Gimme! Coffee hosted the 2008 Northeast Regional Barista competition in Ithaca.

Coffee geeks from all over the country came out to play.

Along with the competition, there were free workshops (and free coffee!).

Our sponsors, volunteers, judges, and competitors worked all weekend to make the event possible.

From 2007 to 2008, we doubled the number of competitors.

Everyone hunkered down at the State Theatre for the weekend.

The Gimme! crew: Director of Training Erin McCarthy, Account Representative (and competitor) Lance Nichols, and CEO Kevin Cuddeback.

The judges arrived a day early for an intensive training and certification test.

Tomas Reyer, Gimme! Master Technician, takes a stroll around the boiler.

Competitors get ready backstage.

Hustle! Bustle!

There are two days of competition. On the first day, everyone competes; on the second day, finalists come back for another round.

The baristas must prepare 4 espressos and 4 cappuccinos, plus a unique signature drink.

Chris Deferio of Carriage House Cafe warms up at his station.

Must refuel.

Jay Murdock of Cafe Grumpy.

Hint: the best seats are in the balcony.

Nick Cho, MC.

Lance prepares his signature drink, espresso with homemade hazelnut milk and sage-infused honey whipped cream.

The technical judges score the process, while the sensory judges taste the result.

Technique, taste, and style all count for points.

Local apples and sage serve as garnish.

Please, sir, may I have another?

Lance tells the judges about the ingredients and the coffee blend.

Katie Carguilo of Counter Culture Coffee, under pressure.

Katie's signature drink featured espresso blended with a bright pink beet coulis.

Down the hatch!

At NERBC, coffee is culinary ...

... right down to the mineral water and table settings.

For competitors and judges alike, it's a high-pressure event.

Speed is critical — each barista has only 15 minutes to complete their drinks.

Amber Sather of Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea, preparing her signature drink.

These confections helped earn Amber first place.

Amber presented her drinks with an NYC themed menu and table setting.

The best job in the house.

And the final pour.

From left to right, the finalists and their lovingly hand-crafted trophies: Chris Deferio (2nd place), Amber Sather (1st place), and Katie Carguilo (3rd place). Congratulations to all!