On October 24th, 6 independent café’s headed to Ashmont Hill, Dorchester to compete in front of a live and online audience of spectators for the coveted title of Boston’s 2009 ‘White Chrome’ Barista Champion.
During the daylong event, the public enjoyed complimentary beverages prepared by the competitors during the practice rounds as well as a cupping hosted by Flat Black’s master roaster and co-founder, David House. The public also attended informational discussions on Fair Trade, organic certification and espresso machine/brewer maintenance. Special guest, Billy Costa of NECN’s TV Diner, filmed a segment for the show to be aired in the near future. The day concluded with the winner announcement and celebration at neighboring Tavolo Restaurant. Over $2000 in donations were collected through T-Shirt and raffle ticket sales to directly benefit The Greater Boston Food Bank.
Local celebrity judges included;
Annie Copps, Food Editor for Yankee magazine
Allison Arnett, former Food and Restaurant Critic at The Boston Globe
Gerra Harrigan, Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) Certified Judge evaluated each performance, including barista knowledge, the taste of beverages served, cleanliness, creativity, technical skill and overall presentation demonstrated by the competitors.
And the winners are...
1st Prize - Alison Novak of Simon’s Coffee Shop in Cambridge
2nd Place - Cheena Marie Lo of Ula Café in Jamaica Plain
3rd Place - Sydnie Loboda of Flat Black
