Introducing the first batch of competitors! In no particular order and drawn randomly from a hat, the TriBeCa team is prominent here!
Name: Mike Chizzy
Company/Cafe:
TriBeCa
Competition History:
Started competing in the first barista championship in Eastern Cape, that was 2011. I came first in latte art and runner-up in nationals. I was also latte art champ in 2012. I sensory judged in 2012 championship both regional and national level.
Position at Regionals:
2nd in the Eastern Cape
Coach:
Myself
Coffee used at Regionals:
Daterra sweet yellow-Brazil
Best moment in Coffee:
Being with a group of people(barista championship) talking the same language(coffee)
What would your one piece of advice be to aspiring Baristas?
Being a barista is not a job. It's a passion-filled career. Don't do it for money, but for the love of it.
What is your favourite thing to do (that doesn't involve coffee)?
Having special time with my family
Favourite movie/book in the last 12 months?
The Bible; you must try it out.
NAME: Wezo Sithonga
COMPANY\CAFE:
Buitenverwachting Coffee Bloc
COMPETITION HISTORY:
First timer (novice)
POSITION AT REGIONALS:
6th
COACH:
Warren Machanick
COFFEE USED AT REGIONALS:
Colombian Blend (los naranjos,los idolos,la piramide and col organic)
BEST MOMENTS IN COFFEE:
Cupping and tasting different origins...
WHAT WOULD YOUR ONE PIECE OF ADVICE BE TO ASPIRING BARISTAS?
Go out there and take a chance....
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING TO DO?
It has to be Wine (tasting and making)
FAVOURITE MOVIE IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS:
Snow white and the Huntsman (old time movie has to be The persuit of happiness)
Name: Travis Scott
Company/Cafe:
TriBeCa
Competition History:
2011 national winner.
Position at Regionals:
3rd place
Coach:
Me
Coffee used at Regionals:
single origin Rwanda from eastern province.
Best moment in Coffee:
The day I won Nationals 2011
What would your one piece of advice be to aspiring Baristas?
It does not happen over night you need to put the work in!
What is your favourite thing to do (that doesn't involve coffee)?
Spend time with my wife and watching football.
Favourite movie in the last 12 months?
Reality TV show Fast and Loud.
Ishan and Phumlani pictured together at the Gauteng Regional Prizegiving!
Name: Ishan Natalie
Company/Cafe:
TriBeCa Coffee Company
Competition History:
Competed in all except 2012 and 2013 cycle. Runner up at all besides 2009 and 2010, which I won consecutively. Competed and won at the 2011 African Barista Championship.
Position at Regionals:
2nd to my brother man Phumlani
Coach:
Matt Carter
Coffee used at Regionals:
El Salvador San Carlos
Best moment in Coffee:
Winning the SA and African titles, and being blessed with representing South Africa at the World Championship.
My favorite moments daily are spending time with my baristas behind the bar and in training.
What would your one piece of advice be to aspiring Baristas?
Let the passion for coffee take over you and guide you. It will become a career from there, and success will always follow. Work hard on discipline in pursuit of quality and consistency, and always stay in touch with the coffee community and world as there is so much to learn every day and with every encounter with fellow baristas.
What is your favourite thing to do (that doesn't involve coffee)?
Playing Masterchef at home for my wife and friends; and playing soccer with my friends
Favourite movie in the last 12 months?
Most likely Pacific Rim
Name: Phumlani Sibeko
Company/Cafe:
Famous Brands Coffee co
Competition History:
Top 6 Gauteng Regionals 2012, 2014 GAUTENG Barista champion
Coach:
Tony Horter
Coffee used at Regionals:
Guatemala Finca El morito
Best moment in Coffee:
Lol winning the 2014 GAUTENG regionals that was a blessing. Best moment ever.
What would your one piece of advice be to aspiring Baristas?
Stay humble and love what you do.
What is your favourite thing to do (that doesn't involve coffee)?
Playing soccer now and then.
Favourite movie in the last 12 months?
The amazing spider man 2
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