We have achieved a little recognition from national media outlets like the well respected New York Times and the semi tongue-n-cheek but truth minded mouth piece of specialty coffee, Spurdge.
We would like to think that the reasons for the attention are obvious: great Philadelphia coffee, great Philadelphia people. Our little monthly shinndig is regularly a destination event for world class Baristas from neighboring coffee scenes in Wilmington DE, Lancaster PA, Washington DC and NYC. But why has ours become the destination? Why are these out-of-towners so ready to truck in from 2 hours away on a weekday night? Because we throw a party like no other? Maybe, but we remember how the humble beginnings were lowly attended and somewhat quiet evenings among close friends.
Last night’s TNT, hosted by Bodhi Coffee, included panfulls of pulled pork and mac-n-cheese, crock pots of rice with chicken, and a full sized keg of Kenzinger. The crowd even sang the Birthday Song for Bodhi’s 1 year anniversary. A hot and muggy night did not keep away the crowds, who packed in and spilled way out on the sidewalk with food and beverages. Mister Mike Jones, of Third Rail Coffee in NYC, took home the prize money, stealing it away from our local Elixr manager Brian Hunsinger. (Note to local Baristas: you ganna keep letting NY win this or what?). Our photo device ran short of electrical demands, so bare with us as we wait for helpful coffee friends to email photos of the event.
The first 5 or 6 months of TNTs consisted of one case of beer, of which there was usually a six pack left over at the end of the evening. We must pay homage toLovers and Madmen for agreeing to host those several original events, seeing us through our infancy. Of the sudden, several other coffee shops asked if they could host, and the schedule soon became booked a year out. Shops wait for months and months for their opportunity to raise the bar, like Chestnut Hill putting out the first great spread of food, Town Hall’s karaoke night, Spruce Street’s Mid Atlantic Barista Mom (Betty Ortiz) connecting Aida Battle, coffee producer in El Salvador, via skype to judge the Halloween costume party edition. Every other host, Ultimo Coffee, Shot Tower, Elixr, have all had equally bombastic events. In the months to come are some 2d time hosts, looking to outdo their last show, and some other hotly awaited first timers. Milkboy’s soon to open Center City location, at 11th and Chestnut, will show off their full coffee, food, music, and liquor bar. And do not miss the greatly anticipated TNT at La Colombe‘s flagship store with their twin Syneso Cyncra machines later in the year.
Whatever the variables may be that came together to make our winning formula, the fact is that of all the monthly coffee and Barista events in North America, the Philadelphia TNT is, without a doubt, the hottest, biggest, foodiest, and most drinky event there is.
