Western Regional Championship - Vancouver B.C. Canada

Catch the action as some of the country’s best baristas demonstrate the art of making the perfect espresso drinks at one of four Regional Barista Championships.

The event encourages premier baristas from Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and the northern territories to test their creativity and skills on the espresso machines as they compete for the regional title.

Each competitor must prepare and serve 12 separate espresso beverages: 4 espresso, 4 cappuccinos, and 4 "signature" drinks of their own creation, and present them to a distinguished panel of judges. Competitors have only fifteen minutes to prepare all twelve drinks and are judged on station cleanliness, taste, beverage presentation, technical skills and overall judges impression.

The top three baristas from each regional competition secure a guaranteed spot to compete at the nationals, the Canadian Barista Championship hosted by Krups, on October 21-22, 2008 at the Canadian Coffee & Tea Show in Montreal. The eventual winner will represent Canada in the World Barista Championship to be held in Atlanta, USA in 2009. The events are open to the public and admission is by donation to the CoffeeKids charity, helping families build a better life in coffee growing countries.