You learn something new every day. Or at least I do.

Today, a friend sent me some photos of Latte Art. Say what?   

A few minutes of Googling and I am blown away by what can be done to a foamy cup of coffee.

The reigning master of the art seems to be a Chinese barista, Sammy Lin, who works his magic at a New York City restaurant called Bottega Del Vino. Sammy says he can make simple designs like hearts and swirls in a matter of seconds. Mister Monkey here takes him about 20 seconds.

Sammy says that a smiling Mona Lisa is his most requested cuppa joe.

But Sammy's not alone in his passionate pursuit of caffeinated artistry. One Web site, LatteArt.org features photos of creations sent in by both professionals and ordinary coffee-lovers who happen to have a lot of time on their hands.

There are pics from Australia and Russia, Israel and Thailand. Even one from Saudi Arabia (a pretty boring-looking latte, I might add).               

OK, OK. So it's not Delacroix or Degas. But it sure brings a smile to your face.