Smacked down

Top Seattle Pour If, when you ask about Saturday's Smackdown, your friendly barista only mentions the cozy feelings of camaraderie they felt with the baristas from all over the city, or the great turn out, or the flowing beer, or even the tasty food, but fails to mention the competition, don't be too surprised. While we had our share of great pours (and our share of chokes) our laid back LA friends went home with the trophy. Top LA Pour We do extend a heart felt (honest!) congratulations to the winner, Phil Kim, from Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea, and to the crew from LA for representing and besting Seattle as the top city. For his efforts, Phil Kim walked away with the grand prize- two days & two nights, hotel & flight sponsored by Victrola Coffee & Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea to Seattle, WA. Laila Ghambardi, from Urban Coffee Lounge, took the top prize for Seattle. With only 2.5 point difference between her and her LA opponent, Phil, it was definitely a close call. Laila won a Chemex Brewer, grinder, scale, and engraved tamper from Visions Espresso Service. The next morning, while the rest of us were recovering, she woke up early and competed in the NW Regional Barista Competition Finals. Our very own sassy Kelleen Blanchard took second place for Seattle. She won a Chemex Brewer, engraved tamper & other goodies from Visions Espresso Service (all of which, I have heard, are prominently displayed in her kitchen). Check out photos of the pours and a video recording of the event.