With over six different markets around campus, not including the coffee carts around campus or established café’s such as Starbucks and Peet’s, you could say that there are as many baristas at UCSD as there are pre-med students (which is quite a lot). UCSD gives any self-proclaiming barista (employment on campus not required) the chance to prove their worth and latte art skills during these quarterly throwdowns. Who was crowned best of the best? Did Muir Woods keep their reign? Find out all this and more below.
Earl’s Place
Photo by Oneisha Lee
Round 2 of the throwdown was held at none other than Earl’s Place, located in the depths of Warren and next to Canyon View dining hall. Those who attended were treated to a night of tremendous free pour latte art, free coffee, and the chance to taste the winning concoctions.
Free Pour Latte Art?
Photo by Oneisha Lee
For those unfamiliar with the term, freepour latte art is a technique used to create designs on specialty espresso-based drinks. The results end up in beautiful Rosetta, leaf, and heart patterns to name a few. More than likely, you have come across them in your instagram feed and thought to yourself, “Well isn’t that beautiful.” While the designs are beautiful, they are not easy to execute and like any skill, it takes practice, practice, and more practice to perfect.
Round 1
Round 1 was previously held at the beautifully renovated Roger’s Market in Revelle college and the winner was none other than Liza Brusman from Muir Wood’s Coffee House. Who would take home the unofficial crown tonight? At least 8 baristas from all across campus battled it out and as any of them could tell you, latte art becomes increasingly more difficult than normal when you have to perform for a competition.
Finalists
Photo by Oneisha Lee
Brandon from Rogers and Riley Gallagher from Muir Woods Coffee House were the final two contestants of the night, each having produced beautiful artwork in the last couple of rounds. Finally, after some tough competition a winner was produced and while it was a close round, Riley took home the prize, clenching the title for the second time in a row for Muir Woods.
Photo by Oneisha Lee
If you missed your chance to attend this round, mark your calendars for the Final Round which is currently TBD but will be held at Muir Woods Coffee House
Prizes will be provided by Café Virtuoso and they will be sending one of their employees to come help judge the contest and provide a professional opinion. Don’t miss out!