Coffee Fest Chicago was awesome ”a super busy trade show floor, amazing latte art competition, stellar North Central Regional Barista Competition, and killer North Central Brewers Cup contest. Man, it was busy!! Here are some images from the fun-filled weekend…
Announcing the finalists in the Brewers Cup regional...Cody from Alterra is excited to hear his name called in the announcement of the finalists in the North Central RegionalLove all around for North Central Regional finalists Scott, Brett and TrevorMadCap hugs: Ryan and Trevor both make the finals.Finalists, with Gianni of Nuova SimonelliBarista Magazine's pretty new booth! Designed and hand sewn by Brooke Helfen, So She SewsOur hotel room view. It was a gorgeous weekend in Chicago...At the Intelligentsia party on Saturday night: Matt Riddle and Stephen Morrissey in deep conversation.Intelligentsia partyView of the latte art competition: it was an incredible event, huge turnout (64 competitors) and one big winner ”Ryan Soeder!
Thank goodness Ken and I made it home to Portland, Ore., before the snowstorm hit, as I needed all the breathing time I could get before turning around and heading back out to the airport, this time bound for El Salvador! I’m leaving tonight on a red-eye, to hook up with the lovely Allie Caran of Woodberry Kitchen, Peter G. of Counter Culture, and my dear homie, Aida Batlle for a few days at Aida’s CoE-winning farms.
Sarah Allen (she/her) is co-founder and editor of Barista Magazine, the international trade magazine for coffee professionals. A passionate advocate for baristas, quality, and the coffee community, Sarah has traveled widely to research stories, interact with readers, and present on a variety of topics affecting specialty coffee. She also loves animals, swimming, ice cream, and living in Portland, Oregon.
