DANIEL TAM
METRO VANCOUVER
June 25, 2009 5:13 a.m.

One of North America’s top baristas is making lattes right here in Vancouver.

Blenz Coffee employee Philip Wang finished third in the Millrock Latte Art Competition, the premier North American coffee and tea tradeshow.

The contest took place on June 15 in Las Vegas where Wang showcased his pouring skills against competitors from across the continent. He first finished in the Top 10 and eventually made it into a five-way tie for third, where he was able to beat out the competition and take his place as the third best barista in North America.

Wang started working as a barista more than three years ago at Cito Espresso downtown.
“That’s where I first learned latte art,” said Wang.

He relocated to Blenz’s Vancouver public library location, and eventually settled into his current post at the Yaletown branch and has been there ever since.

Drawn by both the skill and the intricacy of the art form, Wang said he is particularly intrigued by “the creativity of the designs.”

Another competition will take place in Seattle in September, and Wang is hoping he will be one of the 40 baristas chosen to take part.