Back From The Midwest Barista Jam In Kansas City

Wow, a week has past since we went to the Midwest Barista Jam in Kansas City. I have to give thanks to Jeff Taylor of PT's Coffee, Torani, Esi Espresso (for bring in the La Marzocco's), Parisi Coffee (for bringing in the Synesso) , Matt Riddle "USBC 2006 Champ", Sandy Hon, Kim and Duck. All of these folks helped make the Jam a success.

I have posted some photos here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/stantoncoffee/

I also must thank Bj and Sandy of B-Java for sharing the drive to Kansas City. I'm sure I would have been really dragged out if I did the drive all by myself. We had plenty of good conversations, I hardly listened to any music on the trip. On Sunday I could tell we were all a bit worn out.

On Friday Night we arrived in Kansas City just during the evening traffic rush. It wasn't too bad, we went to the Johnson County Community College first to get our bearings. Then off to the (not-so red, more grey) Red Roof Inn. After checking in we contacted Sandy Hon and got direction to PT's Reception and headed back out. When we arrive, we were greeted by Jeff Taylor of PT's Coffee. He had placed a nice spread of goods to nibble on. There was a smoked beef brisket, cranberry and Brie cheese dish (wow, this was really tasty), an herb cheese cake spread, and some local micro-brewed beer. While hanging out at PT's Coffee at the campus location, Pete Licata "USBC 2005 Champ" was serving drinks behind the bar.

On Saturday we arrived at the college ready for our first cup of coffee of the day. PT's was serving Hacienda La Minita Costa Rican coffee. Ahhhh! That hit the spot. I attended the "Seed To Cup" presentation. It was nice to hear that the movement of DIRECT TRADE is really starting to happen in our Industry. This is better than Fair Trade since the Farmer gets the money directly. This cuts out the middle men and allows the farmer to make better coffee by working his crops better, and improving or purchasing equipment. Here was my idea of a logo to promote in our Industry, since there is no known logo that I know of. If every roaster starts using it, just give me credit for creating it.

Miguel and Aaron Meza of Paradise Roasters held a Triangular Cupping session. As you can see from our photos there was plenty of coffees to cup. Miguel and I talked about some of his Direct Trade relationships and how he has seen it improve the farmers lives. It was great to hear this, more power to the Direct Trade Movement!

The afternoon classes got us into proper steaming techniques. Aaron "Duck" Duckworth and Matt Riddle (USBC 2006 Champ) where the instructors. We did taste testings of different brands of milk. The winner was Shatto Milk, a local KC dairy that produces some fantastic rich and creamy milk. Man, that was good stuff!

Matt and Duck then got into steaming alternative beverages. We steamed Silk Soy, Rice Milk and Pacific Soy Blenders Beverage. Best taste and texture went to Pacific Soy. Their product even held up to doing intricate latte art.

Here are some video links of Matt and Duck preparing some drinks:
(these are big files, Right Click and Save As to your computer to view faster)

http://www.stantoncoffee.com/images/videos/MVI_0238.avi Steams 2% Milk

http://www.stantoncoffee.com/images/videos/MVI_0239.avi Steams Pacific Soy Blenders

http://www.stantoncoffee.com/images/videos/MVI_0242.avi Steams Shatto Whole Milk

Then its was a free-for-all and all the Barista's gave every espresso machine a workout. I did too, cause I still think I'm feeling the caffeine buzz. I enjoyed working with all the different espresso machines. All were top performers at extracting espresso. I just had a hard time steaming milk on the Synesso for some reason, if I had more time to play I would improve. I did like the smoothness of all the controls on the Synesso. Now if I only had one of each in my training room lab. I'm sure Mary would say its not in the budget! Darn it!

Off to JAM !

2006 MIDWEST REGIONAL BARISTA GUILD JAM is where I'll be heading. Next Friday I plan to head out with Bj Davis by my side and drive seven hours to get there. I'd like to visit some fellow roasting friends at PT's Coffee and The Roasterie. Most likely I'll see them all at the JAM.

The event is being held at the JOHNSON COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE in Overland Park, Kansas. There will be comparative tastings of Single Origin Press Pot Coffees vs. Single Origin Espressos. This one sounds right up my alley! I'll have to do a lot of cracker eating to cleanse my palette.

Triangular Cupping, Espresso 101, Advanced Espresso Techniques, Milk Steaming and Advanced Milk Steaming Techniques, and some wonder Latte Art being served up by 2006 USBC Champion Matt Riddle. Wow, all of this for a mere pittance of :BGA Member Jam Fee: $50 and Non-BGA Member Jam Fee: $90.

If you got the time, I highly recommend it. This is a nice regional gathering where all Barista and Coffee Shop owners can learn or improve their techniques. If you can't make to this one then the next 2006 Midwest Regional Barista Competition will be held in February at Navy Peir in Chicago. Hey! We'll be exhibiting there, remember to ask us for a free admission pass. Now if you can't make it, plan to hit the Annual SCAA Conference and Exhibition in Long Beach.

Guess I better start figuring what songs I'm going to load up in MP3 Player. I'm Sure most will be Independent Music. I believe in what I preach, support the Independents whether it’s Music, Coffee Shops, Restaurants, etc....

See you there!

New Coffee Offerings are in!

The Costa Rica Naranjo just in. This West Central Valley grown Costa Rican coffee has rich aromatics, it's crisp, bright and a clean finish in the cup. I love a good Costa Rica cup of coffee in the morning. It always seems to have the smooth medium body and the chocolaty mouth feel. I think I'm going to brew up a pot when I start working on putting together the Universal Elevator this afternoon. I've posted some picture on our Flickr account.


We have been diligently working on bringing in new products for our business customers. We have been trying many samples and getting sample happy and a sugar high! Latte Syrups, Hot Chocolates, Chocolate Syrups, prepackaged teas and frappe mixes. Guess that Atkins diet went out the window. If you'd like us to carry any specific products, let us know. We'll evaluate the products and see if the meet our high expectations.