“You can dump out your shot but not your milk. You only get one chance. Let’s get this started!”

It’s 8 pm on a Thursday night and Phil Proteau from Counter Culture Coffee is running around trying to direct everyone’s attention to the front countertops. Baristas from different coffee shops around the Philadelphia area are laughing and catching up over drinks as they wait their turn to steam, tilt and pour perfection.

This is the second Lovers and Madmen Latte Art Competition building on the enthusiasm generated from their first one two months ago. As a way to strengthen the bonds between the coffee community, Lovers and Madmen has succeeded with these new, friendly competitions. Since opening her shop at the corner of 40th and Walnut Streets in March 2009, Penn alum and owner Megan Powers hoped that her coffee place would bring a positive change to the in-limbo neighborhood. She wanted to create a place that students and families alike residing in the West Philadelphia area could enjoy.

The inspiration behind the name? Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. “Lovers and madmen have such seething brains, such shaping fantasies, that apprehend more than cool reason ever comprehends.” After all, the shop was created for lovers and madmen of coffee. The theme resonates through the space with teas blends such as “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” and “Titan’s Garden,” and fairies under the venue’s logo.

Lovers and Madmen purchases its beans from Counter Culture Coffee, an organization that takes pride in, “introducing people to authentic, delicious coffee that is produced with care by talented farmers dedicated to fair, democratic principles, sustainable agriculture, and the cultivation of the highest quality coffees imaginable.” The coffee lounge also purchases many of their baked goods from local retailers: Under the Oak Café (located on Oak Lane in Philadelphia) and Four Worlds Bakery (located at 4423 Chestnut Street in University City).

The audience settles down, and Josh from One Shot Coffee in Northern Liberties is up first. Contestants are judged based on four categories including: balance and symmetry, color infusion and definition, use of space and overall impression. He begins by “tamping,” firmly packing ground coffee into a filter handle, locks it in place and then lets coffee drip into a cappuccino cup. Next, he pours a cup of whole milk into a stainless steel pitcher and heats it up using a steam wand to create foam. When the milk reaches his desired temperature, he spins the pitcher counterclockwise and swirls the milk around as the temperature rises. Too cold or too hot will not produce the designs intended.

Josh tilts the coffee cup to a 15° angle with one hand and uses his free hand to pour the foamed milk. He simultaneously shakes the pitcher back and forth ever so gently while pouring the milk, creating ribbon formations while a floral design emerges.

Latte Art Competitions were first introduced by a barista at Octane Coffee Bar & Lounge in Atlanta and have spread all over the country. It is clear that Lovers and Madmen has decided to join in on the fun. Counter Coffee Culture’s Proteau gleamed, “This is a great way uphold community. It can be beneficial to rub elbows. Every barista has a different style, so it’s nice to learn about new techniques and get everyone together when it’s cold out." Featured as the “Thursday Throw down,” the competition is five dollars to enter. Winners take home a cash prize (total entry fees) and a surprise gift from Counter Culture Coffee.

If you have experience, make your way over and give it a shot (so to speak). Competitions are held every last Thursday of each month. Haven’t frothed milk before? Stop by to watch the artists at work and grab a drink. Coffees are priced $1.75-$4.00. The coffees here have a dark, rich flavor that never leaves too much of a bitter aftertaste. Teas, smoothies and other beverages range from $1.75-$4.50.

Hungry? Lovers and Madmen sells croissants, scones and cookies from Le Bus, Under the Oak Café and Four World Bakery.

For more sustenance, try a sandwich. I recommend the Turkey and Brie: toasted French baguette, slices of roasted turkey breast, a thick slice of melted brie and cranberry chutney. Another great sandwich is the Roasted Vegetable with Mozzarella and Pesto: roasted red peppers and zucchini is topped with mozzarella and basil pesto.

With top quality coffee and appetizing food, Lovers and Madmen offers something more – Latte Art Competitions that bring together enthusiastic baristas and area coffee lovers. Remember: You can dump out your shot but not your milk.

Jessica Leung is a student at Drexel University majoring in culinary arts with a minor in communications (journalism focus) and marketing. While she knows that print media is currently a dying breed, she still hopes that there will be food writing opportunities in the future. Her local restaurant reviews can be seen in The Triangle, Drexel's student run newspaper.

Article photograph from Presta, via Flickr (Creative Commons), "Events" photograph from Marty M.Ito, via Flickr (Creative Commons), "Philly" photograph from camardella, via Flickr (Creative Commons).