Barista gives it his best shot

A COFFEE connoisseur will take his knowledge to the next level today (Thursday) as he gets set to compete against McDonald’s best baristas from Victoria and Tasmania.
Harrison Carter from Cranbourne is one of six in the competition being held at McDonald’s in Fawkner.
The winner will compete in the 2015 Da Vinci Coffee Chain Championships in March at the Melbourne International Coffee Expo.
Harrison said has to give a presentation and talk about his passion, knowledge and skills as a barista.
“I am being judged and marked against the rules and regulations of the championships,” he said.
“This year it is all about the skills and preparing the barista for competition.”
Previously at the Cranbourne McDonalds, the 25-year-old now manages the McCafe at the Carrum Downs branch and said this was his first job as a barista.
“I have developed all my skills from McDonald’s,” he said.
“I’ve had some good trainers.”
This is the first time he will take his skills to competition level and said he had been looking forward to the event.
“I’ve never really had the opportunity to showcase my skills before.
“I think that it’s a great chance given the platform that the McCafe has provided.”
Winners will be announced at 6pm tonight.
– BRIDGET SCOTT