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Leeds man aims to show he's the top coffee maker
He is already the best coffee maker in Yorkshire, but now a former barman aims to steal the show at international level.
But first Desmond Lea, who works at Costa Coffee on Albion Place in Leeds city centre, must win the regional heat, which takes place on Friday.
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The 29-year-old plans to wow judges with his Hot Shot Mocha creation, inspired by the many years he spent working in West Yorkshire's bars and clubs.
The drink was based on the "Guinness effect" seen in a well made Irish coffee, and consists of five drinkable layers made from espresso, pouring cream, hot chocolate froth and infused coffee cream, which is
then served in a shot glass.
Desmond said: "I had originally thought that the drink would have four layers but I discovered accidentally that the crema (oily espresso foam) and cream separates to take this to that extra level.
"The idea is for you to neck the drink so your tastebuds are hit by all the flavours at once, the last lingering flavour being the espresso itself."
Sharon Bailey, 49, who was in Leeds on her silver wedding anniversary tried the concoction.
She said: "That's really lovely – it's to die for. I just hope that Desmond wins, maybe then the drink might go on sale in Costa."
Desmond's mocha shot was also a hit with customers at Costa Coffee in Waterstone's book store where he served it in exchange for donations to
The Costa Foundation.
The charity has raised 10,000 in the last two months in the Yorkshire
region alone, and the money will now be used to build a classroom in one of Costa's coffee-buying regions.
Desmond, who turns 30 next week, said that winning the region would be the best birthday gift.
He added: "I'm never happier than when I'm behind the counter making coffee for the customers and this would be a great way of saying thank you."
David Padbury, Yorkshire area manager for Costa Coffee parent company Whitbread, said: "Desmond has worked really hard for this and we are very proud that he has been named Costa Barista (coffee maker) of the Year 2010 Yorkshire."
As well as making his signature drink on Friday, Desmond will have to deliver a presentation on its origins and ingredients.
If he wins he will compete against nine other finalists, including Costa baristas from India and the Middle East, China and Europe, for an all-inclusive holiday for two to an as yet undisclosed destination.
Last year's winner enjoyed a trip to Costa Rica.
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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