Last month we had some new people along to sample the delights of hanging out with fellow baristi.

We were all hoping they would come back again next tuesday, the first tuesday in March, and share again.

On the 23 March it's the Mackay Hospitality Expo and one of the big draw cards is the Mackay Latte Art Competition. The first prize is a trip to Sydney as the Mackay rep in another Latte Art contest on the 2 and 3 of May.

If you want a copy of the rules come along to our next jam or email to jswalker@westnet.com.au

I dont know who to credit for the above coffee. If they are yours, claim ownership in the comments section.

Promo below, help spread the word please.
Mackay Tourism and Hospitality Expo will be on at the MECC on Tuesday March 23rd from 10 – 8pm

Learn about the great venues, destinations, daytrips and culinary skills here in our region.
If you are interested in what Mackay has to offer in hospitality or interested in working in the industry, this is the place to be. Job Boards will be on offer and a number of skilling and training booths will be in attendance. Cooking Demonstrations and Key Note Speakers will be on the “Stage of the Stars” from 10am and throughout the day. Professional Barista competition will start at 12:00.

The day is free but after 6:00pm a $25.00 entrance fee will get you all this plus great food. Tickets available at the MECC.
As part of the expo “Flavours of Mackay” will operate from 6pm – 8pm. It will showcase leaders in the restaurant and catering industry. Each will provide a small taste of a speciality or signature dish.
Each dish will be accompanied by a brief description by the chef or cooking demonstration. A small wine tasting and wine appreciation talk will be held by Jamie Odlum of Samuel Smith & Sons.
Establishments include, Adrian Connors – Burp, Eat, Drink, Ocean International’s– Galleons Restaurant, Grinders Corporate Catering, Exclusive Cakes 4 All, Northern Beaches Bowls Club, Shakespeare International’s Romeo and Juliet’s Restaurant will be providing samplings of Bazadias Beef, even the apprentices of MRAEL will be providing a taste of what Mackay may be eating from future chefs.

It's a great chance to highlight the things we are doing well, so try to be a part of it.

This photo I call 'practice, practice, practise'
Note the 10 litre slops bucket to catch the rejects.

Is anybody going to claim ownership of these hands?

Pauline and Merryn, who have both featured on this blog before, tossled it out for first place in the throwdown last month.

Pauline edged in front for a 'technical' win. We say technical because under our local rules the coffee not only has to look great, it also has to taste great. We thought that Merryns awesome free pour Native American headress was over extracted. But Pauline had the points again.

Merryn has since competed in a national barista competion and we are looking forward to her report next week.

I know we might seem to be a bit tough in our expectations, but at the start we agreed that if you are good enough to win in our regionals, you should be good enough to be competitive at the national level. We do have some really bright people doing great work right here.

I reckon that Kylie from Gloria Jeans is the one to keep your eye on, too.

So come on down to Cafe La de da next Tuesday at 5pm to 7pm. Bring $5 [and a name tag] to cover pizza and the rest is in the kitty for the best free pour art on the night.