coffeeman :-)

Footnote : there are other staffing costs involved as well.. but the figures I made up are for ease of math and are not to be taken as gospel, but a rough idea! 

[kiwicoffeeman]

Judges Workshop - Pre NZ Barista championship 2013

Well, I have just returned from the big smoke of Auckland from participating at the Judges workshop for the New Zealand barista championship for this year. I thought for those who were thinking about going, thinking of entering the competition, or just generally getting involved - that i would share my thoughts on the workshop and what <in my eyes> one would have gained by attending the day!

Having been run by Emma MW, (to quote a recent industry magazine in the states) - the Matriarch of NZ Coffee, you know the wealth of knowledge being brought to the table is vast! Others involved in the workshop featured experienced judges and industry characters, (Chris White - Altura Coffee Company and Stuart Hargie - Bell Tea & Coffee Co - to name a couple) as well as previous competitors as well! 

Having judged and competed previously myself, I still managed to walk away with more tips and insight to help me in my journey. 

Personally, had I have been a competitor attending it this year, i sure would have been enlightened, a little more as to what the judges are looking for as we walked through breaking down the score sheets, looking step by step at each line on the sheets, and what they mean. What does the terminology mean? how do we as judges evaluate the coffees served to us? 

I think if you are competing, and missed any of the 3 workshops that were on offer, you missed a chance to see how the points are awarded, (aside from the obvious) and how you could turn a score from a 4 to a 5 or even a 6.. which I can tell you from personal experience, having come 2nd in the Wellington heats a number of years ago, every point makes a difference..... I lost by 2 points! 

I wont go into too much - because, if you weren't there.. you missed out. However, we did get shown this video.. care of the guys over at www.sprudge.com 

Quite an informative video on how the competitor uses their 15 minutes of competition time, with some entertaining tidbits throughout. Enjoy

[kiwicoffeeman]

Coffeeman Blog is back...

Having had a few issues over the last couple of years with my site, I have spent the last week trying to salvage some of my old posts, manually copy and pasting my old ones! 

Reading some of the posts as i went thru them all, it was quite nostalgic. The things I have been privileged to have learnt, and the people I have been lucky enough to spend some time with has made me understand a little more about the greater coffee industry (also making me realise how much i don't know!) and also about business. Some of these people and events over the last wee while, I may draw on in future posts on my site.

There are some amazing characters in our NZ coffee industry some of whom i am honoured to be able to call friends. They have been an amazing support in what has been a very tough few years for myself personally as well as professionally. 

This year looks to be a bit of a roller coaster already! While i don't know where this roller coaster ride may lead this year, I am excited to see where it leads and what doors open on the way. I know there will be many opportunities to learn this year and meet some more amazing people! 

And of course, my wife and I are incredibly blessed to be expecting a baby in a few months.. which is an exciting challenge we are looking forward to as well. 

Of course at this time of year I am looking forward to helping out at the upcoming NZ Barista Championship too! Being held in Wellington in March, this will be a great showcase of some amazing talent in the NZ coffee industry! 

'til next post...

Take care,

Coffeeman

[kiwicoffeeman]

Blog is back...almost.

Well, it has been a couple of years since my last post. 

My blog was hacked, then hacked over a hack... 

Long story short, i will learn to backup <repeat> I WILL learn to backup!! 

So bare with me as i bring this site back to life, and in time I will get some content covering things from the coffee community and also my personal thoughts on things I feel the need/want to share.

Check back soon. 

[kiwicoffeeman]

New Zealand Barista Championships -Final – 1 Week to go!

After 3 Regional heats its drawing closer to the time when we find out who will be New Zealand Barista Champion for 2010!

The heats started at C4 in Christchurch, with Luciano Marcolino taking it out, and Hide Kono coming 2nd – both moving onto the finals. Then, Wellington turned on the heat at Caffe Laffare, with many good baristas battling it out, Matt Troughton taking the honors and Nick Clark runner up!  Moving onto the final heat in the big smoke of Auckland, hosted by Bell tea & Coffee, after a long day of many enthusiastic Barista’s – only one could be the top. David Huang again taking out Auckland heats with his co-worker Kayoko Nakamura 2nd in line!

After some amazing preformances along the way, the head judges were able to pick up to 3 wildcard entrants who impressed, but may not have made the cut, but left enough of an impact that they could also be a great ambassador for NZ coffee. After much discussion they opted to choose only one! Erin Luke from Caffe Laffare in Wellington.

So the running order has been announced:

Running order was chosen using a randomiser. David Huang Matt Troughton Kayoko Nakamura Nick Clark Luciano Marcolino Erin Luke Hideyuki Kono

So come on down and support your top baristas! Allpress Roastery, Cnr Adelaide & Drake St, Auckland

Saturday 17th April 12.35 – 5.30pm Announcement of top three

Remember the NZ Champ will represent NZ at the World Barista Championships in London in June! and the 2nd and 3rd place getters will also get to attend London and learn from the best! 

See you at the finals! Its gonna be good!

Coffeeman

Follow the progress and info on NZBC facebook page here!

Or New Zealand Coffee Roasters Association Barista Champs page here also!

[kiwicoffeeman]

New Zealand Barista Championships 2010

Thats right, its coming up to that time of year again! However the 2010 comps look to be hotter than ever, with competitor spaces filled in what seems like record time from what the powers that be are commenting!

Starting of in the hot bed of Christchurch – always a good show there, as the previous 6 years the national winner has hailed from here. Then move on to the unofficial coffee capital Wellington, and the final heat in the big smoke Auckland!

The Finals this year will also be held in Auckland – Who will be crowned New Zealand Barista Champion 2010?

Details on the heats are:

Christchuch - Saturday 6th March 9am- 7pm at C4 Roastery Lichfield Street Christchurch

Wellington – Sunday 21st March 9am- 7pm at Caffe L’affare Wellington.

Auckland – Sunday 28th March 9am-7pm Bell Tea and Coffee Auckland.

National Final – Saturday 17th April at Allpress Roastery in Auckland

For more info on the competition, its sponsors and the coffee roasters association check out:  http://www.nzcra.org.nz/barista_champs.php?id=18

Are you coming to support your favourite Barista?

Catch ya there!

Coffeeman

[kiwicoffeeman]

Espresso Porn

After being inspired by a few pics of some naked portafilter photos from various sources, i have been wanting to try capturing some good photo shots of a coffee extraction thru a naked Portafilter – but havent been happy with my results. In Step a good mate of mine Frank! He among other talents loves capturing moments in a still shot! With myself making coffee, and Frank on the Camera we managed to have a fair bit of fun. Franks ability to get the right balance on his camera, we were fairly impressed with the results.

The Shots Frank took where taken on a Canon 500D D-SLR, and the coffee machine that the coffee was made on was a “Rocket”.

Frank (made2serve) has uploaded the best of the shots on his Flickr account – where you can also see some of his other amazing shots.

Check out the “Espresso Porn” we shot here!

Coffeeman

P.S the term porn is in this instance not refering to the human variety, but to the subject of naked coffee – just the way we like it!

[kiwicoffeeman]

Manawatu Hospitality Awards 2009

I have been a bit slow in writing this post with the results of the local Manawatu Hospitaity Awards for 2009. The awards took place last sunday – the 11th October 2009. It was a great night Emcee’d by Comedian Dai Henwood, very professional MC – and kept everyone entertained! (altho – i now see why he gets all the short jokes on the tv show “7 days” – i am 6′7″ and i felt like i was towering over him! – sorry Dai!) Anyway needless to say i was very impressed by Dai!

Anyway the awards…

The Finalists and Winners were as follows:(Winners of each Category is bold)

Toops Restaurant of the Year: The establishment offers a fine menu, service and welcoming ambience. It has ease of access and professional, well-tuned waiting staff.

Aberdeen Steakhouse & Bar Bethany’s Restaurant & Café Bella’s Café Nero Café & Bar The Gallery Restaurant Zoe’s at the Kingsgate Lone Star Café & Bar La Patio at Hotel Coachman

Toops Ethnic Restaurant of the Year: The establishment offers a fine menu, service and welcoming ambience and reflects authentic national cuisine. It has ease of access and professional, well-tuned waiting staff.

Monsoon Asian Yatai Japanese Isakaya Restaurant Hana Mizu Ki Japanese Restaurant Bangkok Thai Restaurant Mr India Chada Thai Thai Orchid Restaurant China Inn Restaurant & Bar

Davis Trading Café of the Year: The café offers vibrancy, with personable staff. It’s in tune with current café trends and expectations. The coffee is superb with great food and slick service.

Café Cuba Barista The Espresso Bar The Elm Café The Herb Farm Café Café Express The Stage Door Café Moxies Café Aqaba

M&P Young Caterer of the Year: An individual or company which provides quality food and beverage menus served by professional staff with consummate decorum. They heed all requirements of the event and anticipate every contingency.

Not Now James Catering Hester Guy Catering The Verdict Café Wharerata Function Centre Café Express Kingsgate Hotel Focal Point Cinema Coffee & Wine Bar Creative Catering

Davis Trading Takeaway of the Year: The takeaway provides quality fast food along with exceptional customer service. Offers value and variety.

Annie’s Takeaways Stads Takeaways Spice Kitchen Burger Fuel Fishtown Takeaways Pompeii Pizza Fish King (Feilding) Star of India Authentic Takeaway

The Breweries Pub/Tavern of the Year: Friendly, comfortable surrounds. Good food and beverage and service with a smile.

The Celtic Inn The Grand Beer Café The Speights Ale House The Brewers Apprentice Rose & Crown Olde English Pub Rosie O’Grady’s The Drovers Return Bar & Café The Office

Pernod Ricard Bar/nightclub of the Year: Great atmosphere and music with a broad selection of drinks. Trendy, fashionable night spot. The place to be seen.

High Flyers Bar & Café The Fish Cocktail & Wine Bar Uno Basement Bar The Brewers Apprentice Mao Bar Malbas Bar & Nightclub Cobb & Co

Manawatu Standard Supplier of the Year: Consistent and prompt product delivery. Committed to top quality and innovative products. Demonstrates customer loyalty.

Village Wine Trader Davis Trading M&P Young Toops Bidvest Food Service Riverlea Hydroponics Breadworks Chefs Choice

Tootill Electrical Accommodation Provider of the Year: This establishment offers the full package. The place you would recommend to visitors to stay in the Manawatu.

Bentley’s Motor Inn Travelodge Quest Hacienda Motor Lodge Kingsgate Hotel Arena Lodge Hotel Coachman Fitzherbert Regency

NZ Restaurant Association Hospitality Personality of the Year: An award for an individual, who over an extended period of time, has shown outstanding commitment to the betterment of Manawatu’s hospitality industry. The winner will be a well known personality through their continued involvement in the marketplace and will be respected industry-wide for business achievements.

Chetan Pangam (Kingsgate Hotel) Reuben Leung-Wai (Bethany’s Restaurant) Fay McSweeney (Davis Trading) Sean Kereama (Wharerata Function Centre) Sharon Mann (UCOL) Anne Maree Jeffries (Spostato Restaurant) Caro Reynolds (Aqaba) Michelle Callum (The Grand Beer Café)

Bidvest Chef of the Year: An inspiration in all aspects of cooking. Creates great food and runs a superb, consistent kitchen.

Trevor Salang (The Gallery) Scott Kennedy (Nero Café & Bar) Mark Harman (La Patio) Chetan Pangam (Zoe’s at the Kingsgate) Anna Morris (The Elm Café) Reuben Leung-Wai (Bethany’s & Rendezvous)

Kingsgate Barista of the Year: Professional and passionate about coffee making. Evaluates coffee making to a true art form.

Abi Purshan (Barista) Juanita Trow (Café Soskeys) Eamon Gilbert (The Stage Door Café) Richie Higham (The Stage Door Café) Chris Monk (Café Cuba) Andrew Feldon (Streetwise Coffee)

Bidvest Ethnic Chef of the Year: A quality culinary ambassador for their national cuisine.

Amit Kumar (Spice Kitchen) Atsushi Taniyama (Yatai) Hamit Gultekin (Halikarnas) Yashwant Singh (Mirrch Masala) Virender (Mr India) King Lun Kan (Ken’s Kitchen)

UCOL Commis Chef of the Year: A person showing the potential to become an outstanding chef. Shows great work ethic, attitude and is passionate about cooking.

Jelena Mills (Nero Café & Bar) Maria Calderon (Kingsgate Hotel) Ryan Marshall (Aberdeen Steakhouse & Bar) Jessie Bird (The Elm Café) Alisa Carmichael (Café Cuba) Michael Brill (Rendezvous Restaurant & Bar)

Crombie Lockwood Maitre d’ of the Year: Demonstrates pace with grace and a totally unflappable nature. This genuine ‘personality’ simply and consistently delivers the very best.

Fiona Helson (Mao Bar) Lenny Ross (Barista The Espresso Bar) Yvette Kennedy (Neros) Anne-Maree Jefferies (Spostato) Alastair Pearson (Bella’s Café) Barbara Taniyama (Yatai)

HSI Food Service Person of the Year: Has full knowledge of food and beverage products. Uses initiative, is perceptive, tactful and has a great personality. Good sales ability and sound skills. Always well groomed and a team player.

Regan Steer (Mao Bar) Kate Mandry-Gilliford (Aberdeen Restaurant) Hayden Temperly (Bella’s Café) Victoria Hartley (Nero Café & Bar) Linton Wallace (Kingsgate) Ashleigh Henderson (Bethany’s Restaurant)

The Breweries Bartender of the Year: Superb product knowledge, amiable and discrete, with a unique personal style. Must possess excellent memory skills and sense of humour.

Richie Higham (The Fish Cocktail & Wine Bar) Susan Warner (Wally’s Bar) Maxine McKeage (The Grand Beer Café) Kim Ross (Kingsgate Hotel) Jacqui Haitana (The Celtic Inn) Joe Seah (Mao Bar)

Also, i’d personally like to just say thanks to the many people whom have supported me in being able to retain the Manawatu Barista of the year! the local support has been incredible! Thank you to all our regular customers! You really do help me enjoy serving you, and striving to make you the best possible coffee i can!

Thanks!

Coffeeman

[kiwicoffeeman]

NZ Barista Championship – Wellington Workshop Thoughts!

I mentioned a couple of weeks ago the workshops for the NZ Barista competition were about to start making thier way around the country! I was lucky enough to attend the Wellington one last weekend. It was great to have Carl Sara giving his advice on how to approach the competition to get the best out of it. He has a wealth of knowledge about the coffee he chooses and why he chooses it. Also between Carl and Emma Markland-Webster (and a few other experienced competitors and Judges) explaining the rules inside out and what they look for, it helps us to be better prepared when approaching the competitions!

And Judging by the enthusiasm of the people that attended, Next years competitions could be exciting with alot of fantastic coffees being put forward!

So, if the roadshow is coming to your neck of the woods soon and your thinking about the competitions, i would recommend attending – maybe even take a notebook, the simplest tip might gain you some points come competition day!

For details about the competition workshops near you, check out www.nzcra.org.nz

They also have a forum where you can discuss ideas, and ask questions on the NZ Coffee Roasters Association Website!

Enjoy!

Coffeeman

[kiwicoffeeman]

New Zealand Barista Championship 2010 Workshops

While i think of it, i’d like to let anyone whos interested in entering the 2010 NZ Barista Championship about the Roadshows which will be happening very soon!

Let Carl Sara, four time NZ Barista Champion, and Emma Markland Webster, our first NZ Champion and World Barista Championship accredited judge, share their insights and tips with you.

The primary goal of the workshop is to clearly communicate expectations of the competitor. Some of the questions that will be answered are:

“What is a signature beverage and how do I develop one for competition?”

“How do I ensure the beverage has ‘a dominant taste of espresso’?”

There will also be time for specific difficulties that potential competitors struggle with.

This is a very unique opportunity. Carl and Emma, as well as many others have volunteered their time in order to encourage more great baristas to enter and compete.

TOP THREE TO TRAVEL TO LONDON 2010

The ROADSHOW is a must for those that want to do well in the NZ Barista Championship events that are beginning March 2010.

Roadshow!

Free event. Spaces are limited. Places allotted to those most committed to entering. Date: Sunday, 04 October 2009 Time: 11:00 – 13:30 Location: Mojo HQ. Shed 13. Kumutoto Plaza. Street: 37 Customhouse Quay. Town/City: Wellington, New Zealand

Date: Monday, 12 October 2009 Time: 17:00 – 19:30 Location: Atomic Coffee Roasters. Street: 420c NEW NORTH ROAD, Kingsland Town/City: Auckland, New Zealand

Thursday, 15 October 2009 Time: 18:00 – 21:00 Location: Coffee Supreme HQ Street: 218 a Madras Street Town/City: Christchurch, New Zealand

Date: Monday, 19 October 2009 Time: 17:00 – 19:10 Location: Mojo Coffee Street: 329 Princes Street Town/City: Dunedin, New Zealand

If you would like to attend, please RSVP to Emma MW. If you dont know who she is, you soon will! – you can leave a a message here to RSVP, and i will ensure she gets it! Check out www.nzcra.org.nz for further details.

Whos going? I know i will be at the Wellington one!

Coffeeman

[kiwicoffeeman]

Blog - Time to Think...

Its obvious, i havent posted for a while. Not for a matter of not wanting to. I just have been wanting to get some more “meaty” topics to talk about on here. Still i havent posted any for quite some time. And during that time i have had much time to think about what to do with my site and blog. Do i keep it going? do i can it and use the domain for other ideas i have.

What i have decided, is to try and keep the blog going. hopefully more regularly – as alot of the regular blogs i read and learn from have gone quiet as well. So hopefully, i can spark some topics with the help of others, that will help me learn, and maybe we can share our news in the greater coffee world.

I wont make promises that it will always be meaty topics. but will try to keep it regular… even if it is short an sweet!

Hope all is well with you all!

Coffeeman

[kiwicoffeeman]

Coffee Reason for excess speed?

A friend of mine just pointed me to a story on a couple of guys on motorcycles stopped going 211km per hour. Their reason? to get Coffee in Kaikoura – check out the story here! http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10566972

Which coffee shop were they headin? Wonder if it was the Streetwise Coffee shop down there?

[kiwicoffeeman]

NZBC Finals – One week today!!

The finals are now only one week away. Christchurch is ready and waiting to host it, the competitors are gearing up, and polishing their cups and routines!

The Competitors are as follows:

Wellington Finalists:

1st Richard Legg – Sage Cafe Feilding

2nd Frank Hsu – Mojo Coffee Wellington

Auckland Finalists:

1st David Huang – Espresso Workshop

2nd Robert Hulse – Planet Espresso

Christchurch Finalists:

1st Carl Sara- Muffin Break

2nd Hideyuki Kono – Vivace Espresso

And Wildcards (Judges choose up to 3 competitors who may have missed out on getting 1st and 2nd, but whom they think have potential to go further based on their preformance in their heats)

Nik Bruce-Smith – Muffin Break

Nick Clark – Mojo Coffee

So the Running order has now been thrown into a randomiser program, and the following order and times is the order for the day! So come out and support the Baristas @ THE Showdown at C4 Coffee Lichfield Street, Christchurch 12 noon start Sat 28th Feb..

See you there..

Coffeeman

NoTimeStationCompetitorRepresenting12:002Lawry TrewavasEspresso 2 Go (to help Calibrate judges)112:35pm1Robert HulsePlanet Espresso21:05pm2Frank HsuMojo Coffee31:35pm1Hideyuki KonoVivace Espresso42:05pm2Carl SaraMuffin Break52:35pm1David HuangEspresso Workshop63:05pm2Nik Bruce-SmithMuffin Break73:35pm1Nick ClarkMojo Coffee84:05pm2Richard LeggSage Cafe

[kiwicoffeeman]

Auckland & Christchurch Regional Barista Heats

I have a wee bit busy the last few weeks, but finally am updating the site, with info about the Auckland and Christchurch heats, and who placed where.

The Auckland heat was hosted by Allpress Coffee in Auckland, in their purpose built roastery and training factory! very cool. Thumbs up to them for welcoming in the Competitors and supporters into their space!

On the day there were some fantastic preformances by some very passionate baristas! and great to see them take their skills and passion and put it on display for us all to see.

Old hat in competitons David Huang managed to secure a place in the finals by placing first, and also Robert Hulse from Planet Espresso coming 2nd. Well done gents!

Moving onto Christchurch heats..

Unfortunatly i wasnt able to make it down there for the heats, but from all reports it was another fantastic heat. With many very talented Barista’s coming out for the occasion.

One of the favourites going into this years comp, is Carl Sara, and from all accounts he did not disappoint! Turning up with his Modified grinder – raised a few eyebrows i’m sure!

Another one who was keenly watched, was Hideyuki Kono (Hide) from Vivace Espresso, he too looked very polished and smooth.

With Carl and Hide taking out 1st and 2nd respectivly they both move on to the Finals!

Well done to all who gave it a go! i know personally how hard it is to get up there and put it all on the line to show your stuff, but that time can also be an amazing opportunity to learn, both your own weaknesses and strengths – but also from other fellow baristas. These events can be an amazing chance to meet others other help to one another, and have fun!

Will post again soon with info regarding the New Zealand Barista Championship Finals!

Til then, have a great coffee!

Coffeeman:)