Robert Harris National Barista Awards 2005 Southern Regional Finalists Announced
The Robert Harris National Barista Southern Regional heat winners were announced last night. Luciano Marcolino from
Vivace Espresso in Christchurch took out first place and Melissa Walker from Muffin Break Bush Inn in Christchurch came
in a close second at the regional heats at the Christchurch Convention Centre. The top two will now go on to compete for
the ultimate title of ‘2005 Robert Harris National Barista of the Year’ who will then go on to represent New Zealand at
the World Barista Championships in Switzerland in 2006.
Michael Guy, Chief Judge and Publishing Editor of Café Magazine says, “Luciano showed a real passion for his entire
performance demonstrating a leading quality from the start. Melissa expressed a great understanding of what makes
fantastic coffee.”
Competitors from around the South Island competed at the Southern regional heat, the first of four regional heats across
the country. With three more regions yet to come; Wellington on August 1, for the first time in Napier August 8 and
finally in Auckland on August 23. Luciano and Melissa will go on to compete against the other six finalists at the Grand
Final at the Wildbean Coffee Festival in Taupo on September 23rd.
The World Barista Championships (WBC) will only accept the highest standard of contestants and to qualify; each Barista
must have won an accredited National Barista Competition. In New Zealand, the Robert Harris National Barista Awards is
the only WBC accredited Barista competition and they incorporate the WBC format and standards.
During the regional heats, each participant is required to make four espressos, lattes and cappuccinos. Every aspect of
their barista presentation is judged from set-up, efficiency, consistency to aromatic profile and technique by an elite
panel of experienced judges. The National Barista Awards are sponsored by a number of highly regarded companies and
associations including; Robert Harris, Anchor, Faema, Da Vinci, Hospitality Standards Industry and The Restaurant
Association of New Zealand.
The 2004 Robert Harris National Barista Awards recognises the best in the café scene and enables baristas from around
the country to test their skills in a challenging and fun environment. These events are open to the public, so come and
support our world-class baristas during the course of the championship.
For more information checkout www.nationalbaristaawards.co.nz
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