On December 6th, 2008 at 10 am Topéca Coffee will host Tulsa's First Barista Competition: The Topéca Barista Cup. Top baristas from Oklahoma's best coffee shops will be competing in all areas of the espresso arts, before USBC Certified Sensorial Judges and an audience. The event will be held in downtown Tulsa at Café Topéca, in the Mayo Hotel building.

Tulsa has had a thriving coffee community for many years, with numerous coffee shops and Baristas who share a commitment to quality, creativity, and culture. Topéca Coffee is hosting this competition to celebrate the coffee culture we have in Oklahoma, and bring our Baristas to a new level of challenge and achievement. The participating coffee shops will be Shades of Brown, The Coffee House on Cherry Street, Cafe Cubana, Doubleshot Coffee Company, Café Topéca, Jude's Health and Java of Bartlesville, and Coffee Slingers of Oklahoma City.

The competing Baristas are trained professionals who will be following the strict guidelines set forth by the Specialty Coffee Association of America. Each Barista will be making three drinks: an espresso, a cappuccino, and a signature drink of his/her choice, creating an event that is both entertaining and educational.

Event is free and open to the public. You can view the event details and guidelines, or watch the event streaming live at our website: www.topecacoffee.com/baristacup08.

For more information please contact John Gaberino at 918-230-7808 or john@topecacoffee.com.