Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Tom Steffens on September 18, 2008 at 10:52pm

yeah, some kickin' tunes would have been good. Next year I'm bringing the iPod and telling the camcorder guy to piss off... no offense buddy, but I didn't need the extra pressure. ;)

How about a machine with a little more muscle???
Aside from MY sh!tty performance; I have a complete lack of interest to ever work with the Aurellia (sp?) again - steam pressure was for nothing and it seemed that for the amount of counter space it occupied it would have had a third group-head; which would have been logical for the way the judging was setup. This is of course how the competition machine was, and I'm sure that if the boiler was a little hotter - then the machine would have a bit more kick - but as it was; it was like working with a machine one might find in a home kitchen, not a pro environment...

Also maybe a little more counter-space or a side table so one has room to pour their milk into the espresso without the hassle of maneuvering around the portafilter handles...

Permalink Reply by Jesse_Aram on October 10, 2008 at 7:57am

In light of possible improvements and the generous nature of Hiroshi, who's for donating a GHETTO BLASTA to him so he has music next time he competes? And just maybe other competitors can borrow it to play their mixtapes too? Dig those tapes out of the closet... I got my Black Sheep, TribeCQ, 3rd Base, Naughty By Nature, Public Enemy Mix at the ready if anyone needs a tape? ...Oh and Tom can point the GHETTO BLASTA at the camcorder guy

Permalink Reply by Steve on October 24, 2008 at 8:16am

This was my first witness of Latte Art competition so from spectators point of view, I felt it was a bit dissapointing to sit and watch nothing? What i mean by this is it would have been interesting to see the whole process instead of just anticipating whats next. NOW, since I'm not a competitor this may be guildline or a rule that states they work enclosed so that others cant mimmick the current competitor, but if thats not the case, sitting or standing there listening to a EMc didnt really do it for me. Again, thats just coming from a rookies spectators point of view and I REALLY did enjoy the outcome of each and every drink, but for those looking to compete, just as in every sport/competition you learn from the best by watching.....

Permalink Reply by Nuova Simonelli on October 24, 2008 at 5:05pm

Hi Tom,

We have many differet steam tips with different power and inlcinations. Many. many baristas and competitors insisted we use those tips for the competition. Nicley tried them out before hand and liked them and Matt Milletto suggested we stick with those.

The WBC has selected a more powerful tip with cool touch wands. Sorry you didnt like it, but the steam tip is at fault. We may change them for Chicago.

Tom Steffens said:

yeah, some kickin' tunes would have been good. Next year I'm bringing the iPod and telling the camcorder guy to piss off... no offense buddy, but I didn't need the extra pressure. ;)

How about a machine with a little more muscle???
Aside from MY sh!tty performance; I have a complete lack of interest to ever work with the Aurellia (sp?) again - steam pressure was for nothing and it seemed that for the amount of counter space it occupied it would have had a third group-head; which would have been logical for the way the judging was setup. This is of course how the competition machine was, and I'm sure that if the boiler was a little hotter - then the machine would have a bit more kick - but as it was; it was like working with a machine one might find in a home kitchen, not a pro environment...

Also maybe a little more counter-space or a side table so one has room to pour their milk into the espresso without the hassle of maneuvering around the portafilter handles...

Permalink Reply by Nuova Simonelli on October 24, 2008 at 11:26pm

Hi Nicely,

I really like your idea about some music during the competition. I will mention it to David of Coffeefest who is the decision maker on that event.

Permalink Reply by mike cubbage on November 29, 2008 at 10:44pm

I would have to agree with steve. As a spectator watching the competition was ... well boring. . . and low tech. I don't think it would be that difficult to set up a few cameras where you can watch what is going on behind the machine. This mind you coming from someone familiar with latte art. Others that don't even know what's going on really don't want to sit and wait for photos to appear. and how about a monitor with the name of the current competitor listed as they go and one showing the current standing. Oh yeah and I agree music would be good to. Make it more of a community affair. TECH IT UP!!!