from Alex


USBC in the LBC

We're in Long Beach California for the specialty coffee conference and the United States Barista Competition! I will be representing Kaldi's in the USBC, and the competition will be fierce. The roster of baristas will include all the usual suspects and some new but very skilled baristas. There are even some past champions who are jumping back in the ring.


UPDATE:
The first round of competition was great. I made the second round and will compete in the semi-finals on Sunday. Kaldi's even made the front page of the Long Beach paper!

Highlights included an amazing performance by Jon Lewis of Bumper Crop Coffee and Jay Caragay pulling shots while Metallica blaired and (literally) pouring a shot out for the homeys!

UPDATE II:

Congrats to Heather Perry of Coffee Klatch Roasting on winning the USBC. Heather will go to Tokyo Japan in a few months to represent the United States in the World Barista Competition. Good Luck Heather!