Java Wave Opens in Lunada Bay Plaza By Writer and Contributor NJ Jaeger
Java Wave Espresso served with sparkling water and cubed sugar
Inspired by the coffee shop in her father’s Greek village, former local art teacher turned entrepreneur, Beth Parwar, has opened Java Wave at the old site of St. Honore in Lunada Bay Plaza. Locals could not be happier to see freshly baked pastries and expertly crafted espresso finally arrive on their doorstep. It is already fast on its way to becoming the neighborhood meeting place where regulars gather and morning visits make the best start to the day.
Java Wave is a modern interpretation of the old school coffee shop where handwritten daily specials are the norm and neighborhood dogs are welcome companions in the outdoor space. Beth says, “After my Dad passed I went to the little village in Greece where my Dad grew up and visited the coffee shop that is the hub of community life, where everyone goes to play cards, everyone has political conversations, and everyone is talking about what the kids are doing. That was my inspiration and what I always had in the back of my mind. I’m not a coffee snob. I just wanted a really high quality experience and a really good espresso bean. I can only get them from one vendor who imports them from Italy. They came out to train me and check our machine’s calibration to ensure perfect preparation.”
Margate alumnae, Beth returned to the area in 2013 and took a position at the renamed Palos Verdes Intermediate School teaching art. Beth worked at St. Honore as a teenager, heard it was sold, and sent a text congratulating her old boss on his retirement. He texted back that indeed it had not yet been sold, and then asked Beth the big question: Would she like to buy it… As they say, the rest is texting history.
Beth, like most entrepreneurs journeyed through miles of paperwork, permits delays and unexpected financial roadblocks to reach Java Wave’s opening day. Her passion for the project was all consuming, and along with three sons and a husband testing her recipes, her mother Pam has been instrumental in supporting Beth’s entrepreneurial venture. Pam, a talented interior designer developed Java Wave’s coastal-themed outdoor seating plan and decor. Pam added new topiary planters to define the open-air sidewalk patio space and anchored each side of the entry with a deeply cushioned loveseat to provide the ultimate in sipping relaxation. Several faux stone topped metal tables capped by light cream Sunbrella fabric umbrellas complete Java Wave’s fresh new inviting look. Pam sets out on the road before the sun rises to gather up and transport freshly baked pastries back to Java Wave. Beth says, “I really could not do it without her.”
Beth says locals have split opinions about the old red white and blue awnings associated with St Honore. New awnings have been approved by the city and Beth is interested in receiving your feedback: Should they stay or go?
The highest freshness and quality standards are observed at Java Wave so at the end of each day, Food to Go, picks up leftover inventory.
Stop by to see Rudi who has returned!
Beth has many delicious seasonal enhancements to the pastry and lunch menu planned along with some exciting hands-on art and crafting events.
Author Note – I love espresso but I have not been able to find a great one locally until today; I am delighted to say that the espresso featured in this story is the best espresso I’ve tasted in the South Bay.
NJ is a storyteller who has written in many voices for clients in health, education, entertainment, food, sport and politics. Her firm managed publicity for documentary films, book authors and the U.S. Championships. NJ received the Lynn Weaver Award from the Entertainment Professional Publicists Society for her lifelong commitment to philanthropy and community volunteerism.