NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) – If you’ve ever been to a coffee shop, you may have noticed a flower or heart drawn into the foam on that fresh cup of Joe. But did you know that there’s a competition in New Orleans to see who can do the best design?
Throwdown in-the-Round is a monthly competition for anyone and everyone, not just baristas, to see who has the most skill in those delicious drips.
That fresh cup of coffee can be more than just a pick me up in the morning. It can also be a work of art. And no, we’re not talking about needing 15 words to spit out your order. We’re talking about the foam on top.
Mike Porfiris, Lead Barista at District Donuts on Magazine Street, tell us that the foam itself is what makes the design possible, “So you add, you incorporate air into the milk only a little bit. If you add more air, it’s going to give you that very thick foam; but if you add less air, it’s going to give you that micro-foam.”
And that micro-foam makes a difference. It’s what allows baristas, like Mike, the ability to create the fantastic designs that delight the eyes before delighting your taste buds. And according to Mike, anyone can do it. With a little practice of course.
“It’s really like a hundred plus pours, and it just makes sense. It’s all rhythm, it’s all muscle memory,” he said.
Mike will be participating in Throwdown In-the-Round Thursday night and showing off his latte design skills. He and other baristas from across the city will compete to see who is the top foam designer and anybody can enter, even you!
The competition is Thursday at 7:30 at French Truck Coffee located at 1200 Magazine Street in the Lower Garden District. There’s no admission to watch and enjoy the competition, but if you’re planning on entering, there’s a $5 buy in.
