BANGKOK, Thailand--25 Nov--Medianet International-AsiaNet/ InfoQuest
MEDIA CALL FOR MONDAY 29th NOVEMBER
WHAT: Thai coffee genius 27-year-old Dan Moonyong has beaten competitors from Thailand, Australia and New Zealand to be declared The Coffee Club's international champion Barista*.
TIME: 3.00 — 3.15 pm (Thailand time. This opportunity will be limited to 15 minutes only.)
DATE: Monday 29 November 2010
VENUE: The Coffee Club at the Suvarnabhumi Airport, Thailand
Thai coffee genius 27-year-old Dan Moonyong has beaten competitors from Thailand, Australia and New Zealand to be declared The Coffee Club's international champion Barista*.
The Coffee Club's six best baristas competed in Brisbane in a fast-paced brewing competition to pour the perfect coffee. Nine judges critiqued each coffee on its sensory experience and the Barista's technical skills.
Mr Moonyong, who works at The Coffee Club Suvarnabhumi Airport, took out the title in a close contest, also winning the 'Signature Drink' challenge with his original, Thai-inspired 'Chilli Kiss' coffee containing hints of lemongrass, lime and spice.
VISUAL OPPORTUNITIES
3.00 pm: Barista of the Year Dan Moonyong catching up with The Coffee Club Director John Lazzarou.
INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES
? John Lazarou, The Coffee Club Director — who can talk about The Coffee Club in Thailand, and the skills of a Barista like Dan Moonyong.
? The Coffee Club Barista of the Year— Dan Moonyong who will talk about the secrets to making a consistently excellent cup of coffee and his signature drink.
Thai Barista named international champion by The Coffee Club
Thai coffee genius 27-year-old Dan Moonyong has beaten competitors from Thailand, Australia and New Zealand to be declared The Coffee Club's international champion Barista*.
The Coffee Club's six best baristas competed in Brisbane in a fast-paced brewing competition to pour the perfect coffee. Nine judges critiqued each coffee on its sensory experience and the Barista's technical skills.
Mr Moonyong, who works at The Coffee Club Suvarnabhumi Airport, took out the title in a close contest, also winning the 'Signature Drink' challenge with his original, Thai-inspired 'Chilli Kiss' coffee containing hints of lemongrass, lime and spice.
Mr Moonyong, who as the winner collected a prize of $3,000 cash, said he was very excited and honoured.
"I'm so glad I had the opportunity to compete in Australia with such talented Baristas," Mr Moonyong said.
The Coffee Club Director John Lazzarou, who was in Thailand visiting Mr Moonyong, said the champion's passion for making great coffee is infectious.
"The Coffee Club's move into Thailand has produced so many fantastic results. Having Dan as part of our team, with his flair for inventing new coffee, is one of the most important ones," Mr Lazzarou said.
"Dan shares the same love of coffee that I have. And he's used this love to perfect the art of making coffee," he said.
Mr Moonyong said the inspiration for his signature drink was his homeland and its culture, particularly the herbs and spices used in everyday cooking.
"I used some of our favourite ingredients, chilli and lemongrass, and blended them with espresso to create a memorable and unique drink," he said.
Mr Moonyong's secrets to making coffee include using your hands, mind and heart, believing it is the way you make very special coffee.
"I truly love making coffee for people. It's great to see customers smiling and enjoying the experience.
"My dream is to one day go back to Australia and do a management training program," he said.
*A Barista is a coffee-making specialist who is specially trained in espresso coffee and espresso-based coffees such as Cappuccino.
About The Coffee Club
The Coffee Club is a relaxed place to meet friends and family for Good Food, Great Service and Excellent Coffee. Since opening its doors in Brisbane almost 21 years ago, The Coffee Club has become Australia’s largest home-grown caf? group, with some 273 stores.
In 2008, hospitality and leisure company Minor International took a 50 per cent stake in The Coffee Club, fuelling its international growth. The company now boasts five cafes in Thailand and 26 in New Zealand, with plans to expand into Hong Kong, Singapore, New Caledonia and Dubai during 2010.
www.wherewillimeetyou.com
MEDIA ENQUIRIES
Clinton Parker
Red Agency
M: 0011 400 788 978
E:
[email protected]
John Lazarou
Director
Only whilst in Thailand: Sunday 28 November - Monday 29 November 2010
+ 61 0418 888 484
SOURCE: The Coffee Club
AsiaNet 42348
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