Top Lower North Island Baristas Announced

MEDIA RELEASE
11th July 2006
Top Lower North Island Baristas Announced at Regional Heat in Welligton Last Night

Andy Norman of Vivace Espresso, Wellington and Andrew Feldon of Streetwise Café, Palmerston North were yesterday announced as the lower North Island’s top two baristas. Andy and Andrew will now go on to compete for the National Title in Auckland in November. Andy and Andrew will join South Island finalists; Carl Sara and Rob Dempsey as well as a further four finalists to be discovered at regional heats in Napier and Auckland in the bid to be crowned ‘National Barista of the Year 2006’.

Chris White, Chief NZ Judge and World Barista Championship accredited judge, says “Wellington has a funky Café reputation and it was great to see these skills put to the test today at Te Papa. The new signature beverage component really challenged the baristas. Andy and Andrew stood up to the competition with exceptional professionalism and technical skill. ”

2006 is the first year that a signature beverage component has been introduced for all competitors, and there were some amazing concoctions on offer. Andrew presented what he called VOLTA a mixture of vanilla, orange & lime zest, tabasco and aniseed. Andy and Andrew 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 two heats are being held around the country in the next several months; 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.

Over 130 litres of milk is required for each regional competition equating to over 600 litres of milk during the entire search for a National Barista Champion. Anchor has been a key sponsor and supporter of the National Barista Awards for the past six years.

The top ten lower North Island Baristas, as found at the National Barista Awards regional heat, are:
1. Andy Norman, Vivace Espresso, Wellington
2. Andrew Feldon, Streetwise Café, Palmerston North
3. Jason Moore, Mojo, Wellington
4. Te Kawa Robb, Mojo, Wellington
5. Lawry Trewavas, Morrison St Café, Nelson
6. Alison Graham, Mojo, Wellington
7. Hayden Jensen, Ultra Café
8. Olga Abrilovea, Springlands Café, Blenheim
9. Nicole Hill, Morrison St Café, Nelson
10. Leanne Waite, Eden Café, Bell Block, New Plymouth

For further information visit www.nationalbaristaawards.co.nz

ENDS

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