Kaldi's Coffehouse Proves They Serve One of the Country's Best Cups

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Kaldi's über barista and trainer, Mike Marquard, preparing drinks for
the judges at the 2009 United States Barista Competition.
(Photo via Kaldi's website)

In case you needed further confirmation that Kaldi's Coffee Roasting Company is the best cup of joe in the city, recently they were judged to be among the best in the nation.  Kaldi's baristas Mike Marquard, Micah Svedja and Joe Marrocco headed to the 2009 United States Barista Competition in Portland to put their brewing prowess to the test and their espresso was judged to be among the best in the country. Kaldi's was one of only three US coffee roasters to brew and froth their way to a finals spot in the competition.

Mike Marquard made the competition's finals with the debut of a new drink at the competition that he calls the Espresso 700 Competition Edition. His gourmet espresso drink was made by infusing the Kaldi's espresso into a caramel and sea salt concoction and then smoking the drink with honey pipe tobacco. Mike prepared his drink for the four competition judges at their table; two of the judges gave him high marks for flavor, one judge scored based on technique and the fourth rated his cleanliness. You too can try the coffee house's victorious drink at all of their location for a limited time.

Kaldi's has been a St. Louis coffee staple for the last 15 years since they opened their original coffee house in Clayton on Demun. Since they first took up residence in the park district right next to Wash U, they have expanded to offer their signature espresso drinks and fresh baked treats in Clayton, Downtown, Kirkwood, Chesterfield, and Columbia. One of the remarkable things about Kaldi's is that each location can, and does, serve a consistently great espresso beverage. They are often recognized as one of the best coffee shops in the city for that very reason.

To find a location to try the drink that was rated one of the country's best espresso concoctions, visit the Kaldi's website.

Kaldi's coffee shop is proud of their baristas' brewing prowess.