Apr. 24 – “It’s easier to change your religion than to change your taste in coffee” once said Georges Courteline, French dramatist and writer, to explaoin the importance of the drink. And Italians can very well understand it, as espresso is its most popular drink. So it should come as no surprise if Italy is involved in the Iranian FBC – Fidilio Barista Championship, organized by Fidilio in partnership with Caffè River, held April 30-May 1 in Tehran. Contestants will have to make coffee drinks for a jury of experts, who will vote the best Iranian barista of 2014. Among the jurors there are also Mara Bruni and Francesco Guadagni of Caffè River, and the vice-champion of Italian Latte Art 2013 and 2014, Giuseppe Musiu. They will be in Tehran to hold a two-day training courses on espresso and cappuccino art and for the championship. The winner will fly to Italy to visit Caffè River and attend the Coffee River Training Centre in Arezzo. “Over the last few years, the interest in Iran for Italian products, and espresso in particular, has grown considerably, so as to have led to the opening of many cafés in Tehran.” The Italian espresso tradition has never been more international.
