InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa is delighted that their resident coffee expert, Ms Hansini Gounder, was recognised once again for her expert barista skills as “2018 Piazza D’Oro Barista of the Year” at the annual Moffat National Salon Culinaire Competition on 19th October 2018.
A familiar and friendly face at InterContinental Fiji’s main Sanasana Restaurant since 2012, Hansini has polished and continued to challenge her skill set for brewing fantastic gourmet coffee.
Qualifying rounds for the 2018 Piazza D’Oro Barista of the Year began this year in August with participants from the Coral Coast region competing in various challenges. Finalists then entered regional competitions with the Coral Coast event hosted at the Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort.
To win the Finals, Hansini had to demonstrate her coffee making skills by preparing two flat whites, two espressos and two lattes of exceptional taste; and then clean her work station within a 20 minute timeframe.
“I am excited that I won Barista of the Year once again in 2018! To defend my title, I started my coffee competition training from early May this year to ensure that my skills stay at the tip of my fingers. I worked extensively with my fellow colleagues and our Executive Chef, David Bell, to not only win the competition, but to also provide the best coffee experience for our in-house guests,” says Hansini.
“This journey is very rewarding as the competition had Fiji’s most established baristas and to win is a testimony of all the unconditional support and guidance I’ve had from my family, friends and colleagues at the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa along the way.”
“We have quite a lot of coffee enthusiasts and connoisseurs who stay at the resort or even just pass by Natadola Bay to have their daily caffeine boost. It really gives me a great feeling to deliver the best brew to kick start their day and our winning true InterContinental Fiji hospitality goes a long way to making sure that the day is an amazing one,” adds Hansini.
Craig Wood, Director of Dining & Entertainment at the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa said, “It is a true pleasure to work alongside Hansini and support her growth as Fiji’s most exceptional barista. She is extremely passionate and dedicated to her art, and it is fantastic to see her recognised again for her efforts to not only defend her established position, but also her contribution to our guests’ premium dining experience at our resort!”
InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa is part of the InterContinental Hotel Group (IHG) with over 5,000 and 744,000 guest rooms in nearly 100 countries. Overlooking the azure waters of Natadola Beach – voted by CNN as one of the best beaches in the world, and Fiji’s finest beach, the resort is spread across 35 acres of tropical manicured gardens and offers all of the facilities and services expected of luxury international resort.
Hansini Gounder – InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa’s Head Barista
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