Latte art and James Beard Foundation

The James Beard Foundation (JBF) Awards Gala takes place May 3 in New York City and while many are eagerly awaiting to see which of the finalists will win for Best Chef, Best New Restaurant and Young Rising Chef, another competition is taking place that you can participate in: JBF's blog Delights & Prejudices and illy espresso's Latte Art Contest.

On May 4, the winner will be announced and receive a Francis Francis X7 iperEspresso Machine Kit valued at $320 (€240).

If you want to see a dragon emerge from crème with frothed milk and vote for the best latte art that is "too beautiful to drink", go to: http://www.jamesbeard.org/blog/index.php/2010/04/giveaway-illy-latte-art-contest-finalists/

Additionally, baristas keep practicing because the 11th Annual World Barista Championship in London will take place June 23-25.

2010 marks the 20th anniversary of the James Beard Foundation (JBF) Awards that will honor a wide range of talent in the food and beverage industry in the USA including chefs, restaurateurs, cookbook authors, food journalists, restaurant designers, architects, farmers, bread bakers, winemakers, cheese makers and more at a black-tie gala. The awards are considered a "social and gastronomic highlight of the year." To view a full list of the finalists, go to: www.jbfawards.com/nominees.html