We’ve all marvelled at those intricate designs baristas weave into the froth on the top of our lattes.
It’s likely that latte art emerged simultaneously in different countries, however it is generally agreed that it shares roots with the espresso in Italy.
Its real boom in popularity came from Seattle, thanks to David Schomer and his coffee shop Espresso Vivace. In the late 1980s, Schomer started experimenting with different shapes and by 1989, he had perfected the heart-shaped rosetta pattern, based on a picture he saw from an Italian café called Caffe Mateki.
After honing his techniques, he opened a course called ‘Caffe Latte Art’ and the concept quickly spread through Seattle, the rest of the US and the world.
Today latte art has become a marker of an experienced and skilled barista and is appreciated by coffee lovers as a more personalised touch to their café visit. Here are five venues to find your cup of happiness:
Smooth Coffee, Fast Service
Be enticed by the aroma of freshly ground beans at IV Coffee on Queen Street in Berry. Open every day, this well-loved local hang out delivers a simple offering, focusing on fantastic coffee with a select range of sweet treats and fast, friendly service; expect a comfortable and relaxed vibe opening onto the footpath, where everyone is welcome including your four-legged friends.
Try IV’s house blend, developed alongside Paradox Coffee Roasters, for a smooth coffee topped with imaginative art to go with a chewy chocolate chip cookie; perhaps order a cold brew or batch filter brew while catching up with friends. Don’t forget to grab a bag of beans to take home - you can also check out the range of accessories available online from baseball caps to mugs and tea towels.
Aromatic Coffee, Satisfying Breaky Bites
Those seeking an aromatic coffee and satisfying bite to eat in Biloela head down Kariboe Street to find The Rabbit Hole Coffee Café. This charming café is an oasis of calm with recycled wooden floors, trailing greenery, vibrant artwork and cosy Chesterfield chairs to chill out on.
From early this eatery is abuzz with lively conversation as guests enjoy plates like housemade savoury mince on sourdough to go with their lattes topped with a swan, or chow down on a pulled pork and slaw burger with a side of chips. Perhaps a green bowl hits the mark with halloumi, chicken, mushroom, tomato, capsicum, zucchini, sauerkraut and quinoa, or a ham, egg, cheese, spinach and Hollandaise jaffle.
Community-minded Coffee Venue
Enjoy a morning caffeine hit at community-minded beach café, Milk & Beans Coffee House, a much-loved local for those in and around Alexandra Headland and tourists visiting the Sunshine Coast. Fitted out with a trendy rustic style, inside feels warm and inviting with an exposed red brick wall adorned in dangling green fronds and ornaments, while recycled timber beams hold in place long cords of globes dropping from the ceiling.
Team an artfully decorated Kai Coffee with breakfast tempters of truffled roasted mushrooms, crispy kale chips, almond cream, sautéed Italian spinach and a poached egg, on toasted brioche; sweet tooths salivate over Biscoff and caramel banana waffles with whipped butter, butterscotch sauce and Biscoff crumble.
Every Cup Tells a Story
More than just coffee, Bambino Espresso on Miles Street in Mount Isa is where every cup tells a story of passion, tradition and excellence. Founded on the principles of quality brewing, expect the finest coffee beans sourced from around the world, expertly roasted and brewed to deliver a taste that transcends the ordinary, along with brunch fare with flair.
A bright and breezy vibe of blond wood table settings, neon signage and potted greenery sets the scene for lingering over a coffee adorned with the café logo and an Asian omelette topped with chicken mince and chilli jam, garnished with snow peas, zesty fresh chilli and fragrant coriander. Perhaps wrap your hands around a slow-braised brisket sub with slaw, tangy blue cheese dressing, Swiss cheese and pickles.
Join the Lively Breaky Crowd
Discover a little slice of paradise at Coast Palm Beach café on Barrenjoey Road. Find a white and blond vibe in keeping with the coastal lifestyle, along with a wooden surfboard on the wall and ship’s captain’s steering wheel on the counter; while the alfresco area with rattan umbrellas and hanging potted greenery is the ideal spot on balmy days.
Join the lively breakfast crowd for arancini, poached egg, spinach, roast tomato, toasted pita and tzatziki, or wrap your hands around a breaky wrap with bacon, egg, halloumi, tomato, avocado and tabasco sauce in a Greek pita, best enjoyed with an artful coffee. Later diners opt for a prawn roll with lettuce, cucumber, avocado and seafood sauce, or a stacked lamb burger with lettuce, tomato, halloumi, fried egg, BBQ sauce, tzatziki and fries.
