Baristas Battle Over Beans During Brew Down Competition at Chhaya Cafe

PRLog (Press Release) - Feb. 26, 2013 - Ready, set, brew!  Baristas looking for their claim to fame are invited to the first Barista Brew Down Competition (BBC) on Wednesday, March 6, 2013, from 7:00pm to 9:00pm at Chhaya Café (1823 East Passyunk Avenue).   Chhaya, One Village and Philly Fair Trade Roasters seek the 2013 Barista Champion that best brings out the flavor, notes and body of the bean.  The competition is open to a maximum of 12 baristas from the Philadelphia region.  A completed registration form and five dollar entry fee is due to Chhaya by Monday, March 4, 2013. The public is invited to root on their favorite contestant. Victory Brewing Company will provide samples of coffee-infused brown ale to compliment hot coffee samples.  For more information and an entry form, visit Chhaya at 1823 East Passyunk Avenue, call (215) 465-1000 or visit http://www.chhayacafe.com.

Barista Brew Down Competition will pit barista against barista as they showcase their skills in three preliminary rounds of competition using one of the below brewing methods:

Immersion -  Yields a dark, thick consistency with full-bodied flavor; made with an AeroPress or a French press)

Pour-over - Produces a light-bodied coffee with a higher clarity

Siphon - Elevated version of the pour-over with the highest clarity and has the most pronounced flavor).

Each contestant will have a collective 10 minutes of prep-time during each round that shall include coffee grinding, scale set-up, collecting water, etc., followed by five minutes to brew a 16 ounce serving.  Judges will then each sample and score a 4 ounces of the freshly made coffee.  Scores will be read after each cup has been tasted.  The winner from brewing method will move on to the final and fourth round, “Brewer’s Choice.”

One Village and Philly Fair Trade Roasters will supply fair trade organic, single-origin beans for the competition. Tentative selections include Barundi (light roast) Colombia, Papua New Guinea and a secret final-round coffee.   One Village Coffee will also spill the beans about the coffee including region and altitude as a preparatory base for competitors.

The first place winner will receive a home brewing system (which can include a french press, siphon or chemex,along with a digital scale and 12 ounce bag of coffee beans), the title of BBC 2013 champion and bragging rights. The second place winner will receive a vintage barista action figurine and a 12 ounce bag of coffee. The third place winner receives a gift card to Chhaya.

Coffee-lovers are welcomed to cheer on their favorite barista. Admission for spectators is free.  Victory Brewing Company will provide samples of coffee-infused brown ale, or guests may bring their favorite BYOB drinks.  Chhaya will have a limited coffee-only menu (no food or espresso drinks).

Registration forms are available on Chhaya’s Facebook page or at the counter. The completed form and $5.00 registration fee is due no later than Monday, March 4, 2013.  For more information and an entry form, visit Chhaya at 1823 East Passyunk Avenue, call (215) 465-1000 or visit www.chhayacafe.com.

About Chhaya Café

Chhaya means a shelter, a place of shady tranquility, teahouse, life, a tree, a river.  Come relax and share our passion for delicious coffee and simple flavorful food. Chhaya Café is located at 1823 East Passyunk Avenue, in the middle of Philadelphia’s new restaurant row.   During the week, Chhaya focuses on coffee, breakfast and lunch. On Saturdays and Sundays, Chhaya boasts one of the best brunches in South Philadelphia with unique waffle preparations, rotating entrees and seasonal offerings.  Chhaya’s food and drink menu is simple but carefully crafted with a focus on quality ingredients and heartfelt preparation.   Chhaya pours organic, fair trade coffee that is locally hand-roasted in small batches and delivered to the café daily.   Coffee is ground and brewed to order and never held for more than 30 minutes.

Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/12088024/1