Congratulations to the super stars who won the WRBC 2008. For the first time a Nor Cal Barista won it.

CHRIS BACA from Ritual Coffee is the winner!!

Rock it Chris!

Kyle Glanville from Imtelligentsia Coffee took second

and Heather Perry of Coffee Klatch took third.

congrats all.

Team Barefoot did pretty well too!

Monica from Barefoot placed 8th
Ben from Temple Coffee took 9th
Jessica from Temple too 10th
and Marie from Barefoot took 11th
Adam from Caffe Med competed well and learned alot even though he went overtime too far.

a nice tight sweep!! Great job Barefoot team! Rock on! We are so proud of you all. You do the coffee proud!

The WRBC 2008 is being held in Berkeley, CA this year so it is easy to get to for the first time!

The 4th Annual Western Regional Barista Competition comes to the Gaia Arts Center, Berkeley, CA, and raises the bar yet higher in the pursuit of espresso excellence and specialty coffee appreciation.

The Specialty Coffee Association of America presents the 2008 WRBC, showcasing the talents of the best baristas from across California and Hawaii. The winner will compete in the semifinal round at the 2008 U.S. Barista Championship in Minneapolis, MN; the winner of the U.S. competition will compete in the 2008 World Barista Championship in Copenhagen, Denmark.

All the usual WRBC favorites will return this year, as well as some exciting new additions:

The Fourth Machine & Clover Brewer: showcasing regional specialty coffee roasters with competition-level espresso and cappuccino & coffees brewed on the Clover single-cup brewer. Served free to the public!

Speakers and Seminars by Joseph Rivera, Kenneth Davids, Sarah Allen, Mike Perry & more.

The Painted & Photographed Bean: A Coffee Art Perspective featuring local artists.

Trophies for top three competitors by a local artist and New Awards: Best Espresso, Best Signature Drink, Most Promising Newcomer & The Barista’s Barista.

We invite any one who likes coffee and food to come out and enoy the festivities and watch some amazing Baristas compete. Team Barefoot is being represented by a total of six competitors this year. From Barefoot is the famous Monica R. Hill and Marie Holston. Monica and Marie competed out of region at the Southwest regional last month to get practice. Marie took third place in here first competition! Two first time Barista competitors from Temple Fine Coffee in Sacramento will be looking to kick a little coffee action. And two first time Barista competitors from Caffe Mediteraneum in Berkeley are also representing team Barefoot.

In addition four Baristas from Barefoot , Sean Komescher owner of Temple and Craig Becker owner of Caffe Mediteraneum will be judging the competition.

Barefoot will also have two slots on the 4th machine this year serving up beautiful single origin coffees on the espresso machine and the Clover machine. Friday 10 to 11 am and Sunday 1 to 2 pm. Come on by and taste some coffee!

If you come wear a Barefoot shirt to show your love for the whole team and cheer loudly when anyone from the team competes. Look for Barefootians wearing the team jacket.

Get yourself there!

We’re holding a special pre-competition training on Saturday, March 1st to encourage new comers and experienced competitors to get in training mode for the Western Regional Barista Competition - and a party afterwards so you can relax and mingle.

The Western Regional Barista Competition has been sanctioned by the USBC Committee of the Specialty Coffee Association of America. It will be held March 28-30, 2008 in Berkeley, CA. We hope you’ll join us! And feel free to hit the forward button at the end of this email and send it along to anyone you think might be interested in the training and/or the party!
Kerry & John Laird, Pacific Bay Coffee Co. & Micro-Roastery and Andy Newbom & Monica R. Hill, Barefoot Coffee Roasters.

WRBC Pre-Competition Training
Get your game on now!

Attendees will spend a full day learning from veteran competitors. The morning will be devoted to the score sheet and rules & regulations. Competitors will see and taste what the judges are and aren’t looking for in an espresso, cappuccino, and signature drink.

Expect to walk away with a comprehensive understanding of what you need to do get your highest score. After lunch, attendees will have the unique opportunity to observe two experienced competitors do a full routine from start to finish, including the critical set-up time.

If you’ve watched a competition and don’t understand why the competitors are moving the way they are, this is your chance to find out. The routines will be narrated and attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and critique the demonstrations. Learn what goes into making a solid routine, from the training schedule to the music.

If you are an experienced competitor come join us too - or pass this along to help a newcomer in the world of Barista Competition.

Event Location
Pacific Bay Coffee Co.’s Wholesale Roastery
2332 Fourth Street, Suite E, Berekeley, CA 94710
Saturday, March 1, 2008
9:00AM-5:00PM

Barista Guild of America Party!

After the training join us for a SCAA Barista Guild of America meeting and party at Cafe Mediteraneum, home of the first latte! All baristas are welcome, affiliated with the training or the BGA - or not! There will be a minimal fee of $5 to cover the cost of food and location for those not participating in the training. Come hang out and socialize with baristas from California. Chapter Representative Sean Komescher will be in attendance as well as Executive Council members Heather Perry and Andy Newbom. We will discuss barista culture and enjoy bounteous coffee love!

Cafe Mediteranium is located 2475 Telegraph Avenue, Berkeley, CA. Saturday, March 1st, 6 pm