As the proud Media Sponsor of the United States Barista Championship since 2005, Barista Magazine has always compiled and produced a beautiful printed program that serves as a guide, collectors item, introduction to the Regional Barista Champions and the Regional Brewers Cup Champions, all the party info for the SCAA show, and much more! 2013 is no different. This year’s Official United States Barista Championship.U.S. Brewers Cup Event Program is at the printer right now! But we thought we’d give you a sneak peek at some of the most popular content in the program, the Regional Barista Competition Champs and Regional Brewers Cup Champs profiles.
So without further ado ¦
PETE LICATA
SOUTH CENTRAL REGIONAL BARISTA CHAMPION
PARISI COFFEE
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI
How long have you been a barista?
Just had my 10-year anniversary in January!
You’ve been competing for a long time, Pete. If you could offer any advice to a newcomer, what would it be?
Always keep an open mind and be willing to experiment with new ideas. Think outside the box.
How did your perspective on coffee change during the time you were living and working hands-on with coffee production in Hawaii?
My perspective changed on Hawaiian coffee as well as farm production. I gained a lot of respect for the hard work that farmers have to do, the amount of detail that can be put into the farm level, and how the farm details can translate to the roasting, as well as the barista’s experience with it.
You placed second in the 2011 World Barista Championship! Why are you back to compete again? What’s the thrill?
I am back because I like the challenge of fitting the statement I want to give into the competition format. I like to push my skills and boundaries. There is always a thrill about being in front of people on stage. I am also competing because I want to give more of the knowledge I have gained to others, not because I feel that I have to prove something.
How do you make coffee at home?
It is a 75-step process involving a Rube Goldberg-style contraption feeding into my Mr. Coffee…
Any favorite cafés?
That really depends on where I am at in the world! I will say that I enjoy The Coffee Ethic in Springfield, Missouri, though.
