The third annual Latte Art Throwdown at Fidel & Co. (500 Shall Ave.) is the place to be on Saturday whether you enjoy coffee and admire the abilities of the local cafe scene or if you’re a barista seeking friendly competition.
Here’s how a Latte Art Throwdown operates if you haven’t participated before: In a bracket-style competition, Little Rock coffee connoisseurs and a few baristas from nearby states will compete to see who can rise to the challenge of creating the most amazing tulips, swans, hearts, or anything else they can think of using espresso and steamed milk. Symmetry, definition, contrast, and beauty are the foundations of judgment.
Here is where baristas can register. A Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine (WTF!), a Macap LEO 55 Coffee Grinder from Pro Coffee Gear, a Timemore Black Mirror Coffee Scale, and a Matcha Starter Kit from Spirit Tea are among the fantastic prizes offered by the contest sponsors. Entry is $10.
A social media post from Fidel & Co. states that anyone can pour, regardless of whether they work as a barista full-time or part-time or are just a hobbyist. Hell, I haven’t poured since 2015, and even then, I was a disgrace. This reporter could compete.
For this year’s competition, Fidel & Co. has teamed up with the Thea Foundation. The group that promotes arts education in North Little Rock will receive all of the money made from barista entrees. Furthermore, 50% of the bag sales of the Thea Blend, a new coffee blend developed by Fidel & Co., will go to the foundation.
Nick Leopoulos of the Thea Foundation, Logan Tribble, a wholesale specialist and barista at Fidel & Co. (who was the winner last year), and the local illustrator and animator Oatmealgoth, who created this flier (on the cover of the Arkansas Times last December) are this year’s judges:
You’re probably already aware that the baristas at Fidel & Co. aren’t fooling around; they can throw down. Fidel & Co. baristas Olivia Blair, whose winning latte featured symmetrical stacked flowers, and Logan Tribble, who poured a double-winged swan, emerged victorious in the last two competitions. Since they have a connection to the steam and espresso equipment, they also likely have a slight home advantage. However, since the judges are unaware of who poured which latte, anyone can win.
If you simply want to stop in and watch the magic happen, there is no cover fee.Throughout the evening, raffle prizes will be given out, and Tacos Godoy will be parked outside selling food for purchase.
The first pour will take place at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30.
It’s dragon-slaying time!
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