Robert Harris National Barista Awards 2005

Robert Harris National Barista Awards 2005 Southern Regional Finalists Announced

The Robert Harris National Barista Southern Regional heat winners were announced last night. Luciano Marcolino from Vivace Espresso in Christchurch took out first place and Melissa Walker from Muffin Break Bush Inn in Christchurch came in a close second at the regional heats at the Christchurch Convention Centre. The top two will now go on to compete for the ultimate title of ‘2005 Robert Harris National Barista of the Year’ who will then go on to represent New Zealand at the World Barista Championships in Switzerland in 2006.

Michael Guy, Chief Judge and Publishing Editor of Café Magazine says, “Luciano showed a real passion for his entire performance demonstrating a leading quality from the start. Melissa expressed a great understanding of what makes fantastic coffee.”

Competitors from around the South Island competed at the Southern regional heat, the first of four regional heats across the country. With three more regions yet to come; Wellington on August 1, for the first time in Napier August 8 and finally in Auckland on August 23. Luciano and Melissa will go on to compete against the other six finalists at the Grand Final at the Wildbean Coffee Festival in Taupo on September 23rd.

The World Barista Championships (WBC) will only accept the highest standard of contestants and to qualify; each Barista must have won an accredited National Barista Competition. In New Zealand, the Robert Harris National Barista Awards is the only WBC accredited Barista competition and they incorporate the WBC format and standards.

During the regional heats, each participant is required to make four espressos, lattes and cappuccinos. Every aspect of their barista presentation is judged from set-up, efficiency, consistency to aromatic profile and technique by an elite panel of experienced judges. The National Barista Awards are sponsored by a number of highly regarded companies and associations including; Robert Harris, Anchor, Faema, Da Vinci, Hospitality Standards Industry and The Restaurant Association of New Zealand.

The 2004 Robert Harris National Barista Awards recognises the best in the café scene and enables baristas from around the country to test their skills in a challenging and fun environment. These events are open to the public, so come and support our world-class baristas during the course of the championship.

For more information checkout www.nationalbaristaawards.co.nz

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