The Thrill of the Build has no size limit. New cafe ideas big and small are welcomed here, and each brings its own unique kind of excitement. Today’s feature definitely has big ideas for small spaces. Los Angeles-based Alegoría founder Paola Chaparro describes her new moving café as a “pop-up experience for the senses” that combines coffee, poetry, music, art and much more.
To find out more, we spoke to Chaparro about Alegoría and its future development.
As told by Paola V Chaparro to Sprudge.
For those unfamiliar, tell us about your company?
Alegoría is a sensual pop-up experience combining my greatest passions: coffee, poetry, music, art, a few unfinished ideas, my place of birth and a cliché or two, is a metaphor in motion where I create a representation, a tribute with a coffee or tea drink, combined with a pastry or a work of art, flowers and a playlist.
My main goal is to make it a complete sensory and educational experience, always highlighting the ingredients that are used in the beverages, the artist or chef I work with, but most importantly, that the people who are part of being able to pause for a while in this hectic world, learn about new flavors and music, appreciate the art of making coffee and tea, and support their local talents.
Can you tell us something about the new premises?
I would love to have a mobile coffee cart to take Alegoria to pop-ups and other open spaces that like the idea of a sensory experience, cupping or brewing class.
What is your attitude towards coffee?
Absolutely creative, educational and experimental. For me, coffee is one of the most beautiful art forms, from growing it to brewing it, creating something out of it and sharing it. Because coffee is about sharing stories, appreciating the process and what it entails.
Any machines, coffees, special equipment lined up?
At the moment I’m making coffee with a Clever Dripper and a Flair espresso maker and a Baratza Virtuoso grinder.
I would like to set up a complete espresso bar, with grinders, espresso machine and a cute pusher.
What does your sustainability project look like?
Yes, I keep using recyclable materials for my labels, glass bottles and biodegradable plastics and I will continue to do so.
What is your hopeful opening date / month?
My goal is to save enough money at least for the espresso machine by the end of 2021.
Do you work with craftsmen, architects and / or creatives that you would like to mention?
I would like to mention my friend Alex from Post Era Roasters. She has always been supportive of me and I use her coffee most of the time for my creations, my talented friend Marlene Solorio who takes care of all the visual aspects of Alegoria, from the logo to the color palette.
Leticia V. from the flower market in downtown Los Angeles, she always keeps the cutest flowers of the season so I can create my bouquets.
My sensitive and patient partner Carlos Valdez, who is currently working on my landing page, works on my labels and helps me with my pop-ups.
Thanks very much!
Thanks very much!
September 13, 2021
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