If you want a really great espresso or cappuccino, head to San Dimas, Calif., hometown of Heather Perry, the best barista in the United States. Coffee Klatch Roasting's Perry took top honors as the Champion at the Specialty Coffee Association of America's (SCAA) 2007 United States Barista Championship (USBC). Perry won the intense competition at SCAA's 19th Annual Conference & Exhibition, May 4 - 7. Pete Licata, PT's Coffee Company, Overland Park, Kansas took 2nd place and Matthew Riddle, Intelligentsia Coffee, Chicago Illinois took 3rd place. In 4th place was Chris Deferio, Carriage House Cafe, Ithaca, New York, in 5th place was Kyle Glanville, Intelligentsia Coffee, Los Angeles, California and in 6th place was Peter Middlecamp, Black Sheep Coffee, South Saint Paul, Minnesota.

There were 48 competitors representing cafes from all over the USA and they participated in the 4 day competition held this year in Long Beach, California. Competitors prepared and served 12 coffee drinks: four espressos, four cappuccinos and four signature drinks within a 15-minute timeframe. Judges focused on station cleanliness, taste, beverage presentation, technical skills and total impression.

Heather will represent the USA at the World Barista Championship being held in Tokyo, Japan on July 31.

POSTED: Tuesday, May 08, 2007