10 Speed Press - Espresso Signature Drink Recipe Book
Friday, 25 May 2007
Food writer Michael Turback is developing a book that captures an important movement in coffee culture, one that showcases barista "signature drinks," created for and inspired by jams and competitions. The author, supported and guided in this project by veteran competition judge Spencer Turer and barista trainer/creator of Viva Barista Matt Milletto, are inviting the indie coffee community to participate.
Your participation would require the composition of an original, espresso-based signature drink. Recipes may include drinks that have been made in previous competition or entirely new creations. (Each participating barista and his or her establishment will be credited and profiled in recipe headnotes, and each barista will retain ownership of his or her recipe).
For recipe submission, there are fewer guidelines than in formal competition. Drinks may be hot or cold, and alcohol may be included as a component. While the distinct taste of espresso should be present in each drink, overall craftsmanship, artistry, and culinary exploration is of primary importance.
The broader the range of recipes, the better this book will be. If you would like to consider participating, please drop the author an email at:
He will follow-up to supply more details. (To learn more about the author and his previous works, go to: http://www.reservationsonly.com)
Are Barista Competitions Living Up to Their Potential? - By Tatiana Becker
Monday, 21 May 2007
This year, my USBC performance's theme was "Frat Party." I dressed like a sorority girl from Kappa Kappa Chino, rocked out to Snoop Dogg and Sir Mix-a-Lot, and served my signature drink in beer hats. Whoever was controlling the music cranked it way up, and the audience was rocking out, yelling, and holding signs. People I don't think have ever watched a competition before - like smoothie mix vendors - were flocking off the competition floor to watch. Didn't I understand that the competition was about professionalism? About five-star restaurant service? What was I trying to prove?
This isn't my first competition, and I'm well aware of what they are: button-up shirts, ties, and ironed tablecloths. But what they should be? The WBC's stated mission is "to promote the growth, excellence and recognition in the Barista profession." Is the recognition of our craft growing through competition? I haven't been able to entice my customers, my friends, or even my own mom to stay and watch another competition after my own. They don't know what the barista is doing, they can't tell a good shot from a bad one by the way it pours, and waxing poetic about flavor nuances is pretty lost on them, especially when they can't taste for themselves.
After over a year of filming, Bellissimo has brought together in one DVD some of the best baristas in not only the United States, but in the world. In this approximately 45-minute training and educational DVD, each barista shares his or her techniques and philosophy of coffee and espresso, as well as what it takes to be a champion.
This training DVD is the first in which regional, national and world barista champions share their passion one-on-one with the coffee world. Featured are 2006 World Barista Champion (WBC) Klaus Thomsen and three former United States Barista Champions (USBC): Matt Riddle, Bronwen Serna and Phuong Tran. Northwest USBC champions Kyle Larson and Billy Wilson are also included, along with Cup of Excellence judge Stephen Vick, who is featured in a special cupping section. Making appearances are long-time barista competition judges Sarah Allen, editor of Barista Magazine, and Brent Fortune, owner of Crema Bakery and Café of Portland, Oregon.
Food writer Michael Turback is developing a book that captures an important movement in coffee culture, one that showcases barista "signature drinks," created for and inspired by jams and competitions. The author, supported and guided in this project by veteran competition judge Spencer Turer and barista trainer/creator of Viva Barista Matt Milletto, are inviting the indie coffee community to participate. 
After over a year of filming, 