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Why We Compete

Jaime of Barismo pretty much says it all.

This is why we're going with four "rookies" this year at the upcoming MidAtlantic Barista Competition in Cranberry next month.  When everyone on staff gets to experience what the competitions and community are about, it's only then that they understand the bigger picture beyond a potential trophy.

Even I (Rich), after judging at four regional basrista competitions and the USBC don't fully get it from the barista's viewpoint.  Which is why this old fart is one of the four, along with Michelle, Frank and Lauren. 

Maybe one of these years we'll get Lois to do it  ;-)

It's not only about winning, although it was nice for our shop to win last year.  It's about showing up, being honest about your capabilities and knowledge, taking your best shot, being open to criticism and learning from your industry colleagues.  No pain, no gain.

Thanks Jaime for putting our thoughts into words so eloquently.

January 23, 2009 |

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What's Goin' On

  • Hey there... if you're looking for our physical store, we closed as of November 15, 2011. The space is under new ownership as Orbis Caffe, still serving delicious coffee and food with great service. We hope you'll give them a try. For info on Melanie and Rich, follow @aldo_mel or @richwesterfield or visit accidentalroaster.com.
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  • Barismo
    Jamie Van Schyndel and friends dissect anything and everything coffee and tea related from beans and leaves to technique and equipment in pursuit of perfection.
  • Pittsburgh Area Coffee Association
    Jake Liefer of Beaver Falls Coffee & Tea built a blog aggregator and community site for local baristas.
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    Retailer (non-roaster) who's one of the best indie shops on the East Coast. Features selection of top roasters and pulls only ristrettos. No drip - Americanos and press pots only.
  • Stumptown (Portland, OR)
    Along with Intelligentsia, probably the most acclaimed coffee roaster in the US. A certifiable Coffee Mecca that's turned Portland into the quality coffee capital of the Pacific Northwest.
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  • Peets (Berkeley/SF)
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  • George Howell's Terroir (Boston)
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  • Simon's (Boston)
    Cambridge, MA, used to be home to Jaime VanSchyndel, barista provocateur. Not sure if they're still what they were when Jaime was on bar, but it's likely still the best cup in Boston.
  • Caffe Artigiano (Vancouver, BC)
    Two time Canadian Barista Champ Sammy Piccolo and his roaster brother Vince have put Artigiano in the heads of espresso geeks worldwide. They cornered the market on 2005 Brazil CoE Santa Ines to ensure their proper place on the quality map.
  • Ritual Coffee (SF)
    Ask for Gabe or Baca. Lines usually out the door. For good reason.
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    In the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn and now with a Lower West Side storefront. Top equipment and beans from Ecco and Counter Culture.
  • Octane (Atlanta)
    Hotlanta's cool kids of coffee, led by M'lissa. Great skills, great training, great coffee.
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