As Mike mentioned last month, Alterra Coffee will be hosting the 2008 Great Lakes Regional Barista Competition (GLRBC) this weekend, March 13-16, at the P.H. Dye Building, 320 E. Buffalo Street, in the Third Ward. With some of the best baristas from Wisconsin, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio pitted against each other, it should be a very tasty espresso prep and service showdown.

While the first day is a closed event, reserved for the GLRBC Judge's Certification Workshop, the following days are free and open to the java lovin' public, by which I mean you. Complimentary coffee and espresso drinks will be offered so spectators can get their rah-rah on to cheer for their favorite competitors.

Rishi Tea is a Bronze Sponsor of the GLRBC and they'll be on hand to supply samples of their divinely steeped leaves, should you need a bit of a break from the ground bean. Smart move, Rishi.

Competition Times:
Friday March 14th - 10:30am to 4:30pm
Saturday March 15th - 10:30am to 4:30pm
Sunday March 16th - 10:30am to 1pm (followed by awards ceremony)

Full details can be found on the 2008 GLRBC web site, where I am pleased to note that the Milwaukee Public Transit System is on the top of their list of city transportation in the Insiders Guide.

Thursday is my 39th Birthday, so this weekend may be a little tight, but I'll try to fit the GLRBC into my oh so busy celebratory schedule. And I hope to see you there, too.

Post originally published by Milwaukee Specialty Food and Coffee.