The coffee-drinking experience has become so much more than slamming a cuppa joe to get your morning buzz. You can tailor your waking fuel in so many ways that it often no long resembles coffee. In an age of syrupy-sweet concoctions, Joe Bean Coffee Roasters (1344 University Ave.) offers a return to a purer appreciation for the java juice, presenting a variety of origins, in-house roasts, and brewing techniques to bring out the best of the bean.

But that doesn't mean its baristas don't bring an element of artful playfulness into the coffee. Joe Bean baristas make beautiful patterns in the foam that tops off their lattés, and if you've ever ordered one, you've probably sipped precariously, trying to preserve the art while you enjoy the creamy beverage.

Last fall, Joe Bean hosted its first Latté Art Throwdown, for which local coffee professionals came together to showcase their skill and creativity before a panel of coffee judges. On Friday, January 20, starting at 7:30 p.m., this friendly competition will reprise, and you, dear coffee lover, get to taste the spoils of the play for free. The event is open to spectators and will include samples of artisan food, locally crafted beer, and hand-brewed coffee.  For more information, or to participate, call 319-5279, email benturiano@joebeanroasters.com, or visit joebeanroasters.com.