Nick writes:

So the week that we've been waiting for has arrived! Our boy, Ryan Jensen, is scheduled to compete in the semi-final round of the United States Barista Championship on Saturday afternoon in Seattle. There will be about 50 first-round competitors, vying for one of the 20 open slots in the semifinals. The top six then advance to the finals on Sunday, when we will crown the 2005 USBC Champ. Will it be Ryan? We'll see!!! The USBC Champion then represents the U.S. at the World Barista Championship that takes place during the SCAA Conference in April.

He's been practicing every chance he gets. The photo here, for instance, was taken at 10:36 pm on Friday night. Armed with all that practice, the hopes and prayers of all of our customers and friends, and a prototype espresso blend that Peter from Counter Culture put together for us... we'll see indeed!

Oh, by the way... Ryan, Katie and I were interviewed for a segment that will air on WAMU 88.5FM's 'Metro Connection' on Friday, March 11th, about the South East Regional Barista Competition, and Ryan's USBC trip. Check it out! We'll post a link once the streaming audio is posted.

We'll keep you updated from Seattle! Woohoo!!!