A quick update on the SA barista comp

It's all very confusing but the competition to crown the 2010 state barista champion of South Australia is set to take place mid september (yes, in 2009). Here's some info taken straight from the minutes of the last meeting:

"The SA state Barista Competition will be held at the RHAS Adelaide Show on Thursday the 10^th of September with the Latte Art and Cupping being held on the 11^th of September. We have been bumped from the Goyder Pavilion. The new location will be between the Goyder and Wayville Pavilions in the food court. This may not be ideal but is undercover and will get us maximum exposure and gives us 2 full days with no interruption."

Now a lot of things are yet to be confirmed but to get the rumour file cracking here's some 'too early to be released information'.

Judges:

Brian Raslan

Brian Lewis

Bill Comley

Craig Dickson

Remo Russo

Mario Macri

Ben Rosenthal

Richard Carman

Cameron Ballard

Alan Holroyd

Ian Callahan (That's me!)

Brad Nixon (still yet to confirm, but I'm badgering him!)

Prizes: Confirmed 2nd and 3rd place getters for the barista and latte art comp will something from the lovely greg pullman (at a guess I'd say one of his fantastic Tamps) and 2nd and 3rd in cupping will get something from Rio (at a guess I'd say some ACF cups). Also, expobar is rumoured to be supplying the 1st place prize so it's probably one of their prosumers but this is still yet to be confirmed.

So if there are any budding baristi out there who wanna step up, or if you want to come lend a hand, send me an email or better yet, contact Bill Comley direct on 0407 714 560.

I'll let you know as more developments occur

South Australian AASCA Meeting (11th March 2009)

The next meeting for the South Australian arm of the Australasian Specialty Coffee Association (AASCA)is scheduled for next Wednesday, 11th March 2009 from 6:30pm, to be held @ Bar 9 - Specialist Coffee Boutique (that's here!), 91 Glen Osmond Rd, Eastwood, SA.

Now I should point out that Bar 9 is no where near the point of completion (or opening) but under the ambient glow of floodlights and lamps (still having issues with power to the main half of the site) the meeting will go on, and be the first real coffee event to christen the walls of Bar 9.

For those of you who don't know what AASCA is, it's basically the governing body behind specialty coffee here in Australasia (and by specialty, we mean quality coffee).  Their job essentially is to promote the specialty coffee industry and offer a place of reference for individuals and businesses wanting to find out more about quality coffee, rather than commodity based, mass produced rubbish.

So if you're a member please come along, or if you're not a member, but are still interested in popping your head in to see what we're all about please contact Bill (SA's head honcho) on 0407 714 560

I'll also have the Rancilio z9 Lever Piston setup for espresso and something else for milk based coffee's.  I'll probably bring along some alternate brewers (Syphon, Drip, Turkish, Viet etc) in case any one's interested in having a bit of a play around.

I should also mention that I'll be unavailing the launch of 100% Directly traded Bar 9 Blak, Bar 9's non milk based coffee blend, so it will be interesting to get your thoughts.

Hope to see you there!