This February the Ultimate Barista Challenge is returning to the International Foodservice Show of New York, one of the most comprehensive and exciting foodservice shows in the country. The challenge will feature Ultimate Baristi Mike Love of Coffee Labs Roasters and David Beuhrer of Greenway Coffee and Tea in an epic face-off against previous qualifying round winners in a bid to secure the prestigious title of "Ultimate Barista." Love and Beuhrer will battle winners from each of three categories, Latte Art, Espresso Frappe and Best of Brew in an event that is sure to separate the great from the legendary. And new for this year, the Ultimate Barista Challenge will donate all registration proceeds to Grounds for Health and the International Women's Coffee Alliance, non-profit organizations aimed at improving the lives of women in coffee-growing regions around the world.

The Ultimate Barista Challenge began with the goal of "bringing specialty coffee to the culinary food industry," according to co-founder Sherri Johns. It is now the "iron chef of the coffee world," where expert baristi pour, measure and mix their way to coffee fame in timed challenges meant to test even the most experienced competitors. Throughout the competition baristi must advance through various elimination rounds in a bid for the opportunity to participate in the final round, where finalists face-off against previously crowned "Ultimate Baristas" in an attempt to emerge the champion. Winners will also be awarded industry prizes, which in the past have included Vitamix blenders, Astoria Espresso Machines, Mazzer grinders, a Diedrich Roaster, medallions, cash and more.

Participants in the Ultimate Barista Challenge are evaluated on their technical expertise, performance and beverage taste by expert judges from a variety of areas in the foodservice and coffee industries. Past judges have included: Chef Ferdinand Metz, Founder of the Culinary Institute of America, Joe DeRupo, Director of the National Coffee Association of America, Miles Small and Kerri Goodman-Small, Editor/Owner and Publisher/Owner of CoffeeTalk Magazine, and Sherri Johns, co-founder of the Ultimate Barista Challenge, former coordinator and head judge for the World Barista Championship and the Head Judge for the Cup of Excellence program.

Ultimate Barista Challenges will also take place at several other tradeshows in 2011 including the NCA Centennial Convention, the Western Foodservice and Hospitality Expo and the Florida Restaurant  & Lodging Show. Cafés and Baristi can sign up to participate in the Ultimate Barista Challenge by visiting www.ultimatebaristachallenge.com and filling out the application.


For more information contact:
Sherri Johns, Co-Founder Ultimate Barista Challenge
+1 503.232.1016
sjohnswholecup@aol.com
3727 117SW Avenue
Beaverton, OR 97005

Or visit www.ultimatebaristachallenge.com