Barista off to give champs his best shot at 'Coffee Olympics'

By JULIE MIDDLETON
New Zealand Herald

Five years ago, Carl Sara rarely drank coffee and didn't know a latte from a flat white.

Fast forward: not only is the 27-year-old an expert and award-winning barista, he co-owns two Muffin Break franchises and flies to Italy on Monday to compete in the "coffee Olympics".

Like any self-respecting athlete, the fast-talking, perpetually busy Sara has an entourage of 14 travelling with him to the World Barista Championship, including Mum and Dad and various industry types. The event will be held in Trieste from June 18 to 20.

Sara's bulging kitbag includes 36 black cups and saucers stamped with silver ferns, supplies of New Zealand milk and his own espresso coffee machine and grinder.

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