A Heart in My Cup: Discovering Latte Art and a Perfect Morning in Ocean City

It was early on August 3, 2021. I woke up in a cozy hotel room by the beach in Ocean City, feeling the remnants of a late night on the boardwalk bars. My head ached slightly, but it wasn’t the hangover that bothered me; it was the desperate need for coffee. Unfortunately, the hotel lobby was empty of the life-giving brew, so I quietly left my girlfriend asleep and set out downtown in search of caffeine.

Fate was kind that morning. As I strolled along Baltimore Avenue, the scent of roasted coffee beans wafted through the air and guided me to a quaint café on the corner of Talbot Street; “All Friends Hub and Specialty Coffee Shop.” It was early, and I was the first customer.

The café was charming, with its warm interiors and the comforting hum of an espresso machine. The barista, a European college student spending his summer in Ocean City, greeted me with a welcoming smile. He was as passionate about coffee as I was eager to drink it, and we struck up a wonderful conversation.

I ordered a cappuccino, and what came next completely changed my relationship with coffee. With precision and an artist’s flair, the barista created a heart design in the creamy foam; a stunning piece of latte art.

It wasn’t just the coffee that stood out that morning (though it was rich, velvety, and exactly what I needed); it was the magic of the presentation. The heart on my cappuccino was a simple yet profound gesture, elevating my coffee moment to something almost poetic.

As I enjoyed my cup, I learned a bit from the barista about the history of latte art. This beautiful tradition traces its origins to Italy, like so many things related to coffee, but it truly flourished in Seattle during the 1980s. Coffee pioneer David Schomer is often credited with popularizing latte art when he began experimenting with designs at his café, Espresso Vivace.

Latte art relies on the perfect blend of espresso and steamed milk. The milk is steamed to create microfoam—tiny, smooth bubbles that are creamy rather than airy. The barista pours this milk carefully into the espresso, skillfully swirling it to create patterns like hearts, rosettas, and tulips.

You might wonder, “What kind of cream is used for this art?” In reality, it isn’t cream but precisely textured milk. Whole milk is ideal because its fat content helps achieve the right consistency for microfoam, though non-dairy options like oat milk or almond milk can work with a skilled hand. The process requires practice, patience, and an understanding of coffee and milk chemistry.

The result is a visual and sensory delight—an art form that reflects the care and skill of the barista.

That morning, sipping my decorated cup of coffee was more than just quenching a caffeine craving. It was a moment of joy, creativity, and connection. So inspired, I ordered a second decorated cup to take back to the hotel for my girlfriend, eager to share the experience.

This simple act of a heart drawn in foam had elevated my morning and reminded me of the small joys life can bring. Whether it’s the artistry of a barista or the perfection of a good cup of coffee, the moments that we stumble upon unexpectedly can stay with us forever.

My first latte art experience in Ocean City didn’t just awaken me that morning—it awakened a new appreciation for the coffee ritual. Now, when I see latte art, I think of that corner café, the heart in my cappuccino, and the barista who brought a little artistry to my day.

If you’ve never had a cup of coffee adorned with latte art, find a café where baristas see coffee as both a craft and an art. Trust me, it’s worth it. That simple touch has the power to turn a good day into an extraordinary one.

Your Turn! Have you ever had a coffee with latte art? Did it make your experience more special? Share your latte art moments with us at Tamana Coffee—because every cup deserves a story.