Dueling Baristas | Caffe Motivo | Kamloops, BC

As promised, I’m finally able to post these from Caffe Motivo’s Barista Competition Showcase on August 23rd. I had meant to hold off until after Greg and Daniel’s official appearances at the Canadian Western Regional Barista Championships that weekend so I didn’t show too many of their secrets, and then my schedule got too swamped to finish storyboarding them.

Caffe Motivo open their doors downtown after usual closing hours to present a competition between the two of their baristas who were heading to Regionals. Great way for them to practice with timers, judges, and an audience before the big day — as well as a fun way to spend the evening with fellow coffee lovers! Greg’s smooth chocolately competition espresso was a dream, which he contrasted with lychee and key lime for his signature drink finish. Dan’s competition espresso was something different entirely – a brisk lemon with a super fast, clean finish. His signature drink was a unique and refreshing soda concoction featuring juniper berries.

Regionals have come and gone now, and for those wondering: Dan did well in round 1 and moved into the finals his first year of competing, with a 6th place finish. Greg, in his second year at Regionals, made it to 4th place and is moving on to the Nationals in October! High five to them both! It’s nice to see some recognition for two of our favorite baristas in town!

Well done, boys.

Later,
dk