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So We're Competing After All

Sonja has decided to compete in this year's Mid-Atlantic Barista Competition, March 5-7 at the Meadowlands in New Jersey.

Sonjatamp While Melanie and I had planned to attend the CoffeeFest trade show, which is hosting the event, we were not figuring on having any competitors this year.  However, due to an illness, Sonja missed the opportunity to take part in last year's competition in Cranberry.  She said she wants to take one last run at it, bringing daughter Clara along as a competition volunteer, so Clara can "experience the experience" and perhaps catch the fever herself (Clara has already spent time with two World Barista Champions, so we think she'll be ready next year).

Given Sonja is a two-time regional finalist and two-time USBC competitor, we know she can be ready in time.  As she's also one of the fastest competitors out there (she's left more than 2 minutes on the clock a couple of times), it opens us up to a lot of possibilities regarding what can be packed into her performance.

We'll have decided on the final espresso by middle of next week.  We're working with one of our coffee suppliers on several single origins roasted specifically for this performance.  This may mean that the Hairbender is unavailable at times in the shop so we can use that grinder to work on Sonja's competition espresso. Apologies for that inconvenience, but it's for a good cause. (Black Cat will still be on bar).

As for the signature drink, a lot of work left to be done there.  But we have some ideas. Stay tuned.

February 09, 2010 |

Comments

Nick Cho

Go Sonja!!! Woohoo!!!

Posted by: Nick Cho | February 09, 2010 at 03:56 PM

Amy

Sorry we will miss having drinks with you guys this year. Have fun Sonja - Tazza D'Oro will be cheering for you!

Posted by: Amy | February 09, 2010 at 09:38 PM

Amelie

good for you! we'll be cheering for you guys as well, maybe next year we'll be there. Too difficult for one of us to get away with 2 of us running the shop.

Posted by: Amelie | February 18, 2010 at 11:00 AM

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