USBC Regional Report
WEstern REgional Barista COmpetition
September 12-14, 2003
Portland, Oregon
Compiled by Sarah Allen
Photos by Kenneth R. Olson

A barista, a machine and a dream... That's how Trish Skeie, a founding member of the Barista Guild, describes the heart and soul of barista competitions for the specialty coffee professionals still not in the know. And Skeie's vision couldn't have been more on the money. That observation was written hopefully in the face's of the 30 quality-driven baristi who competed at the Western Regional Barista Competition in September.
   Attracting espresso artisans all the way from Alaska on down to Southern California, the Western Regional included seasoned baristi like Stephen Vick of Seattle's Zoka Coffee Roaster and Tea Co., newcomers such as Heritage Coffee's Shane Sewell, and at least one come-from-behind kid to write home about: Billy Wilson of Lava Java.
   Wilson made his mark in competition circles with his heartening performance at the Western Regional just one year ago when he earned whistles and applause for his insistence on completing his signature drinks even though he had already been disqualified for running several minutes over time.
   At the 2003 Regional, crowds in the grandstand rallied for him again-only this time, they were championing him as Most Improved. Wilson took seventh place at this year's regional.
   The 2003 competition wasn't just a different game for Wilson; some hopefuls and veterans are finally getting a run for their tamp as awareness about competitions, the high standards of so many North American baristi and the growing North American barista movement expands in general.

With the support of Jack Nicholson via photo atop espresso machine, Billy Wilson of Lava Java feels the love.

TOP TEN IN THE WEST

Winner!
HEATHER PERRY
Coffee Klatch
San Dimas, CA
ESTHER NELSON
Espresso Express
Federal Way, WA
MARK PFAFF
Espresso Express
Federal Way, WA
PHUONG TRAN
Lava Java
Ridgefield, WA
JON LEWIS
JJ Bean
Vancouver, BC
STEPHEN VICK
Zoka Coffee Roaster
Seattle, WA
BILLY WILSON
Lava Java
Ridgefield, WA
SHANE SEWELL
Heritage Coffee Co.
Juneau, AK
ANDY CRONIN
Batdorf & Bronson
Olympia, WA
BRONWEN SERNA
Hines Public Market
Seattle, WA






Espresso Express’ Mark Pfaff always competes with a new, exotic signature drink.

Jon Lewis of JJ Bean, is known for his artistic presentation.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
Midwest Regional
Barista Competition
dates to be announced
Great Lakes Regional Barista Competition
dates to be announced
Watch the Fresh Cup Magazine Web site for more information.
www.freshcup.com

Want to know what all this barista competition stuff
is about?
Contact Michelle Campbell
at the SCAA
562/624-4100