MARBC 2009

so it's all over.
the mid-atlantic regional barista comp is over and done with. a little bit of a disappointment that pittsburgh's specialty coffee scene was represented by a crazy mocha employee (crazy mocha being the pittsburgh equivalent of starbucks). crazy mocha isnt exactly what comes to mind when i think specialty coffee. actually what comes to mind is "undrinkable swill". drew from 21st street and frank from aldo both had incredibly strong performances. i think that i didnt do too shabby myself, however this year i recieved the exact same score as i did last year. however, my performance this year was a thousand times better than last years.
there is definitely a bad taste in my mouth left by this year's competition. i will be judging at the USBC in portland this spring and hopefully that will lend me some sort of perspective as to what it's like on the other side of the table.

i am happy that katie duris won. she is an incredible barista and has an incredible skill level. her presentation was very well put together and her signature drink was very well thought out.
i was impressed by most of the competitors. everyone put on a good show.