Raine Frederickson (pictured right) swooped down to the Crescent City en route from Philladelphia to Portland, Oregon. He grabbed the April TNT title along the way and recently shared a few thoughts with us.

Where are you from originally, where are you coming from and where are you going?

I grew up in Portland, Oregon. I found myself signing up for the Nola TNT in the middle of big southbound road trip from Philadelphia back to Portland.

What’s your coffee resume look like, and how did you get into the craft?

My coffee resume feels pretty short I guess. I picked up my first job at a cafe in northern Seattle a couple years ago. The coffee side of their program was really lacking but it provided a great training ground cause I could really do whatever I wanted with the coffee and learn that way. A year later I landed a job at a wonderful coffee shop, El Diablo in Queen Anne, Seattle.

I moved to Philly in September and found the end all best spot, OX Coffee! It will be hard to find a place to work as rad as that shop, but I heard that’s not the worst problem to have. If you’re in Philly, hit them up – they will treat you right.

Based upon your experience in New Orleans, do you have any thoughts/takeaways about the local scene?

For only having been in Nola for a hot second, I was impressed by the energy I saw pushing for specialty coffee! I was able to check out a few shops that were very cool. Solo Espresso and the home dawgs at Mojo Coffeehouse provided a friendly, easy vibe. I also enjoyed Cherry Coffee’s slogan: “Best coffee, worst location.”

Do you have a preferred espresso/milk ration or cup type for latte art?

They’re all fun. I’m a big fan of a dropper full of espresso in a blank portafilter and pouring in the basket. Total insanity.

What do you think about the massive haul of TNT prizes? Used anything yet?

It’s a joke how much stuff all of the sponsors provided for the winners! I am super excited to take away all this loot.

We drove from Austin, Tx, through the night to Marfa and stole a big gulp cup of hot water from a gas station to use the aeropress heheh. We’ve also been enjoying the Bulleit.

Thanks Nola!

Do anything fun/interesting while you were visiting New Orleans?

I got the word internet tattooed on my chest! You can see it on insta @hugebigthankyou 😉

Why the move from Philly to Portland? Was this specifically to work in coffee?

The move back to Portland is feeling like a long overdue check in with my stomping grounds. I’m excited at the idea of continuing my path in coffee and feel open to every opportunity that comes along.