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As a judge watches closely, Matt Longoria tamps his coffee during the Northwest Regional Barista Competition this weekend at the Temple Theater. There were 23 contestants in the three-day competition, which was sponsored by the Speciality Coffee Association of America and hosted by Dillanos Coffee Roasters. 

Jordan Barber pours his specialty drink during the Northwest Regional Barista Competition.  Twenty three baristas from the Pacific Northwest participated in the competition. Each barista had 15 minutes to make 12 drinks for four judges while three other judges watched.

By hosting the  Northwest Regional Barista Competition, Tacoma hopes to further establish itself as a coffee community.

LINK: Northwest Regional Barista Competition cover story