Don’t forget! Join Zach and the gang tomorrow at 10 AM for the weekly Busy Bee coffee cupping–maybe stay and enjoy delicious brunch, yes? Mmm…brunch.
-Lydia
the toughest designs to judge: which do you pick?
When I started the Thursday Night Throwdown a year ago, I had no idea that it would become so significantly bombastic. Not only am I refering to attendance, but the skill level has just been risen time and time again. Months ago I threw out judging forms and the formalities of the TNT to help the judges feel relaxed and at ease. I felt the absence of score cards would take some of the pressure off both the competitors and the judges, but not last night. The talent pool was so large that the judges struggled at times with their decisions. Even some of the veteran latte artists let their nerves get the better of them. The skillful krew (spelled with a ”k” to show how badass these baristas are) of Jo Van Gogh was in full effect alongside Open Eye, Scratch, Busy Bee, 3 Cups and I can’t forget my main man Larz who always represents Electric Beanz out of South Raleigh. After the dissipation of crema, the cooling of steam wands and yet another round of Ameztoi Getariako Txakolina Rose Rubentis, we had a winner. For the second time in her career as a barista for La Farm Bakery in Cary, NC, Steph Caronna took the July TNT crown. Wear it with pride and brag all month long that you are the best in the Triangle.
There is a new shop in town and they are going to host the next TNT. Scratch Baking out of Durham, NC will take on the coveted role of hosting the next TNT on August 26th at 7 pm. Until then, keep your steam wands clean…
Because we can’t ALL make it to Counter Culture on Friday mornings…I hope to see YOU at the Busy Bee’s very first Saturday cupping! This week, we’ll taste three very different coffees representing three very different continents –come out and pick your favorite!
-Lydia
First of all, I want to thank all baristas who have been coming out to the Triangle Thursday Night Throwdowns. THANKS! We made it to a year and it would not have been possible without the extraordinary support from all area baristas and their fans. We are truly the coffee freaks of the industry. Three regions that include different shops and roasters have been competing in this friendly latte art battle for a year and you all keep coming back. My heart dropped a little when I heard the sighs after announcing there would not be a TNT this month. I couldn’t let the TNT go out like that, so its here and its here to stay.
Big Coffee Freak shout to the one year anniversary TNT winner last month, Simon Aceves. Simon is no newbie to the winner’s circle, but it was a battle he almost lost to the comeback kid, Kent from Jo Van Gogh. Kent survived elimination when his name was pulled from the redemption bucket and he made it all the way to the final round. The crowd favorite, but it all came down to the judging. 2 to 1 in favor of Simon. Great job guys.
A new month brings another competition to the triangle. 3 Cups is no stranger to hosting TNTs. July 29th will be a night to remember at 3 Cups as baristas from all over the triangle and surrounding areas converge once again for latte art supremacy. Be there at 7pm to compete and/or support your favorite local barista. Sign up starts at 7pm with a $5 entry fee that could result in you winning the entire pot! Get everyone out, co-workers, coffee enthusiasts, home baristas, shop baristas, there is no such thing as “I used to be a barista”, once a barista always a barista, so sign up!
See you there! And remember…keep those steam wands clean.
The first Friday night of the month means there’s a lot going on in downtown Raleigh, including a guest espresso in the hopper at the Busy Bee! Tonight is especially special, because they’re featuring our brand new blend–Espresso Apollo! Make sure you stop in for a shot and taste what everyone’s been talking about!
Michael Harwood of Caffe Driade edged out Ian Dunn from Cafe Helios to win last night’s RDU-TNT. Thanks to everyone for coming out!
Put up your dukes!
