TWO  CUBS
Beanery™
Wholesale - Retail
Specializing in Roasting Fresh Gourmet Coffee 		   
 
Latte Art Contest
 
 
 
Congratulations to Lisa Carton, Christopher Thompson and Rob Hall - the three winners of the Whole Latte Love Latte Art Contest! Of all of the entries in the beginner, intermediate and professional categories, online voting determined that Lisa, Christopher, and Rob truly shined. Each of our winners showed great creativity with rich, golden espresso and velvety, textured steamed milk - pouring beautiful rosettas just like Espresso Vivace's David Schomer.

Lisa, who entered as a beginner, will receive Schomer's instructional video as well as a two-pound bag of Lavazza Super Crema. Christopher, who entered as an intermediate, will receive a Lavazza Sampler pack that includes six pounds of coffee and a set of Whole Latte Love mugs. Rob, who entered and won the professional category, will enjoy fresh coffee for a year!

We'd like to offer a special thank you to everyone who entered, and of course thanks to all of the voters. Our Latte Art Contest created quite a buzz, and is even featured on page 24 of Barista Magazine's August/September issue!

 
If you missed our contest but are still interested on how to free-pour latte art, check out some tips and tricks from all three of our winners below. We asked each one to share some advice for other aspiring latte artists- hear what they have to say:


Rob Hall of Shorewood, WI
Latte Art Contest Winner - Professional Category

Favorite coffee drink:
Cappuccino

Machine at home:
Astra Gourmet GS

Hobbies other than latte art:
Sailing his Catalina on Lake Michigan

When not creating latte art, he:
Works as a physician specializing in pathology.

Any advice for aspiring baristas?
If you can manage to hook-up with someone who knows how to pour latte art take advantage of it, because hands-on learning is the best way to do it.

 

Chris Thompson of Jericho, VT
Latte Art Contest Winner - Intermediate Category

Favorite coffee drink:
Café Mocha

Machines at home:
Astra Gourmet GS, Rancilio Rialto

Hobbies other than latte art:
Ice Hockey, Golf, Music, Coffee, Homebrewing, and Cooking

When not creating latte art, he:
Works in the Wafer Test area at IBM in Essex Junction, Vermont.

Any advice for aspiring baristas?
Get a frothing pitcher with a good pointed spout. I got both my 20oz and 12oz from Whole Latte Love. Start out with milk that has a higher fat content. I wouldn't go anything less than 2% when starting out. Watch as many videos as you can find, and just practice, practice. Sooner or later it will all come together. Most importantly have fun with it!

 

Lisa Carton of Bennington, VT
Latte Art Contest Winner - Beginner Category

Favorite coffee drink:
Quasi Cappuccino

Machines at home:
Rancilio S27, Trosser, Mazzer Mini

Hobbies other than latte art:
Drummer, Bichon and Mini Dachshund owner and home-roasting coffee beans

When not creating latte art, she:
Works as a Psychotherapist.

Any advice for aspiring baristas?
Have fun and read as much as you can online. If it weren't for the Internet I wouldn't even know about home-roasting, finding good espresso or latte art!