The Thrill of the Build knows no size constraint. New cafe ideas big and small are all welcome here, and each brings its own specific brand of excitement. Today’s feature definitely has big ideas for small spaces. Based in Los Angeles, Alegoría founder Paola Chaparro describes her new moving cafe as a “pop-up sensory experience” combining coffee, poetry, music, art, and so much more.
To learn more, we spoke with Chaparro about Alegoría and where it is headed in the future.
As told to Sprudge by Paola V Chaparro.
The 2021 season of Build-Outs is presented by Fellow. The series is sponsored by La Marzocco, Pacific Barista Series, Marco Beverage Systems, Dona, and Sustainable Harvest.
For those who aren’t familiar, will you tell us about your company?
Alegoría is pop up sensory experience from the combination of my greatest passions: coffee, poetry, music, art a couple of unfinished ideas, my birthplace, and a cliché or two, is a metaphor in motion where I create a representation, a tribute through a coffee or tea drink, combined with a pastry or an art piece, flowers, and a playlist.
My main goal is to make it a complete sensory and educational experience, always highlighting the ingredients used in the beverages, the artist or chef that I collaborate with but above all that the people who are part of it can pause in this hectic world, get to know new flavors, music, appreciate the art of making coffee and tea and support their local talent.
Can you tell us a bit about the new space?
I would love to have a mobile coffee cart to take Alegoria to pop ups and any open space who like the idea of a sensory experience, a cupping or brewing classes.
What’s your approach to coffee?
Totally creative, educational, and experimental. Coffee for me is one of the most beautiful forms of art, from its cultivation until you brew it and you create something with it and share it. Because that is what coffee is all about, sharing stories, appreciating the process and what it entails.
Any machines, coffees, special equipment lined up?
Right now I’m making coffee with a Clever dripper and a Flair espresso maker and a Baratza Virtuoso grinder.
I would love to have a complete espresso bar set up, with grinders, espresso machine and a cute tamper.
How is your project considering sustainability?
Yes, I always use recyclable materials for my labels, glass bottles, and biodegradable plastic and I will continue to do so.
What’s your hopeful target opening date/month?
My objective is to save enough money at least for the espresso machine by the end of 2021.
Are you working with craftspeople, architects, and/or creatives that you’d like to mention?
I would love to mention my friend Alex from Post Era Roasters, She always supported me along the way and I use their coffee most of the time for my creations, My talented friend Marlene Solorio who takes care of the all of the visual aspects of Alegoria, from the logo to color pallets.
Leticia V. from the flowers market in downtown Los Angeles, she always saves the cutest flowers in season so I can create my bouquets.
My insightful and patient partner Carlos Valdez who is currently working on my landing page, works my labels and help me in my pop ups.
Thank you!
Muchas gracias!
The 2021 season of Build-Outs is presented by Fellow. The series is sponsored by La Marzocco, Pacific Barista Series, Marco Beverage Systems, Dona, and Sustainable Harvest.
