Saturday, July 30, 2005

Latte Treat

A couple of hours ago, I was sitting in a Coffee Bean outlet at Tampines, savouring the whiff of the caffeinized atmosphere and gently sipping the Latte I then ordered. It was to make up for the rainy weather. While my lips plunged ocassionally into the hot drink, I held my hands round its body, scrutinized its contents and was deep in thoughts.
Nope. I wasn't thinking about anything that has gotta do with my daily living. In lieu, I was thinking, what's so special about a cup of Latte? When served, you see that it's covered with a thin layer of foam. It doesn't look flattering, just that it is merely coffee mixed with steamed milk which has a richer and milkier taste than Cappuccino. You won't boast about drinking Latte because people around will think you're nuts. There's something missing in that cup of drink.
It is Art.


Beauty of Latte Art.

Wouldn't it be nice to have your cup of Latte designed? Last year, while I was on holiday in Los Angeles, my family and I happened to walk into this place called Urth Caffe in Beverly Hills. It is said that they brew the finest tea and richest coffee in Hollywood. The tour leader's recommendation, though she claimed that there's barely a chance of getting a table. Truly and unfortunately, we didn't get to taste any of it because it was really crowded, since it was a Sunday. What a waste! But I caught a glimpse of a man or rather, a Latte artist behind the counter pouring his Latte Art thing and the way the milk flowed under his command was somehow, amazing. It looked as though he was practically drawing the surface of the coffee with milk, and what became of it eventually was a masterpiece. It was flawless! Anyone wanting to attempt needs to be highly skilled to pour the Rosetta pattern. Lots of practice. Milk gotta be steamed to the perfect consistency with invisibly small air bubbles to ensure a smooth pour and you need to employ a few pouring tricks to achieve a beautifully-balanced finish. Knowledge about the art is insufficient. Affection needs to be engaged. The effusions of passion. It is just so cool! Given a cup, I doubt I'll drink it, because the combination is simply magnificent, perfect for appreciation. Given a chance, I'd be more than willing to learn. I'm sure an artistic cup of Latte will be so much tastier than an ordinary cup of Latte with foam-filled top.


A toast for The Lion City!

freed his mind P.Y.R.A - U.G.I.N.E at 5:16 PM [comment]

Life is beautiful, so are you.