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Sammy Piccolo places 3rd at the World Barista Championship
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Article by Richard Wolak - April 20, 2005
Advancing from Round 1 held on Saturday April 16, Sammy's performance elevated him to the finals. His fellow competitors, spectators and members of the press cheered him on throughout his presentation. He made us all proud to have him representing Canada, Sammy is the Co-Owner of Caffe Artigiano in Vancouver.
The competition celebrated the skills of the barista; the bartender and artist of the espresso machine. Baristas had 15 minutes to prepare four servings each of espresso, cappuccino and a signature drink, Sammy's signature drink was called Hemisphere's, and was prepared with espresso, voss pears and vanilla chantilly.
Competitors faced a panel of four "sensory judges" whom they served the selection of drinks along with detailed explanations of everything from coffee bean choice to detailed philosophical explanations. The judges watched every move, smelling and tasting each drink before making notes on their closely guarded clipboards. At the same time, two "technical judges" hovered around the competitors, looking for everything and anything that may have been out of place, they looked at the grinder technique and cleanliness of the espresso machine.
The World Barista Championship took place in conjunction with the Specialty Coffee Association annual convention in Seattle.
Copyright (c) Richard Wolak
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