BERKELEY, Calif. U.S.A. (March 18, 2008) - The most accomplished baristas
from California and Hawaii will vie to become the region's best during the
Specialty Coffee Association of America's (SCAA) Western Regional Barista
Competition (WRBC) - hosted by Pacific Bay Coffee Co. and Micro-Roastery -
at the Gaia Arts Center, March 28-30 in Berkeley, Calif.  In addition to
being recognized as the West's premier barista (the Italian term for skilled
and experienced espresso bar operators,) the event's winning barista
receives an expenses-paid trip to the nation's hottest coffee competition -
the 2008 United States Barista Championship (USBC,) held in Minneapolis, May
2-5.  

SCAA's regional barista competitions and USBC are held to encourage and
recognize the professional achievement in the art and skill of espresso
preparation.  The SCAA is the world's largest coffee trade association in
the world with members in more than 40 countries and event host, Pacific Bay
Coffee Co. & Micro-Roastery is a preeminent Bay Area specialty coffee
micro-roaster and retailer.  

The West's best baristas will demonstrate their expertise on the espresso
machine while preparing and serving some of the finest coffee concoctions in
the area.  During their individual performances, challengers must maintain
their composure while preparing and serving 12 coffee beverages including
four espressos, four cappuccinos and four custom signature drinks in a 15
minute timeframe.

Seven SCAA-certified judges, including one head judge, two technical judges
and four sensory judges will critique competitors.  The judges evaluate
contestants on taste, beverage presentation, technical skills, total
impression and station cleanliness.  Current USBC champion, Heather Perry of
Coffee Klatch Roasting in San Dimas, Calif. has won the previous three WRBC
events.

As part of SCAA's mission to educate and inform the general public about
specialty coffee and the barista profession, the event will feature a fourth
espresso machine for regional specialty coffee roasters to showcase and
serve their favorite espresso blends as well as Clover single cup brewed
single origin coffees.  Spectators have the added benefit of receiving free
espressos and cappuccinos served by the area's top baristas.

"SCAA is excited to present our fourth Western Regional Barista Competition
and to partner with Pacific Bay Coffee Co. & Micro-Roastery," said SCAA
Executive Director Ric Rhinehart.  "This event and our other regional
competitions serve to heighten the general public's awareness of the
distinctive skills associated with the barista profession.  The addition of
a fourth espresso machine and Clover brewer further provides our audience
with the opportunity to get a first-hand perspective on the quality product
these professionals provide."

Western Regional Barista Competition Schedule of Events

• Friday, March 28 - Round One, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  
  
• Saturday, March 29 - Round One, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Finalists Announced, 5:30 -
  6 p.m.
  
  
• Sunday, March 30 - Finals, 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., Awards Ceremony, 1:30 - 2
  p.m.  
  
  

The WRBC is free and open to the press and public.   For more information:
www.wrbc2008.com.