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From last night's Espresso Xxtravaganzza

Suffice it to say, a good time was had by all. 9 espresso blends: Zoka Paladino, Paradise Roasters Classico, Counter Culture Toscano, Ecco Caffe Northern Italian, Intelligentsia Black Cat, Hines Public Market Coffee Espresso, Metropolis Coffee Redline, Gimme! Coffee Leftist, and a very special espresso that only a few people dared try... each was pulled through our lovely Synesso, each at the roaster's specifications for brew water temperature and dosage, and each emerged from the spouts at the delight of the 35 people who attended. SCAA Flavor Wheels were handed out, extensive tasting notes were logged, and there are at least 35 folks around the Mid-Atlantic with bloodshot eyes... we went from 7:30pm to past 11:00pm.
Thanks to all who attended, and we look forward to GeekFest IV!!!

The 88.5 FM WAMU show Metro Connection ran last week... the audio is now available online (scroll down to "Holy Grail of Espresso").

Report from Seattle

Our man Ryan did not advance to the final round of six, but with the overall level of competition being SO tight, we're not disappointed in any way. He rocked the house with his awesome professionalism and barista skills. Ryan, you da man!

W00t!!!

Click it!

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!!!