Great Lakes Barista Competition (Chicago) Jan. 7 - 8, 2006

Baristas Showcase Coffee-Making Skills, Vie for Regional Championship Title in Chicago, Jan. 7 - 8

Winner to Advance to United States Barista Championship in April

LONG BEACH, Calif., Dec. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Baristas, those talented people who master espresso machines and make coffee and espresso-drink making a profession, will compete in the Specialty Coffee Association of America's Great Lakes Regional Barista Competition, Jan. 7 - 8, 2006, at Kendall College in Chicago. The local contest -- which is still accepting competitor applications -- is just one of many regional competitions nationwide that lead up to the renowned United States Barista Championship. The winner of the Great Lakes Barista Competition will advance to the 2006 U.S. Barista Championship in Charlotte, North Carolina in April.

The competition is open to baristas from Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio. Event times: Saturday, Jan. 7, 10 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.; Sunday, Jan. 8, 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. The competition is hosted by Chicago's Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea, Inc. ( http://www.intelligentsiacoffee.com/ ). The event is open to the public.

According to Marcus Boni, Vice President of Retail, Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea, the barista competition encourages and recognizes professional achievement in the art and skill of espresso beverage preparation and service. "During the competition, contestants will impress the audience with their ability as they prepare one espresso, one cappuccino and one specialty coffee drink for each of the four judges in a 15-minute window. Judges will focus on station cleanliness, taste, beverage presentation, technical skills and total impression," said Boni.

To participate, baristas may contact Michelle Campbell, 562-624-4100, mcampbell@scaa.org .

About the SCAA

Founded in 1982, SCAA is the world's largest coffee trade association with over 3,000 member companies. SCAA members are located in over 40 countries and represent every segment of the specialty coffee industry, from coffee growers to coffee roasters and retailers. The SCAA's mission is to be the recognized authority on Specialty Coffee, providing a common forum for the development and promotion of coffee excellence and sustainability. The SCAA's dedication to excellence in coffee is realized through the setting of quality standards for the industry; conducting research on coffee; equipment and perfection of craft; and providing education, training, resources and business services for members. The SCAA's annual conference is held in a different U.S. city each year and is the coffee industry's largest gathering and exhibition.


Source: Specialty Coffee Association of America

CONTACT: Mike Ferguson of Specialty Coffee Association of America,
+1-562-624-4100, or mferguson@scaa.org; or Aaron Kiel for Specialty Coffee
Association of America, +1-562-983-8113, or akiel@akprgroup.com

Web site: http://www.intelligentsiacoffee.com/