Paradox Coffee Roasters takes up the iconic 4217 building, straddling both sides of the central walkway. With its soaring ceilings and exposed brickwork accented by wood and brass, it’s reminiscent of stylish eateries in Sydney’s Alexandria or Melbourne’s Collins Street morphed with Masterchef Kitchen.
The venue is imposing, a chic modern warehouse suitable for a catch-up meeting or business lunch with a choice of seating in cosy booths, at secluded tables beyond the bar, or crowd watching on the outside verandah overlooking the street.
Wholesaling to other cafés as well as retailing to customers, Paradox’s main selling point has been its coffee roasting. The huge 5-metre-tall Italian industrial roaster dominates the corner of the building, its hypnotic presence felt as aromas float through the open space. Post New Year the roaster will be put into action once more, with lockdown restrictions lifted.
Besides your usual latte, this is the place to try something new, such as a mean house blend, smooth and ultra-strong, a single origin Sumatran batch brew, or a cold drip with sparkling water. If you’re feeling brave, try the nitro coffee, its Guinness-like head looking beguilingly innocent – not for the fainthearted!
We also try a Byron Bay Tea Company lemon myrtle tea infused with the butterfly pea flower, the addition of lemon changing its colour when added. Such a beautiful, refreshing drink for summer.
Look from the roastery across to the restaurant. On one side you’ll see baristas at work at the bar; on the other, look straight into the kitchen where the chef is hard at work.
Chef Peter Navia, who joined Paradox in 2018, has just launched his summer All Day Brunch menu, a bright and vibrant collection of dishes that champions fresh local produce.
From simple dishes such as Eggs My Way or a filled bagel to favourites such as the Paradox Avo, from a French Toast Croissant to the Hangover Brekkie (the big breakfast equivalent) the one-page food menu covers all the bases without too many surprises.
When we dine at lunch, we’re welcomed by manager Jason Degasperi, grabbing a cosy booth inside, the café a haven of calm hidden away from the street behind floor to ceiling glass.
Tacos with scrambled eggs and chorizo get added flavour from salsa verde and chilli relish, while the paleo ‘carb-free’ Buddha Bowl is fringed with a rich pumpkin garlic hummus, adding to its depth of flavour. Apple and Blueberry Crumble Waffles are light and crunchy due to their almond coconut crumble topping, thoughtfully balanced between sweet and sour by tart apple and salted caramel ice cream. They’re all great dishes that are a pleasure to indulge in, tasty and well-priced, with most dishes around $16 – $17.
There’s also a cabinet of food to go and plenty of goodies from Fuel Bakehouse in Currumbin.
Easy to get to, easy to park next door, Paradox is a little gem hidden in plain sight. More than just a coffee house, don’t forget to get the staff to validate your parking ticket for two hours free parking!
Wake up Surfers! Paradox is back for a neat brekkie or lunch.
Paradox Coffee Roasters, The 4217, 10 Beach Rd., Surfers Paradise Ph: 07 5538 3235
Open: Mon – Sun 7am – 2pm