LONG BEACH, Calif., US – Laila Ghambari of Cherry Street Coffee House in Seattle, WA has been named the winner of the 2014 United States Barista Championship, which took place April 24-27, 2014 in Seattle, WA at SCAA’s 26th Annual Exposition.
The annual U.S. Barista Championship recognizes achievement in the art and skill of espresso drink preparation and service. The 2014 Official USBC Host is Espresso Supply.
The top six U.S. Barista Championship competitors for 2014 are:
1st Place – Laila Ghambari, Cherry Street Coffee House, Seattle, WA
2nd Place – Charles Babinski, G & B, Los Angeles, CA
3rd Place – Trevor Corlett, MADCAP Coffee, Washington, DC
4th Place – Cole McBride, PublicUS & Velton’s Coffee, Seattle, WA
5th Place – Camila Ramos, Panther Coffee, Miami, FL
6th Place – Nora Brady, Blueprint Coffee, St. Louis, MO
During the 4-day competition, the most skilled baristas from around the country showcased their skills and professionalism.
Each of the 30 competitors prepared and served 12 orders, including four espressos, four cappuccinos and four original signature drinks of their own creation, all within a 15-minute timeframe.
As they created their coffee beverages, contestants engaged the judges and explained their actions and selections while expertly working the competition’s official espresso machine, Nuova Simonelli, Aurelia II, and the official grinder, Mahlkoenig K30 Vario.
Seven USBC-Certified Judges, including one head judge, two technical judges and four sensory judges, carefully evaluated and scored each of the contenders. Judges focused on station cleanliness, taste, beverage presentation, technical skills and total impression.
Laila Ghambari will represent the United States at the World Barista Championship in Rimini, Italy, June 9-12, 2014 courtesy of USBC travel sponsor DaVinci Gourmet.
The World Barista Championship is organized by World Coffee Events (WCE), the premier producer of events for the coffee community worldwide, and engages the specialty coffee community to promote coffee excellence. WCE is founded by the Specialty Coffee Association of Europe (SCAE) and the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA).
