Top South Island Baristas Announced

Carl Sara of Muffin Break Christchurch and Rob Dempsey of Muffin Break Northlands have been announced as the South Island’s top two baristas. Carl and Rob will now go on to compete for the National Title in Auckland in November. Considering the last three successive National Champions have reigned from the South Island, today’s heat proved stiff competition for the baristas.

Chris White, Co-Chief NZ Judge and World Barista Championship accredited judge, says “the standard of competition at the South Island heats is always high. Being the first of four heats the rest of the country has a lot to live up to. Carl and Rob really stood out for their attention to detail and professional and technical skill.”

Carl Sara currently holds the title for the best placed New Zealand barista at the World Championships. Carl came fourth in the World in Seattle, America in 2005. The past two times that Carl has entered the National Barista Awards he has gone on to be the New Zealand Champion. Demonstrating he is still on top form Carl will be a hot favourite at the finals in Auckland in November.

2006 is the first year that a signature beverage component has been introduced for all competitors, and there were some amazing concoctions on offer. Carl presented a 3-step signature beverage consisting of steamed mint & lime salad, Avocado oil infused with marmalade & lime and espresso slightly cooled with raspberry juice & chinotto. Rob called his signature beverage ‘summer set dream’ showcasing a mix of Muffin Break blend, grated orange ice, vanilla and honey. Carl and Rob now have until November to sharpen their skills further in an effort to ‘wow’ the judges and become New Zealand’s National Barista of the Year.

A further three heats are being held around the country in the next several months; Wellington at Te Papa July 10th; Napier at East Pier July 24th; and Auckland at SkyCity August 14th. Each competition is open free-of-charge to the public and promises an exciting experience.

The New Zealand National Barista Awards brought to you by Robert Harris are the only world recognised national competition allowing the winner to compete annually at the World Barista Championships. Robert Harris has been the major sponsor of the National Barista Awards since they began in 2000. Their consistent support of the Awards demonstrates their on-going commitment to the professional development of baristas in New Zealand. Anchor are also a major sponsor of the Awards they have shown their loyal and key support since the National Competition began.

The top ten South Island Baristas, as found at the National Barista Awards regional heat, are:
1. Carl Sara – Muffin Break, Christchurch
2. Rob Dempsey – Muffin Break Northlands, Christchurch
3. Hide Kono – The Cup, Christchurch
4. Alyssa Kwong – Timmy’s Espresso Bar, Christchurch
5. Elizabeth Marlow – Columbus Coffee, Riccarton, Christchurch
6. Kelly Wright – Waterfront Café, Christchurch
7. Marcos Daniel Albornoz – Seasons, Christchurch
8. Angela Bates – The Stickly Coffee Company Dunedin
9. Ryan Borland – Vanilla Bean Café, Christchurch
10. Gail Burdekin – The Cup, Christchurch
For further information visit www.nationalbaristaawards.co.nz

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