We are so delighted to be a sponsor of the TNTNW (that’s Thursday Night Throwdown Northwest) series, which has been incredibly well-organized and consistently draws a huge turnout, and just recently celebrated its second birthday! This monthly gathering of coffee colleagues moves around the region once a month to hold a big ol’ party, invite local baristas to throwdown some latte art, and to offer a casual, fun environment for community building and friendship. It’s awesome. We totally dig it.
I’m still buzzing from all the fun that was had last night at the TNTNW hosted by Olympia Coffee Roasting!
I’m here in Olympia, Washington, the morning after last night’s TNT event, and I’m still smiling from all the good memories. Loads of folks came in from as far as Seattle and Portland to take part in this free evening of revelry, and it was a huge success. Special props to Sam from Oly Coffee Roasting, who MC-ed and hosted us all at the company’s gorgeous new location on Capitol Way.
Here are some photos from the fun that was had. And stay tuned to the official TNTNW website for deets on upcoming events!
Sam of Olympia Coffee Roasting lays down the rules at the start of last night’s event. Thanks so much to Oly Coffee for hosting!Judges included Joshua Boyt of Victrola Coffee in Seattle (and also owner of the hot little cafe in Tacoma, Metronome); and Jay Lejewski of Four Barrel Coffee in San Francisco.I brought all the Allens to the TNTNW — my sister, Jen, who lives here, and my mom and dad (pictured) who were in town visiting from Berkeley, California. Here, my dad models the brand-spankin-new BMag tshirts we just got in!Old friends: Anna and Bronwen (both former Barista Magazine cover girls) share a hug.TNTNW wouldn’t be nearly as awesome without the work and efforts of Panda (left) of Espresso Parts, one of the title sponsors of the events. Thanks, Panda! Here Panda toasts Ben, of Batdorf & Bronson.Honor (in green short at right) of Olympia Coffee Roasting, is all smiles behind the bar.Two of the most talented latte artists ”and sweetest guys ”in the NW, Cole (of Visions, left), and Brandon (of Slate Coffee) pose for a photo.Bronwen pours into a soup ladle to the crowd’s delight. There were all kinds of cups to use for this competition, and competitors got to choose from them. But as the night wore on, the wackier vessels ”gravy boats, candle holders, ashtrays among them ”were left for the top contenders.The last two stading: Bronwen and Brandon toast each other with their vessels before pouring.Brandon did a fantastic job…And as the judges tallied the scores, he and Bronwen high fived each other…And then Bronwen was announced as the winner!Congratulations to the many amazing baristas who poured at last night’s TNTNW at Olympia Coffee Roasting! It was such an awesome night!
Sarah Allen (she/her) is co-founder and editor of Barista Magazine, the international trade magazine for coffee professionals. A passionate advocate for baristas, quality, and the coffee community, Sarah has traveled widely to research stories, interact with readers, and present on a variety of topics affecting specialty coffee. She also loves animals, swimming, ice cream, and living in Portland, Oregon.
