
VOTE: Where's the best place for coffee in Lismore?
FAI McDonald will compete in The Coffee Club's 2016 National Barista Championship next week in Brisbane.
With more than 4000 baristas put through The Coffee Club's national qualification training in more than 300 Australian stores, Fai and two other employees from Lismore were selected to travel to trials in Melbourne.
Fai, Emily Bryce and Ally Gordon stayed overnight in Melbourne and had to make eight coffees in eight minutes.
This included two flat whites, lattes, short blacks and cappuccinos.
With more than 100 participants, the pressure was on as judges taste-tested each coffee and judged for presentation.
Reader poll
Where is the best coffee in Lismore?
This poll ended on 26 June 2016.
Current Results
The Coffee Club
28%
Bank Cafe
4%
Republic of Coffee
9%
Oneone4
4%
Duck Pond Espresso Bar
4%
Cafe Cappello
14%
Flock Espresso and Eats
4%
Luv A Coffee
0%
Nook Laneway
0%
Other - let us know in the comments section!
28%
This is not a scientific poll. The results reflect only the opinions of those who chose to participate.
Fai will effectively represent New South Wales at the final and will go up against competitors from Queensland and South Australia.
The Lismore team did very well as it was the only one selected out of Victoria, Tasmania and Canberra, while one other barista from NSW was selected.
"I am really nervous and felt like I would have a panic attack, especially when I heard it (the final) would be at Queen Street Mall," Fai said.
"I have one coffee in the morning and it has to be a good one.
"I haven't had time to start practising but I am definitely not sick of coffee yet.
"It is a first for our store and we are all very excited about such a great opportunity."
The Coffee Club values barista quality and recently beat 50 competitors to scoop top honours at the Golden Bean Coffee Awards.
The company's blend was awarded gold in the Chain Store/Franchise (Espresso) Category with judges praising its "harmonious balance and full-bodied flavour".