Congratulations to our own Chantel Welsh, barista extraordinaire at our Ganges cafe, who competed in the Western Regional Barista Championship last Saturday. One of only a few first-time competitors, Chantel represented Salt Spring Coffee with style and flavour.
Each barista has 15 minutes to make four espressos, four cappuccinos, and four signature drinks.
Chantel's
espresso was a single origin from Papua New Guinea. It's a medium roast
with a sweet, chocolaty flavour, and Chantel's shots were spot on. Her
cappuccinos were also very nice. The espresso came through the milk
really well, and the sweetness of the milk was nicely complemented by
the sweet chocolate taste of the espresso. (See Chantel serving up her cappuccinos on the left.)
Finally, the star of
the show -- Chantel's signature drink! She blended and strained freshly
picked Salt Spring blackberries, added freshly ground organic black
pepper, cinnamon, simple syrup, and a little cream. After chilling all
of that, she added the shots of espresso. This Papua New Guinea
espresso was chosen to shine in this drink, and it did! Chantel served
the drink in a martini glass, topped with fresh black pepper and
cinnamon. The serving plate was garnished with a cinnamon stick, a
blackberry leaf and a blackberry.
Chantel's drink had a nice
balance between the sweet fruit from the blackberries, spice from the
pepper and cinnamon, and coffee from the espresso. The cream added just
a touch of creaminess, but mostly gave it a nice colour. The real
highlight of the drink, beyond its amazing flavour, was its aroma. (See Chantel serving up the blackberry-coffee martinis on the left.)
Ready
to try it? Come down to the Salt Spring Cafe in downtown Ganges this
Saturday morning, from 10 AM until noon. Chantel will be there to
discuss her competition experience and offer samples of her spectacular
signature drink.
While she didn't advance to the next
competition, her drinks were well-received by the judges and she's
already thinking about her signature drink for next year's competition!
... written by mynalee johnstone,
September 02, 2009
Congratulations.! When Roasters first opened I was having a late almost everyday for months until I got a second hand cappaccino maker at a neighbors garage sale for $5. Guess I'll come in to meet this barista and try her concoction.
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... written by Chantel,
September 03, 2009
Hey Everyone!
Thank you so very much for all your support! I was extremely proud to compete with the name Salt Spring Coffee standing with me!
I myself went into this competition with the knowledge and experience that i have gained from my work in the Cafe as well as an absolute wiicked trainer! Thank you so very much Banks!
This will only be the stepping stone for me! Look out i'm on my way!
Congratulations to our own Chantel Welsh, barista extraordinaire at our Ganges cafe, who competed in the Western Regional Barista Championship last Saturday. One of only a few first-time competitors, Chantel represented Salt Spring Coffee with style and flavour.
Chantel's
espresso was a single origin from Papua New Guinea. It's a medium roast
with a sweet, chocolaty flavour, and Chantel's shots were spot on. Her
cappuccinos were also very nice. The espresso came through the milk
really well, and the sweetness of the milk was nicely complemented by
the sweet chocolate taste of the espresso. (See Chantel serving up her cappuccinos on the left.)
Chantel's drink had a nice
balance between the sweet fruit from the blackberries, spice from the
pepper and cinnamon, and coffee from the espresso. The cream added just
a touch of creaminess, but mostly gave it a nice colour. The real
highlight of the drink, beyond its amazing flavour, was its aroma. (See Chantel serving up the blackberry-coffee martinis on the left.)
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When Roasters first opened I was having a late almost everyday for months until I got a second hand cappaccino maker at a neighbors garage sale for $5.
Guess I'll come in to meet this barista and try her concoction.