Pacific Natural Foods debuted the Top Cup Challenge at Coffee Fest Seattle last fall, and it was a huge hit! If you didn’t get a chance to participate in the Challenge, however, never fear: it’s taking place at Coffee Fest New Jersey, March 5 and 6, and yes, you can win money.
The competition has two categories: Best Tasting & Most Creative Drink, Hot Beverage and Best Tasting & Most Creative Drink, Cold Beverage. First place ($300) is awarded in each category, along with cash prizes going to the second and third place finishers in each category. Coffee Fest and Pacific Natural Foods will supply contestants with an espresso machine, a grinder, a blender, serving items, Pacific Natural Foods’ Barista Series ® Soy Blenders, Barista Series ® Frappe & Smoothie Bases and other Pacific Natural Foods Non-Dairy Beverages, milk, ice, coffee, Monin Syrups, and whipped cream. Contestants are encouraged to bring any other ingredients and/or glassware they need for their drink.
RULES:
1) Contestants will be given 15 minutes to prepare their innovative beverage recipes for judging on Friday, March 5, and Saturday, March 6, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
2) Contestants may compete in both the Hot and Cold Beverage categories.
3) Submissions will be judged on: taste, creativity, and ability to replicate.
4) To qualify, any submission must use Pacific Natural Foods’ Barista Series ® Soy Blenders or Barista Series ® Frappe & Smoothie Base as an ingredient.
5) Contestants waive any rights to photographic images captured at the competition and agree that recipes may be published at a later date by Pacific Natural Foods and/or Coffee Fest.
It’s a really fun competition, and a great opportunity to practice your skill set with soy-based drinks. For an application, email Rachel Tracy at rachelt@olsoncom.com, or just email me at sarah@baristamagazine.com and I’ll shoot one your way. Applications are due by March 1, so get yours in soon!
