If you're looking for a restaurant where the locals eat, Coca-Mocha Joe’s in Newport should definitely be on the list. Whether enjoying lunch with friends, taking food out or having something delivered to your office for those "working" lunches Coca-Mocha Joe's can accommodate you. Or you might simply want to stop by for the "latte of the day" and a muffin and perhaps catch some stimulating conversation.
The restaurant’s “kitschy” environment includes hand painted, lacquered tables, nautical memorabilia, flea market finds and unique salt and pepper shakers brought in by loyal customers. The atmosphere is very homey and casual. Even if you’re dining alone, you’ll feel like you’re having lunch with friends.
A self-proclaimed ex-hippie and nomad, Joe Frechette has held a variety of jobs and traveled to various parts of the country. He enjoys cooking and owning the restaurant most of all. Those who enjoy the espressos and meals he offers at Coca-Mocha Joe’s are very glad he decided to settle here.
“The camaraderie with the customers is very special,” says Frechette. “It’s like having a bunch of friends over for Thanksgiving, every day.” Whenever time permits, Frechette enjoys coming out of the kitchen to chat with customers and to ensure they are enjoying themselves.
Frechette had no previous experience in the restaurant business. He and his wife, Arla, were doing senior foster care in their home. When they realized that this phase of their life was coming to an end, they decided they would like to open a drive-thru espresso location. While they were looking around for a location, they discovered the restaurant with all the equipment they needed and opted to give that a try instead. They began trying out recipes on their seniors who encouraged their venture.
With the aid of his wife, who also delivers lunches around town, Frechette serves a variety of food from bento lunches to Cajun treats to wraps and salads. He also offers a vegetarian menu and, of course, terrific espressos and lattes. There is also a daily special that may consist of a new dish he wants to try or is just something he personally feels like eating. Frechette is an avid viewer of cooking shows and is always on the lookout for new things to try.
Frechette has created his own teriyaki sauce and spicy Thai peanut sauce, which he bottles and sells through the restaurant. He began experimenting with various ingredients until he came up with a recipe that suited him, sometimes aided by suggestions from other chefs. He has been in discussions with a company in the valley about producing and bottling his sauces so that he can keep up with the demand.
Located next to The Movie Gallery at 1217 North Coast Highway 101, Suite A in Newport, Coca-Mocha Joe’s is open Monday thru Friday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. For a look at their menu, go to
http://www.cocamochajoes.com/.
