Thursday Night Throwdown, INW style

When it comes to coffee, Spokane will never be Seattle. And if you ask me, that’s a good thing. Who needs a Starbuck’s on every other corner when we have a respectable smattering of independent coffee shops scattered througout this fine city of ours?

Indaba Coffee , one such java enthusiast Mecca, is hosting an event tonight that puts Spokane’s coffee craft front and center. Thursday Night Throwdown, a nationwide coffee trend, hit Spokane last month at Indaba Coffee in the West Central neighborhood. Local and regional baristas competed in latte art, and enjoyed the event that gained national recognition from Barista Magazine on their Twitter handle, #TNTINW.

TNTINW was started by Aaron Monheim and Bobby Enslow of Indaba Coffee. They took the idea of TNT and put their own slant on it, trying to incorporate a new level of camaraderie and sharing of ideas amongst baristas, which is at the core ethos of their company.

Tonight’s event starts at 7. Local baristas will join last month’s champion and Spokane native, Keaton Violet, as he tries to defend his mad skills title.

Stop in. Smell the coffee. Experience the craft. Prepare to be amazed. (That awesome photo, featuring an Aaron Monheim pour was taken by Smauel McGhee … thanks for sharing!)

You’ll find Indaba Coffee at 1425 W. Broadway.