Barista Mag Publisher Ken Olson is in Los Angeles today at the Big Western Barista Competition and Brewer’s Cup, and he’s having a blast! Here are photos from his exploits so far…
The man of the hour! Willbur Curtis’ Brant Curtis, whose company is one of two generous host sponsors (the other is Portola Coffee Lab ”thanks, Portola!) of the Big Western event.Did Noah Namowicz of Cafe Imports piss off a champion barista? Nah ”this is the result of a Crossfit accident, and Noah’s pretty darn proud of it.
Hey, that’s Ken Olson (Publisher of Barista Magazine) and Jay Lijewski (Director of Wholesale for 4Barrel)!
This guy… it’s Joshua Boyt, owner of Metronome Coffee in Tacoma, Wash., and wholesale director for Victrola Coffee in Seattle! He’s one of our two handsome emcees this weekend!
Here’s the other most-def handsome emcee: Joe Marrocco of Cafe Imports!
Hi Austin of Augie’s Coffee!
Watch out, man ”Lorenzo’s wielding a Pallo Coffeetool! And Anne Nylander looks pretty tough herself.
Heads are spinning: should I watch the barista competition or check out the awesome coffee and products these vendors are offering? Decisions!
It’s VERVE! Trubaca in the house! Jared Truby (left) and Chris Baca are but two of the many Ververs here in L.A. this weekend ”they’re opening a new roasters in the City of Angels soon, and hosting a big ass party, too!
Check out that crowd!
Hello old friends! It’s Lizz Hudson (left), formerly of Stumptown Coffee, Björg Brend Laird (that’s right ”she just got hitched!), formerly of the Nordic Barista Cup, and John Laird, Björg’s new husband!
Wait ”the crowd’s getting even bigger!
Four eyes never looked so good.
OMG! Is that… PETE LICATA?? 2013 WORLD BARISTA CHAMPION!?? And is that his coach, Holly Bastin?? The stars are everywhere! It IS L.A. after all…
Our event photographer, Sam Penix, is totally working that shirt…
Sarah Allen (she/her) is co-founder and editor of Barista Magazine, the international trade magazine for coffee professionals. A passionate advocate for baristas, quality, and the coffee community, Sarah has traveled widely to research stories, interact with readers, and present on a variety of topics affecting specialty coffee. She also loves animals, swimming, ice cream, and living in Portland, Oregon.
