N.C.O.T.

Mama taught us well. When she asked for an N.C.O.T, we were meant to rush off to the kitchen, boil water, and steep the teabags for exactly four minutes, thereby making a Nice Cup Of Tea. Now that we’re old enough to appreciate the leafy brew in all of its robust complexity, nice doesn’t quite cut it. We want the perfect pot o’ tea, the ideal cuppa joe, the model macchiato. And we’re on a mission to find it at the Tea and Coffee World Cup, taking place today through January 11 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

There’ll be presentations and discussions about the trends, tastes, and technology of tea and coffee, but we know why you’ll really be attending – to sample the brews. To witness hot-drink-making mastery, check out the Ultimate Barista Challenge, which will feature one-on-one duels in arenas like “Latte Art,” “Espresso Frappé,” and “Best of Brew Challenge.” Pour us another! Individual sessions cost $50, a day pass costs $90, or visit www.tcworldcup.com to register for a free visitor pass.
Jan. 9-11, 2008