SERBC '07
Sorry I haven't posted anything about what I was planning to do for the South East Regional Barista Competition but I wanted to keep it all secret.
No, not really. I was just busy preparing.
Having said that, I will try to rectify things now by stating that the 2007 SERBC was great! It was held in Clearwater, FL where my mother lives, so I got to see her and save a few dollars on hotel bills. The weather was fine, the venue was ok but it was the people that made the whole thing great. There are very few competitions where the participants are all giving each other advice, helping them find missing utensils, making sure they don't forget anything before their performances and generally being decent human beings.
Being up on stage was fun too. At least I think there was some part of me - at some point - having a good time in front of the judges. The routine went well enough to get me into the finals but I was never comfortable enough with the machinery (specifically the portafilter baskets) to pull the shots I knew the Kangocho was capable of. Not that I'm making excuses, mind you; A more talented barista would have adapted.
At this point I should mention that if anyone is interested in how the Kangocho can taste, I have about two pounds left and will happily serve it to anyone that asks. It won't last long, of course, but if you happen to be passing through ...
Anyway, I'm pleased as punch to have made the finals and had a great time doing it. I want to congratulate Lem Butler, Ben Helfen, Danielle Glasky, Katie Duris & Michelle Bradicich on their outstanding performances as well as the other contestants brave enough to step out on stage and give it their best shot.
No, not really. I was just busy preparing.
Having said that, I will try to rectify things now by stating that the 2007 SERBC was great! It was held in Clearwater, FL where my mother lives, so I got to see her and save a few dollars on hotel bills. The weather was fine, the venue was ok but it was the people that made the whole thing great. There are very few competitions where the participants are all giving each other advice, helping them find missing utensils, making sure they don't forget anything before their performances and generally being decent human beings.
Being up on stage was fun too. At least I think there was some part of me - at some point - having a good time in front of the judges. The routine went well enough to get me into the finals but I was never comfortable enough with the machinery (specifically the portafilter baskets) to pull the shots I knew the Kangocho was capable of. Not that I'm making excuses, mind you; A more talented barista would have adapted.
At this point I should mention that if anyone is interested in how the Kangocho can taste, I have about two pounds left and will happily serve it to anyone that asks. It won't last long, of course, but if you happen to be passing through ...
Anyway, I'm pleased as punch to have made the finals and had a great time doing it. I want to congratulate Lem Butler, Ben Helfen, Danielle Glasky, Katie Duris & Michelle Bradicich on their outstanding performances as well as the other contestants brave enough to step out on stage and give it their best shot.
posted by Shannon at 7:53 PM
2 comments
