Our top Barista’s have their eyes set on achieving gold at the Queensland Barista and Latte Art heats which are on in December!
Phillip Roggeveen, Robina – 2010 ZLAC Champion
Gemma Boxsell, Upper Coomera – 2010 ZBC Champion
Leon Holdsworth, Robina – 2010 ZBC Runner-Up
Phil, Gemma & Leon have all been listening & practicing attentively with their experienced mentor Brent Williams from Da Vinci Gourmet Syrup Australia. Brent said, ‘the training has been focused around learning the in’s and outs of competing. We have been focusing on the techniques and strengths of the baristas and adapting their techniques to be able to score well in the competition. I started with reviewing the rules, regulations & expectations of the judges with them. We then concentrated on cupping different beans/origins to allow the baristas to understand their chosen coffee and how processing/blending affects the flavour and how to explain this to the judges.’
Zarraffa’s Coffee Barista Champion 2010 Gemma Boxsell told us, ‘It’s an honour to be trained by the best, to be one of the best in such a successful franchise. She has been training and perfecting her unique beverage since winning the barista final. On winning the Queensland heat she says, ‘I would be very excited as it helps me to grow within the coffee industry I want to be in. I will be practicing in my sleep to perfect 
everything and continue in many more competitions.’
Phil Roggeveen has been hard at work in Zarraffa’s Coffee Robina and he tells us that, he’s ‘stoked’ at winning the latte art competition.‘I enjoy what I do and if I’m honest, pouring the perfect latte for a friend is just as much of a buzz as a title’! He has been continuously trying to perfect his art. ‘I have never been more critical of my designs. I’m now more aware of what it takes!
On winning the Queensland Latte Art heat he tells us he would shave his head and that he would look at becoming a professional barista trainer! So look out for a baldy barista the next time you call in for a coffee at Robina!!