Just this past weekend, the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) presented the 2009 Western Regional Barista Competition January 23 through 25 at the Spring Arts Tower in downtown Los Angeles, Calif.

The SCAA event was hosted by Intelligentsia, which is headquartered in Chicago but has coffee roasting and retailing locations in Los Angeles. Over 20 baristas from California competed in the three-day event.

The top three competitors were:

First Place: Nick Griffith, Intelligentsia Coffee, Los Angeles, Calif. Second Place: Devin Pedde, Intelligentsia Coffee, Los Angeles, Calif. Third Place: Ryan Willbur, Intelligentsia Coffee, Los Angeles, Calif.

Competitors were required to make 12 beverages, including four espressos, four cappuccinos and four original signature drinks of their own creation, all within 15 minutes in front of a panel of accomplished industry judges. Competitors were judged on taste, beverage presentation, technical skills, station cleanliness and overall impression.

Nick will compete for the national title at the United States Barista Championships (USBC) in Portland, Oregon, March 5 through 8.

The winner of the USBC will go on to represent the United States in the World Barista Championship in Atlanta, Georgia, April 16 through19.

The SCAA is the world’s largest coffee trade association dedicated to creating a specialty coffee community. They recognize, develop and promote specialty coffee by setting and maintaining quality standards for the industry; conducting research on coffee, equipment and perfection of craft; and providing education, training, resources and more.

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In Tarrytown, New York, owners Alicia Kelligrew and Mike Love opened Coffee Labs, which features sustainable coffee, the use of renewable energy, and is also dog friendly.

Their motto is: “Any dog can be a Coffee Lab; he just has to like the shop!”

Both the store’s logo and name reference their Doghouse Blend. Their coffee is also sold at area Whole Foods.

To read more about Coffee Lab, click here.

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