Chicago takes 2009 U.S. Barista Championship

Chicago coffee-slinger Michael Phillips edged out Los Angeles' Nick Griffith by 11 points to win the 2009 United States Barista Championship. Held over the weekend in Portland, Ore., the competition pitted baristas from around the country against each other in a test of skill, speed and style.

Like the other finalists, Phillips had to prepare four espressos, four cappuccinos and four specialty drinks. He did it well enough to win a trophy, $1,000 and a trip to the World Barista Championship in Atlanta, April 16-19.

Los Angeles made a strong showing. In addition to Griffith, who took second place, Ryan Wilbur and Devin Pedde won fourth and fifth place, respectively. But the real winner seems to be Intelligentsia Coffee, which counts four of the top five winners as its employees. For a more detailed account of the Barista Championship, head to Food GPS.

-- Elina Shatkin

Photo: Ken Hively / Los Angeles Times

Comments

[mike]

Chicago may have won this, but LA has 3 Championships. One last year by Kyle Glanville and twice by Heather Perry of Coffee Klatch in San Dimas CA. Heather's espresso was also awarded Best Espresso in the world at the WBC Championships in Tokyo where Heather finished 2nd in the world. Thats LA 3 to 2 over Chicago (Matt Riddle previously won for Chicago).

[James]

Any surprise? Intelligentsia's coffee is consistently superb: challenging and thought-provoking coffee. For the cost, though, Jones in Pasadena serves comparable coffee at better prices.

[Joshua Lurie]

Thanks for the link. The USBC Finals were pretty incredible. Every barista stepped up their game, as evidenced by the high scores.

Here's a link to a Q&A with U.S. Barista Champion Michael Phillips that took place prior to the competition:

http://www.foodgps.com/review/usbc-competitor-michael-phillips-intelligentsia

[Hartanto]

Well done for Michael Phillips. But the rest of the finalist are still the best I think. Good Job for World Barista Championship in Atlanta, April 16-19.