Coffee artist creates latte art in NYC

ByDomenick Candelieri and Avianne Tan WABC logo
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Coffee portraits
World renowned coffee artist Michael Breach designed latte art for customers in Ground Central Coffee Company in Midtown to celebrate International Coffee Day.

NEW YORK -- Legendary coffee artist Michael Breach created awesomely detailed latte art at an event in Midtown Manhattan celebrating International Coffee Day on Monday.

Customers waited over an hour in line for custom designs, including typography spelling out their names, portraits and beloved pets. Many used the event's official hashtag #coffeeeee to show off their caffeinated drinks on Instagram.

Breach, who goes by @baristart on Instagram, has designed coffee art for clients and special events worldwide. He's especially known for his impressive precision when drawing celebrity portraits into lattes with only a toothpick.

Breach said he sees his art as a representation of living in the moment as the artwork dissolves over time. He also finds the process of creating latte art therapeutic. "It's like meditation," he said.

Paypal and the restaurant review site The Infatuation hosted the event in Ground Central Coffee Company at 155 East 52nd Street.