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Pittsburgh Represented in Barista Championships

We're back from CoffeeFest and the Mid-Atlantic Regional Barista Championships.

Marbc_scaa_pres_ted_lingle_addresses_audMarbc_and_shes_up_belles_name_on_the_big_2Belle was thisclose to placing third in the Mid-Atlantic Barista Championships, being edged out by Michele Granitz, owner of Max Crema's in Fleetwood (Berks County PA). 

Marbc_belle_pouring_the_macchiato_figoMarbc_belle_pulls_the_final_shot_for_herBelle finished a strong fourth and we later learned she was in second place overall going into the finals.  Which we suppose makes her for the moment the second best barista in Pennsylvania.  But the top dog in Pittsburgh and Western PA.  We can live with that ;-)

Marbc_belle_serving_her_espresso_to_judgDavid George of Crescent Moon Coffee in Mullica Hill, NJ was the overall winner with Jay Caragay of Jay's Shave Ice and Coffee in Timonium, MD placing second.

Andi may have had the more difficult challenge since she was competing not just within the Mid-Atlantic region but against national competitors for the Latte Art title.  Marbc_the_10_latte_art_championship_fina Her competition included several baristas who'd already competed nationally, Andis_results_on_big_screen including several from the Pacific Northwest, California, the Carolinas and Chicago.  Andi placed eighth overall.

In our eyes both Belle and Andi are winners regardless where they placed.  Both earned the respect of fellow competitors.  Marbc_ryan_goodrows_reverse_rosetta Marbc_last_years_winner_chris_deferio_pu_1

We learned in backstage conversations with several past winners and competitors that they may include a trip up here soon to see what's happening in the Pittsburgh espresso scene as we're now on the map as a city with cafes that can compete with the best baristas in the country.

The national championships coming up in Charlotte the first week of April.  We might be there.

February 27, 2006 |

Comments

Ward Payne

I was stunned and happy when I read the competition list for the finals of the Barista Championships. I was at Coffee Fest for my second time (last time was 2004), but this time because I'm opening my own place in Pittsburgh, a kiosk in downtown. I'm all over the school of thought that the quality and appreciation of your coffee is obvious if the barista cares, and my approach to my business has been an emphasis on service, training and quality.

Looking forward to coming out for one of Belle or Andi's cappuccino's, and meeting the Aldo's staff!

Posted by: Ward Payne | February 27, 2006 at 11:07 AM

Melanie

Ward: Thanks for the post and we look forward to welcoming you at the cafe. We had a great time in DC, especially meeting lots of great coffee folks. Good luck with your business venture. Let us know if we can provide any assistance. Let's hear it for good coffee all over Pittsburgh!

Posted by: Melanie | February 27, 2006 at 12:55 PM

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