Stefano Zerafa, lead barman in the Kudéta Lounge Bar at Le Méridien St Julians Hotel and Spa, placed fourth in the finals of the 'Taste of Discovery' coffee challenge, held recently in Trieste, Italy.

Stefano's entry, 'Mojito Illy', was selected by Le Méridien master barista Fritz Storm to make the finals from among 70 entrants in Le Méridien hotels around the world. Three pairs of recipes were selected for the finals, a hot coffee recipe, a cold coffee recipe and an alcoholic coffee recipe.

Devansh Ashar, from Le Royal Méridien Mumbai, Stefano's direct opponent, won the contest with his 'Illy Caffé Mojito'.

The finals were judged by Mr Storm and Illy Caffé chairman and CEO Andrea Illy. After preparing the cocktail, during which Stefano was required to explain the process, he was asked why he chose this particular drink.

"Since the mojito is well known in Malta, I decided to mix it with coffee and the result was very good. It has been accepted by our clients," Mr Zerafa said.

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