Thanks a ‘latte’ for great coffee

Hawaiian Aroma Caffé 3D Bear Cappuccino ($25)

Creative director Barby Casagrande fashions beautiful artistic scenes on top of the delicious coffee creations at Hawaiian Aroma Caffé & Bar in Waikiki Beachcomber on Kalakaua Avenue.

The base for Casagrande’s captivating art is the company’s proprietary roast, which is served as a latte ($4.50). However, her creations are $25, as they don’t stop at the regular latte art seen in town.

She took her talent for drawing and applied it on her day-to-day job as a barista.

She uses the frothed milk as her canvas.

When Casagrande started at Hawaiian Aroma Caffé five years ago, she had no previous barista experience. However, she caught on very fast, elevated the coffee art experience, and added a whole other dimension, says company CEO and founder Jonathan Rotmensch.

Hawaiian Aroma Caffé & Bar creative director Barby Casagrande creates a Sunset Latte ($25).

He shares that over the years, Hawaiian Aroma Caffé has positioned itself as one of the leading high-end coffee roasters in Hawaii with more than five award-winning roasts made locally, as well as one of the most desired destinations in Waikiki. It’s a coffee shop with a trendy, artsy space, where guests can indulge in light bites, pastries, cocktails and world-class coffee, Rotmensch adds.

“Hawaiian Aroma Caffé brings a sophisticated balance of European flair, Hawaiian hospitality, attention to detail and passionate baristas with the desire to simply wow every guest,” Rotmensch notes.

Hawaiian Aroma Caffé is known for its eclectic waffle menu and Italian-inspired paninis as well as four different açaí bowls. In addition, it is proud of the cocktail menu and full bar selection.

Rotmensch says Hawaiian Aroma Caffé is currently working with local musicians to rebuild the music scene in Waikiki and opened its stage for live music every day of week from 6 to 9 p.m. Hawaiian Aroma Caffé’s well-known art project, TOMA, will resume once restrictions are lifted. “Make sure to join 29,000 others and follow us on Instagram (@hawaiian_aroma_caffe) for updated information of future concerts, events and shows,” Rotmensch adds.