'Seduction' Helps Coffee Winner
Competition was fierce but William Munox, manager of the L'Oreal staff restaurant in London, emerged triumphant from the final of BaxterStorey's internal National Barista Competition, held at ITV, London last week.
The competition was created by BaxterStorey and FirstChoice Coffee to recognise the importance of great-tasting coffee and the skills needed to achieve the very highest standards consistently in what has become a hugely competitive marketplace.
Two hundred of the contract caterer's employees competed in regional heats across the UK and were whittled down to eight finalists. Judged on technical skills, beverage presentation and the total overall impression, each contestant had 10 minutes to prepare a cappuccino, latte, double espresso and a signature drink containing coffee, to demonstrate creativeness and technical ability.
Munoz scooped first prize with his perfectly prepared cappuccino, high quality textured foam and latte art together with his signature drink 'seduction' which included cherry liqueur, Green and Black's Fairtrade chocolate ice cream, chilli powder, milk and coffee. He wins a weekend for two in Milan and will be entered for the 2008 UK Barista Championships.
"We were really impressed with the high standard of the contestants," said Elaine Higginson, competition judge and managing director of First Choice Coffee. "While coffee beans and equipment are important, it's the training and skill that goes into preparing it that really makes the coffee a consumer wants to drink."