Hit Me with your Best Shot

Famous for giving those who slurp it daily amazing superpowers (such as the ability to remain awake at a desk job), coffee also fuels competition among the best in the java-making business. Observe highly trained brewmasters as they go head-to-head this weekend at the Midwest Regional Barista Competition, hosted by the Specialty Coffee Association of America. Given only fifteen minutes, baristas will scurry to concoct twelve fresh cups of joe for four judges (serving espressos, cappuccinos and signature drinks) — all while keeping the shot-pouring precise, the station tidy and the judges awestruck. Round one heats up from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday (February 8 and 9) at Third Degree Glass Factory (5200 Delmar Boulevard; 314-367-4527 or www.stlglass.com). Out of thirty competitors, only six finalists will vie with each other in the 10:30 a.m.-to-1 p.m. competition on Sunday, February 10, for the grand prize: a travel package (including airfare and hotel) to Minneapolis as the Midwest representative in this year's United States Barista Championship. There's no admission charge for spectators, but competitors pay a $50 entry fee. For more information, visit www.kaldiscoffee.com/competition or call 314-727-9991.
Feb. 8-10, 2008