Event Update: NWRBC Winner – Alex Pond
If you aren’t in the NW area or couldn’t make it to the regional barista finals this past weekend, you might be interested in reading about the winner — Alex Pond of Fresh Pot in Portland OR.
The 22-year-old wunderkind concocted a signature drink using Tanzanian salt and Balinese chocolate that sounds quite delish. He’ll go on to compete in the US finals this coming March in Portland — where all of the regional winners will be pit against each other to determine which java slinger will represent the US in the world championships later this year.
This Weekend: NW Regional Barista Competition
If you’re in the Pacific Northwest this weekend and looking for some highly caffeinated entertainment, check out the Northwest Regional Barista Competition, being held at the Temple Theater in Tacoma. This is the first round competition to see who will qualify for the US championships and then, possibly, move on to the World Barista Championship. 2008′s World Barista winner, Irishman Stephen Morrissey, will be in attendance.
23 competitors will be making three drinks for the judges over the two day event — and you can also check out a separate latte art competition. The event is free and open to the public.
Tasting Event: Velton’s Coffee – 12.07.08
We’re having our first tasting event at our Lynnwood location on Sunday, 12/7/08, from 10am – 12pm. This event will feature local roaster Velton’s coffee and you’ll have the opportunity to taste four single origin beans plus the blend Velton created with them (the Bonsai Blend) in a traditional, plantation-style cupping.
At this free event, you’ll:
- Learn about regional flavor trends
- Have the chance to determine which kinds of beans taste best to you and why
- Get information on coffee roasting & blending theory
- Pitch all of your coffee and espresso machine questions at Velton & Gail
- Be entered in a drawing for an awesome door prize!
Please join us as we taste and learn more about coffee in a fun, interactive and casual environment. Space is limited to 20 participants, so if you’re interested, please sign up here.
Hope to see you on the 7th!
Get Involved with Sustainable Coffee
Have you ever thought about taking a volunteer vacation? You know the kind, where you give a little while you get a little? Earthwatch has some of the most amazing working vacations available, all concentrated on working with scientists and researchers to measure, examine, explore and understand nature and our place within it.
If you’re a coffee connoisseur, planning a trip to learn about how you can help in the development of sustainable coffee agriculture could bring more meaning — and adventure! — to your daily mug. Earthwatch offers a 15-day expedition in Costa Rica where you assist in field experiments to improve the ecological sustainability of shade-grown coffee. The research station is located in one of our favorite spots on earth — the breathtaking Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve — and involves hiking to different coffee plantations and collecting data for the experiment. They currently have stints planned for the first half of this December, or a few next year in March, July and November.
Please let us know if you choose to go — we’d love to hear all about your experience!