Laila Ghambari wins US Barista Championships

Laila Ghambari of Cherry Street Coffee House won the 2014 United States Barista Championships, which took place 24 – 27 April in her home town of Seattle. Held as part of the Specialty Coffee Association of America’s (SCAA) Annual Exposition, the US Barista Championship recognises achievement in the art and skill of espresso drink preparation and service. During the four-day competition, skilled baristas from around the country showcased their skills in front of seven US Barista Championship Certified judges. Todd Goldsworthy, of Klatch Coffee in Los Angeles, also impressed the judges, winning the US Brewers Cup, also held at the SCAA Event. Ghambari and Goldsworthy will go on to represent the US at the World Brewers Cup and World Barista Championship in Rimini, Italy, 9 – 12 June. Simeon Bricker, of The Roasterie in Kansas City, was named the winner of the 1st Annual US Latte Art Championship and Amanda Juris of Starbucks in Seattle, was the winner of the US Cup Tasters Championship. Bricker and Juris will compete in the world championships at the Melbourne International Coffee Expo 15 – 18 May.