Who is the best barista of them all? Find out at the National Coffee Competition – Ballito

Coffee lovers and barista barons, get down to the Specialty Coffee Association of Southern Africa (SCASA) National Coffee Competition 2019 at Ballito Lifestyle Centre from February 21 – 24.

Forty regional finalists from SA will brew up a storm for the National Champion title in three categories – Barista Championship, Latte Art Championship and Cup Tasters Championship.

Following the success of the regional championships hosted at The Market Lifestyle Centre a few months ago, owner Bruce Rencken said they are so looking forward to play host for the nationals.

“Coffee has become such an integral part of our lives and, at Lifestyle Centre, we go out of our way to create a brilliant atmosphere for family and friends to meet and connect over a cup of coffee.

“We are thrilled to be hosting the masters of this art in South Africa.”

The competition will be held in the covered area outside Weylandts, running the length of the area from Hair 4 U to LOAF Café and Gin Bar.

Lifestyle Centre manager Mark Pearse said two stages will be set up with ample seating for spectators.

“We are planning for a great vibe during the course of the competition. It is easily accessible from the undercover parking and close to both The Market and Eat Street for people from further afield wanting to make a day (or longer) out of it,” said Pearse.

SCASA chairperson Bernard Muneri said: “The North Coast public will have the opportunity to meet some of the country’s best coffee talent and the action promises to get pulses racing – not just because of the high caffeine content.”

He gave some insight into the three categories:

1. Barista Championships: competitors in this routine have been preparing for the final round of this competition for several months. They source speciality grade green coffee from anywhere in the world, then roast it and present it on stage during a 15 minute presentation. They serve four espresso, four milk beverages and four signature drinks to a panel of sensory judges while explaining the story and origin of their coffee.

2. Latte Art: As the third wave of coffee evolves, so does the latte art. This leg of the competition sees the best of the best artists from around the country go up against each other to serve free pour latte’s and impress judges with flawless tulips, rosettas and hearts to name but a few delightful patterns, as well as etching art into the milk.

“The skill in South Africa is currently at an unbelievable level and this event is a highlight in any coffee enthusiast’s calendar,” said Muneri.

3. Cup Tasters: The most extraordinary pallets in the South African coffee industry get together to see who can out-taste the rest. Each competitor is served 24 coffees, split into eight blocks. Each block has three coffees, of which two are the same and one is different. The competitors need to identify the odd one out, and the fastest taster with the most correct cups identified, is the winner.

For more info on SCASA and the competition, go to www.scasa.co.za or check out the Ballito Lifestyle Centre Facebook page for updates.

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