Good to the last drop
world barista championshipsMontreal
(Apr.24.09)
The World Barista Championships just took place in Atlanta. OK, so straight off, I wonder how they pick these locations. Wouldn’t Italy or Greece be more exciting? Or if it's based on country, why not New York or San Francisco?
Anyway, Canadian Sammy Piccolo did us very proud with a second place finish, not even four points behind the winner Gwilym Davies from the UK.
Each participant makes an espresso, a cappuccino and a signature beverage and the java is judged according to taste (harmonious balance of sweet/acidic/bitter) tactile balance (full bodied, round, smooth), and technical skills (acceptable spill/waste when dosing/grinding; extraction time within 3 second variance). Yeah, OK. 
What I would give to be a member on that jury! I love tasting different wines, teas, coffees... They all involve the same sublime sensory experience: Sight, smell, taste and touch. Don't get me wrong, I love eating too, but I just find something especially satisfying about liquids. (Good thing Freud is no longer around.)
The word on caffeine itself is still split, with some research indicating that it’s not good for the body, and others highlighting benefits like increased concentration and lower risk for Parkinson’s Disease. As per usual, the keyword is moderation. One or two cups a day is fine, but more than four and we may have a problem.
I definitely have a thing for coffee. I’m not quite addicted (I can get out of bed and function for hours before I need to have one), but I do miss it if I don’t have my favourite mocaccino at least twice a week. (Who do you think wrote this Best Of?) ;)
Looking at these beautiful, delicious creations, perhaps I should be glad that next year’s event is being held in Vancouver. Could the call of caffeine be enough to lure me out west? (As if a milder climate isn't enough...)