February 2011 Barista Jam

After a long hiatus, the Barista Jam is back on Wednesday, February 23 from 6pm to 8 pm at Ellwood’s Café.

February 21, 2011; 6:00 AM • by Holly Gordon

You may remember we wrote about Barista Jam last year here. After a long hiatus, the Jam is back on Wednesday, February 23 from 6pm to 8 pm at Ellwood’s Café. Organizers Stephen Robertson and David Blanchard are excited to kick off a new year of competition.

I return again as a judge, joined by Maya Vincelli, Assistant Director of Retail Services from the University of Richmond, and a third judge yet to be determined.

The Barista Jam (Richmond’s informal take on national competitions) is a chance for those in the coffee world to show off skills and creativity in a fun environment. Gatherings encourage both makers and drinkers alike to come together over a common passion. For this month, competitors will be judged on espresso and a traditional latte or cappuccino. Focusing more on the basics, we won’t see the crazy bacon/chili powder/goat cheese combos from last year.

The winner gets a cash prize. Other prizes are also available. Free to compete and free to attend, audience members also have a chance to win raffles for gift certificates to local businesses. Raffle proceeds will benefit a local charity.

If you’d like to compete, judge, or donate a prize in exchange for advertising at the event, email rvabaristajam@gmail.com. The barista jam is sponsored by Blanchard’s Coffee Company, Ellwoods Café, Feld Entertainment, Farm to Family, Green Duck, and artist Tim Lamb.

You can follow updates on Twitter @rvabaristajam. The judging rubric is up on rvabaristajam.com.

February 21, 2011 6:00 AM 2