October, 2003 -

           In the recent Western Regional Barista Champion, reigning United States Barista Champion, Heather Perry, joined thirty other barista from the West Coast to try and take the first step closer to Italy.  Sponsored by Fresh Cup, and held at NASCORE in Portland, the Western Regional Barista Competition offers competing barista a trip to the semifinals of the United States Barista Competition being held in Atlanta, Georgia    

For two days the barista competed trying to take their best shot at the current champion, (best shot of espresso that is), but when the finals were announced it was Heather Perry along with two barista from Seattle and one from Portland.  And when it was all over, Heather Perry was once again crowned champion.  For her victory she received an espresso machine, grinder, and the title of the Western Regional Barista Champion. 

The format for the competition in Portland followed the same format that is used in the USBC.  It begins with fifteen minutes of setup time, followed by fifteen minutes of actual competition time.  It is during this time that the barista must prepare for a panel of six judges, four espresso, four cappuccino, and four of their signature drink.  The competition time is trailed by fifteen minutes of clean up time.  The Judges are professional espresso cuppers and recognized experts in the business who follow a strict score sheet covering technical skills and beverage evaluation.

The key to Perry’s success was a carefully picked blend of espresso roasted fresh by Mike Perry of the Coffee Klatch.  The blend included a combination of Central and South American beans for sweetness, some Africans and naturals for beautiful crema, and some java for body.

For her signature drink, Perry created the Prickly Blue Perry.  The Prickly Blue Perry is a combination of espresso, prickly pear cactus granita, white chocolate and heavy cream, and a puree of blueberries and prickly pear cactus.  The intricate drink is served layered in a martini glass with a prickly pear cactus blossom drawn in blueberry on top.  Served on a bright green tablecloth with each judges name written on the individual cups, the judges loved it.

Heather Perry is a twenty one year old senior at Cal Poly Pomona studying international business and marketing.  She is married with a four year old step son.  She currently works for the Coffee Klatch as director of consulting and training, along with managing the Coffee Klatch in Rancho Cucamonga. 

            The Coffee Klatch carries award winning coffee that they roast on location.  They have recently won the Golden Cup award and the TOPS Award, an award received only by 33 coffee houses internationally.  The Coffee Klatch is located in Rancho Cucamonga on the corner of Foothill and Vineyard and can be reached at 909-944-5282.  The San Dimas is where all of the roasting is done and located off the 57 freeway and Arrow Hwy.  They can be reached at 909-599-0452.