A burrito is more than just a burrito if put in the right hands.

To Lawrence Jaconetta, the burritos at Lupita’s Cantina are a work of art. With ingredients he selects and toppings he chooses, the burritos are tortilla-wrapped acts of expression for the Oak Creek artist.

“I’m not out to make a buck and dish out the lowest schwag to get more of a profit. I’m an artist. I have passion for it,” he said. “You’ve got to have fun with what you do.”

Because of that, the burritos and tacos at Lupita’s are just the way Jaconetta likes them. Cool salsa, spicy sour cream, black beans and a choice of pork, fish or chicken. It’s not a “pick your own stuff” type place, Jaconetta said. He uses black beans and basmati rice – a type that isn’t as sticky as most types of rice and is used typically in Indian food – because he likes them. And no cheese on the tacos, because “I don’t like cheese with tacos,” he said.

What customers get, instead of options, is a creation of Jaconetta’s for about $6.

“For $6? Come on.” he said. “With the economy, it’s a good opportunity” to open a low-cost lunch spot, he said.

Lupita’s, named after Jaconetta’s 7-month-old daughter, is one of several businesses Jaconetta runs in Routt County. He also owns O.C. Ink Drilling Co. and Local Flavor catering in Steamboat Springs.

Jaconetta opened Lupita’s in a tiny building across from the Sinclair in downtown Oak Creek on June 1, and the seasonal eatery probably will remain open through September.

The shop is open “from like 11 until we run out of food,” Jaconetta said. That’s usually around 3 p.m. with the steady stream of traffic the restaurant has seen.