Toledo Barista in International Latte Art Competition
Contact: Sandy Spang
Owner, Plate 21
Cell: 419.392.7577
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Toledo Barista Competes in International Latte Art Competition
Toledo, OH (February 7, 2011) – Eighteen-year-old Lily Spang knows that being a barista at Plate 21 means more than just making a great cup of coffee; it’s also a form of art. On February 18-20, 2011, she’ll compete in the Coffee Fest Latte Art Championship – a juried, international latte art competition – on Chicago’s Navy Pier.
Lily won the spot to compete with 63 of the best baristas from within the United States and abroad by submitting an application and photo samples of cappuccinos with distinctive free-pour designs. The championship is a bracket-style competition, judged in five categories: aesthetic beauty, definition, color infusion, degree of difficulty and creativity, and speed.
“Free pour is an important skill for a barista,” explains Lily. “The techniques required to make latte art also tend to produce the most delicious espresso drinks.”
So what’s Lily’s latte design of choice? “The rosetta – the classic free pour design – is my favorite, but I’m also working on some new designs for the competition,” says Lily.
Plate 21, owned by Lily’s mother, Sandy Spang, is offering their contestant lots of support. To provide her with plenty of free pour practice, the coffee house is offering traditional cappuccinos for just $1 through February 18.
“The Plate 21 staff is proud of Lily’s accomplishment and will be cheering her on,” says Sandy. “Lily was involved in the design of the coffee shop and the development of our drink menu. She has attained remarkable skill for a young barista.”
And developing those traditional barista skills is important to the people of Plate 21. “All of our baristas take pride in crafting their drinks,” says Sandy. “We are committed to bringing traditional espresso drinks prepared with traditional Italian methods to Northwest Ohio. We hope that Lily will be only the first of our baristas to compete nationally.”
Lily adds, “The competition will be an exciting experience. I’m really looking forward to meeting some of the most talented and experienced baristas in the country. It’s exciting to be able to compete with them.”
Plate 21, a coffee house located in south Toledo, serves organic, fair trade coffee and teas, as well as 100% fruit smoothies, breakfast, lunch and treats. The shop is open Monday-Friday, 6:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Saturday, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. For more information, please visit www.plate21.com or friend us on Facebook.
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Press Release Contact Name: Gina Sares
Press Release Contact Email: [email protected]
Organization Name: Plate 21
Website or Link: www.plate21.com