So, I’ve been claiming that I’m gonna finally compete this year at the regional barista championships. Last year I had the privilege of being on the opposite yet “just as scary” side of judging both the Western Cape regionals and National Championships which left me with mixed feelings and thoughts and ongoing discussions. But…
Look at my good ol’ friend here, Colin Harmon1. Should he be scared? I would be, that’s a huge crowd and top-notch judges. But the judges are also being watched!
Despite all that, right now I’m trying to decide whether I should try and compete to become the next SA barista champion (not that it’s easy to achieve) and represent all that the specialty coffee in SA stands for, or remain and refine my judging skills to assist in finding the next SA barista champion who can do this (and let’s hope they can). Hmmm.
And I do realise that I may have been doing things a bit backwards (I think) – judging and then competing instead of the usual order…but oh well, some close friends in the industry2 and I want to relook at the norm and if things are done in certain ways for a reason or not anyway.
So I’ll keep you posted on additional thoughts and hopefully a decision.
Zane
- Colin, if you are reading this I know we aren’t friends but I’m definitely a fan of the unstoppable Irish Champ (and you did okay at the last 2 WBC’s too), general good and general friend to all small bird-kind ↩
- Yes Cuth Bland, that is you mainly : ) ↩
hmmm – it’s a catch 22 – I know you’d be great on stage… but, damn! I would miss judging with you.
My good mate, zane…
Breathe, stretch. Shake, rattle and roll but make sure you stay in pole(position,that is)
id judge you on any day man!!
So…I have decided to judge again this year (that is unless we can get a later date for the regionals). Looks like it’s going to be at wonderful Table Bay Hotel again from 17 – 19 September.
Come along and support your favourite baristas or the specialty coffee industry as a whole.