Blue Moon

Dailass Nalwamba, Zambia's 2012 Barista Champion.

Zambia's first and only American-style cafe, the Blue Moon, is an ongoing source of pride for InHouse Design which developed the Blue Moon brand.  This week the Cafe is hosting a number of different TV crews as they document Dailass and Miariam's preparations for the World Barista Championship (and Gourmet Coffee Expo) in Vienna, Austria.  Dailess competed in the Africa Championship in February, placing 3rd and has high hopes for her European debut.  Here are a few photos from the tasting and coaching yesterday.

  Dailess presenting to the three sitting judges (this judge refused to be ON camera, opting instead to stay behind the lens!)

For the competition the baristas have 15 minutes to prepare and present their espresso (4 shots), 8 cappucinos, and 4 specialty drinks.  While preparing the drinks they must explain to the judges what they have prepared and the tastes they should be evaluating.  Dailess is bringing a 100% Arabica from Munali farms and Marika's Gourmet Zambian Coffee Roaster which has strong lemon notes and a hint of dark chocolate.  As explained by a certified judge from Marika's Coffee, the barista is evaluated for their preparation, explanation and knowledge of their coffee (amongst other things).  If the judge tasted cherry and caramel it means the barista has missed the mark.

The specialty drink Zambia's star barista is presenting is an iced espresso with macadamia nut milk sweetened with the tiniest bit of honey.  Two agricultural products of Zambia are, you guessed it, macadamia nuts and honey.  It's a lovely and refreshing drink and is of course presented beautifully in a hand blown glass and crushed ice.  (See some photos from our visit to Cilla's Macadamia Nut farm!)

 

 Dailess doing her post-presentation interview for MUVI TV.  Tomorrow she'll practice again in front of the ZNBC crew for the news and for "Kwacha Good Morning."  With all the press, she's clearly comfortable in front of the camera and had great, intelligent answers to her interviewers questions. It'll be fun to see these features hit the big screen.

The superstar, getting feedback from the judges.  She's so proud to be representing the Blue Moon Cafe, her country and female baristas everywhere!  Good Luck Dailess!

THIS JUST IN:  Catch Dailass Malwamba's performance as competitor #40 (of 54) in Vienna