Toronto, ON (February 8, 2005) The Canadian Barista & Coffee Academy announces Barista Training Workshops and new regional barista competitions to be held prior to the Canadian National Barista Championship which take places June 13 & 14 at the Canadian Coffee & Tea Expo 2005 at the Holiday Inn on King in Toronto.

The Canadian Barista and Coffee Academy will present Barista Training, and a Barista Jam – followed by Central Region Canadian Barista Championship on February 24 & 25, 2005 in Toronto, and Training and an Eastern Regional Championship February 27 & 28, 2005 in Montreal. The Western Region Canadian Barista Championship will take place March 7 & 8, 2005 during The Foodservice Expo at the BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, BC. The winner of each competition will win a trip to Toronto and go on to the semi-final rounds at the Nationals in June. Barista Training will also be held in the Fall of 2005 at locations to be announced.

This is the first time Eastern Canadians will experience the energy and excitement of the Canadian National Barista Championship, regional championships and training seminars.  Like The Iron Chef™, it has become a very popular spectator sport in the foodservice industry.

Professional Trainers will deliver intensive lectures and hands-on training for those new to the industry or those who want to perfect their skills. On the first day two workshops will be offered: Barista Basics & Espresso Training and Advanced Barista Training & Latte Art. The second day will cover the rules of a competition in a Barista Jam  --followed by regional competitions where registrants can compete for the regional title, great prizes and a secured spot in the semi final rounds of  the Nationals in Toronto in June.

At each of the events, Canada’s two-time Barista Champ, Silver World Medalist and World Latte Art Champion, Sammy Piccolo will be on hand to demonstrate his artistic skills on the espresso machine as he goes through the performance in competition that won him both gold and silver medals. He will also teach Latte Art.

Worldwide, Barista Championships have proved to be popular events. Audiences are thrilled by the skills of the espresso operators and their ability to make their drinks extraordinary by creating latte art on top of their beverages. As the premier regional event in Canada, organizers are encouraging baristi from cafes and restaurants to sign up.. It is open to both novices and seasoned operators alike, and some fabulous prizes are available to be won.

Canadian Barista & Coffee Academy
Training Seminars & Regional Competitions:

Toronto
Barista Training Seminars
February 24, 2005
Barista Jam & Central Region Championship
February 25, 2005


Montreal
Barista Training Seminars
February 27, 2005
Barista Jam & Eastern Region Championship
February 28, 2005


The Canadian Barista & Coffee Academy’s Eastern Barista Training Seminars and Regional Competition sponsors are Classic Gourmet Coffee, Gerhards Importing, Monin Syrups, Canterbury Coffee, Saeco, Oscar’s/DaVinci/Kerry Foodsrvice and Zuccarini Importing/Elektra.

For information call 416 784-5210. For Registration, competition rules and program visit  www.coffee-expo.com and www.canadianbaristachampionship.com