The six finalists to take place in the De Lish Dessert Latte Art Smackdown have been revealed.
From a field of 45 applicants, 22 baristas were selected to compete at the new Darkstar Coffee warehouse in Perth on 7 December.
The Barista Challenge Qualifying and VIP event saw baristas go head to head in a latte art smackdown.
The top six barista finalists include Andy Tseng of Pixel Coffee, Ethan Son of Etro Cafe, Dung Chuan Wen of Holmes & Co, Jitta Rajittaranon of The Loft Cafe, Vicky Chuaybamrung of Elixir Coffee Specialists, and Fran Lee of Sprolo Coffee.
The competition was intense with baristas required to dose and pour two identical designs within four minutes.
The Judges looked for similarity between cups, symmetry of design within the cup, and degree of difficulty. They included 2013 ASCA Australian Cup Tasting Champion Elisha Mauger, Bossman Coffee’s Alex Lowes, and Darkstar Coffee Owner Tim Fraser.
“Our six finalists have shown themselves to be leaders in their field. We can’t wait to see them compete for the coveted title,” says Rebecca Cole, Event Producer of the De Lish Dessert, Coffee and Gourmet Food Expo.
The six finalists will compete at the De Lish Dessert, Coffee and Gourmet Food Expo on 22 January, with the smackdown competition taking place from 10.30am – 11.30am at Crown Perth in Burswood.
The 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.
Tickets to the expo are available from $10 each.
For more information visit www.delishexpo.com.au or www.facebook.com/delishexpo/
Image credit: De Lish Dessert, Coffee and Gourmet Good Expo.
