Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Barista Earns Title as Region’s Best Barista, but Runner-Up Nolan Dutton will Compete in 2008 United States Barista Championship
Jon Lewis from Long Story Short Coffee dazzled judges on his way to an award-winning performance at the Specialty Coffee Association of America’s (SCAA) Mountain Regional Barista Competition (MRBC) – hosted by Allegro Coffee Company – last Sunday in the Denver suburb of Thornton, Colo. In a hotly contested event, the Coeur d'Alene, Idaho barista outperformed 26 of the top baristas from throughout Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Utah and Wyoming to earn the title of the region’s best barista.
However, while he qualifies for the 2008 United States Barista Championship (USBC), May 2-5 in Minneapolis, Lewis will forgo entering the event because of the impending birth of his child around that same time. Instead, event runner-up, Nolan Dutton – of Conscious Coffees in nearby Boulder, Colo. – will enter the nation’s premier barista competition, which coincides with SCAA’s 20th Annual & Exhibition. Dutton’s USBC travel and lodging expenses will be covered by event host, Allegro Coffee Company. Heidi Bickelhaudt from nearby Trident Café in Boulder was the MRBC’s third-place finisher.
SCAA is the world’s largest coffee trade association and MRBC event host, Allegro Coffee Company is a national specialty coffee distributor owned by natural products retailer pioneer, Whole Foods Market.
Lewis’s signature drink especially impressed the event’s seven judges. The drink was a simple blend of espresso, a half ounce of yogurt and a half teaspoon of honey. Because of the invigorating element and viscosity (from the yogurt) of the beverage, he coined his signature drink ‘living espresso.’
The most memorable moment for Lewis arrived when he informed his wife on his winning performance. “I'd have to say that there was a real sweetness when I called my wife to tell her I had placed first. She's the one I make coffee for everyday - my biggest fan. She's seen me pour a lot of myself into barista competitions and, although they can be exhausting, the reward is always a rejuvenated view of coffee and of life.”
Lewis and his challengers were tasked with delivering 12 coffee beverages including four espressos, four cappuccinos and four signature drinks of their creation in 15 minutes.
Entrants were judged on taste, beverage presentation, technical skills, station cleanliness and total impression. All event judges are certified by the SCAA and the USBC committee.
The MRBC is one of 10 regional barista competitions SCAA holds throughout the year leading up to the USBC. The events serve to encourage and recognize excellence and achievement in the art and skill of serving and preparing espresso.
POSTED: Monday, March 10, 2008