News from Scout supporter Caffè Artigiano

Vancouver, BC | Caffè Artigiano’s Kyle Straw will represent Canada in the 2010 World Barista Championships (WBC) held in London, England from June 23-26. A professional barista, Straw is the General Manager of Caffè Artigiano’s Hornby Street location.

On October 15th, 2009, Straw won the seventh annual Canadian Barista Championships, held in Vancouver at the Canadian Coffee & Tea Show. The panel especially loved Kyle’s signature drink, which drew inspiration from a Black Forest cake. Made with a winning combination of espresso from the Koke Cooperative in Ethiopia Yirgacheffe, Kyle’s signature drink wowed the judges with its great balance of flavours and elegant presentation.

Straw’s achievement carried on the legacy of his Caffè Artigiano patriots who have won every Canadian title since the competition began in 2003. Caffè Artigiano is the only caffe in the World to have competed in the World Championships more than 4 times; in fact this is their 7th year in a row to participate in the coveted competition.

Straw is honoured and excited to compete with seasoned baristas on the international level in a world-class city. In preparation for his shining moment, Straw has been training every day, working with Chef Scott Jaeger from the Pear Tree to develop his signature drink. While Straw can’t reveal too much about his concoction, he does divulge that it has been created to compliment the special espresso roast—one of the sweetest he has ever tasted—that he’s currently developing with 49th Parallel Coffee Roasters’ Vince Piccolo, with assistance from his team at Caffè Artigiano (Phil Hong, Todd Pollock and Willie Mounzer).

Celebrating its 11th year, the event welcomes gifted baristas from over 50 countries who compete for the annual title of World Barista Champion during the SCAE event. Enthusiasts from across the globe take in the ultimate espresso experience watching live and via an internet live webcast.

Each competitor must prepare and serve 12 separate espresso beverages including the classic espresso and cappuccino, as well as four “signature” drinks of their own creation, and present them all to a distinguished panel of judges. Competitors have only fifteen minutes to prepare all twelve drinks and are judged on station cleanliness, taste, beverage presentation, technical skills and overall judge’s impression.

About Caffè Artigiano

When it comes to the best quality coffee and espresso, Caffè Artigiano is in a league of its own.

Regarded as North America’s premier coffee-house chain, Caffè Artigiano launched in Vancouver in December 1999 with a vision of an Italian-style coffee house and bistro that offered superior coffee, excellent food and a lively-yet-comfortable atmosphere. Today, the company is famous for its quality and is well known for it’s stunning ‘latte art’—a unique rosetta, tulip or heart atop each cappuccino and latte served. Guests enjoy the warm atmosphere rich with rustic-meets-contemporary Italian flare.

Caffè Artigiano is proud to have won numerous accolades over the years for its team of highly skilled professional baristas, who ensure that each cup of coffee is poured to perfection. Caffè Artigiano holds the title of Canadian Barista Champion from 2003 through to 2009, and is the only company in the world to compete at the World Barista Championships more than once..,seven times.

Visit us for the best coffee, espresso or latte in Vancouver and, stay for the food and enjoy the atmosphere. There’s no better time to visit one of Caffè Artigiano’s three new West Broadway locations.

Sit back with a heart-topped latte and a golden Italian panini, and enjoy a taste of what many believe is the World’s Best Coffee.

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