To build the excitement of the De Lish Dessert, Coffee and Gourmet Food Expo coming in 2017, Darkstar Coffee is hosting a Barista Challenge Qualifying and VIP event on 7 December from 5.30 – 7.30pm.

The Barista Challenge will take shape in the form of a latte art smackdown. Participants will go head to head in a knock out round, dosing and pouring their own shots to create two identical designs.

Each competitor will have four minutes to complete their routine, and use 600 millilitres of WAFarmers First milk – with no opportunity for remakes.

“We are really excited about working with local brands WAFarmersFirst and Darkstar Coffee to bring this event to Perth. There is a strong coffee culture here and we are keen to showcase some of Perth’s best,” says Event Producer Rebecca Cole.

Judges will point at the winner who is deemed the best pattern to go through to the next round. Judges will be looking for similarity between cups, symmetry of design within the cup, and degree of difficulty.

The winner will win the coveted title and some fantastic prizes.

Entry to the Barista Challenge is free. Entries must be submitted online by 9 December Click here to enter.

The Barista Challenge will take place at the Darkstar Coffee Warehouse in O’Connor.

Rebecca says the event is only a taste of what’s to come in the WA coffee scene.

On 22 January 2017, the De Lish Dessert, Coffee and Gourmet Food Expo will invite coffee and food lovers to attend masterclasses, watch barista challenges, discover a kids’ corner and the opportunity to sample some of the region’s best produce.

“The expo offers an opportunity to experience, sample and purchase all in one day. Attendees will have the chance to visit a range of coffee suppliers, find out about the latest products, learn new techniques and watch the barista challenge grand final,” Rebecca says.

Tickets to the expo are available from $10 each.

For more information visit www.delishexpo.com.au

Image credit: De Lish Dessert, Coffee and Gourmet Good Expo: Whale, a barista at Darkstar Coffee demonstrating latte art at a recent WA Farmers Federation event in Perth.