WORKING -- Art Lopez
-- Story by Noaki Schwartz; photo by Thomas R. Cordova
HE IS ...
The java master.
COMMUTER COFFEE
Art Lopez spends his mornings serving up caffeinated concoctions to
jump-start Newport-Mesa commuters.
Java T’Go, a drive-through coffee hut, has been in business for three
years, catering to residents who don’t have time to brew a leisurely
morning coffee.
Despite the commuter chaos outside, the 24-year-old says the drive-up
caffeine kiosk is an oasis in the storm, providing a respite for
bleary-eyed drivers. The coffee shop even has a large selection of
pastries available.
“As far as California goes, this is going to be the future,” Lopez
predicts.
A MELLOW BREW
The mellow Lopez starts his own day with a “Red Eye,” a coffee with a
shot or two of espresso. He also throws in a bit of milk and sugar to get
going.
“A lot of regulars have Red Eyes straight up,” Lopez said, acknowledging
his taste for more mild coffee drinking.
Other community members seem to prefer the sweeter “girlie drinks,” as
they are known in the world of coffee aficionados. Lopez said the most
popular drinks are the milky lattes and chocolaty mochas.
“In the summertime, it’s the ice-blended [coffee drinks] and smoothies,”
he said.
Lopez said he has been working for various coffeehouses for the last six
years, leading to his expertise in making drinks and his well-versed
coffee vocabulary.
JUGGLING JAVA
Despite his long-running devotion to the coffee industry, Lopez sees his
future in fashion and art. He studied fashion design in Long Beach and
would eventually like to design men’s sportswear.
He enjoys working at Java T’Go because the stress-free environment
loosens up his creativity.
“I really like [the clothing line] Fresh Jive,” he said, adding that he
also likes Calvin Klein.
The Palm Springs native moved to the beach years ago to be closer to the
sports fashion industry.
“I’ve been doing it since high school,” Lopez said. He became interested
in fashion through skateboarding. These days, however, because of his
change in location, Lopez surfs.
“There’s a huge market in Orange County for sportswear,” he said. “This
is the hub because of the beach.”
JACK OF ALL TRADES
In addition to fashion and surfing, coffee drinking also provides Lopez
with enough energy to paint and play drums.
Next month, Lopez plans to exhibit his work -- a collection of geometric
designs in acrylics.
“I’m looking for a band to play with -- soul or funk,” he said.
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