"The bedrock of Contra is a mix of creativity and science, as designed by two Cal Poly college friends, Julie Nguyen and Paul Del Mondo. Nguyen is a true beverage scientist who uses her education and her experience to craft “beverage formulas.” Each drink is served cold, over ice, and with an oat milk base. Some come from a tap, while others are shaken. Because there’s no espresso to produce, baristas spend more time with visitors than with the beverage machine. And those who camp out in the cafe aren’t always tied to a laptop, but bring paints, paper, games, books, and other creative endeavors." - Jordan Morosco