GOLD WINNER
Ellie Leblanc, Selby’s Bunker Coffee & Gifts1090 Cole Harbour Road
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SILVER WINNER
Sarah Jupp, Dilly Dally Coffee Cafe6100 Quinpool Road
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BRONZE WINNER
Keegan Blue, Weird Harbour Espresso Bar1656 Barrington Street
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When we reach this year’s gold-winning Best Barista, she’s in the middle of a busy shift at Selby’s Bunker in Cole Harbour. Ellie Leblanc exclaims, “What? I won?” and leaves the counter to take the call from the stockroom. “I’m super surprised,” she says, “and I’m super stoked—I just wanted it and I work so hard to be one of the best baristas.” So what does it take to be crowned the Best Barista in town? “Giving them the perfect drink along with the best customer service,” Leblanc says. “I also just remember things about them, about their lives, about their families that they tell me and I'll remember for the next time they come.” Her favourite drink to make is a cappuccino, because she has to skilfully foam the milk just perfectly. “I'm so grateful and thankful to all the customers who voted,” Leblanc says.