Paradox Art Cafe

Paradox Art Cafe might be one of PJ's most eye-pleasing restaurants _ a sweeping, soothing space that commands guests to come "eat, drink, play & discover."

Expect to hear more about Paradox in the months ahead; it intends to not only serve hot meals & cool beverages but be a hot spot for Malaysian independent artists, musicians & filmmakers to put on a cool show.

Customers can get comfy inside Paradox's smoke-free dining hall & lounge ...

... or relax on the terrace with a lake view at Bandar Utama.

Foosball & pool fans can go wild all night long ...

... while the pictorially inclined might delight in doodling on a chalkboard.

Paradox's Iced Double Espresso tastes unique _ a Malaysian "kopi ais" constructed with "gwailo" coffee beans, in the proprietor's own words. Also worth trying: tangy fruit smoothies that taste simultaneously creamy & healthy.

Our only complaint: no cocktails are available. This would make a superb setting for sipping Cosmopolitans & Mojitos.

We'll explore Paradox's food in a future entry, but it's fundamentally familiar favorites _ Western soups, salads & sandwiches, alongside local rice & noodles _ with tiny twists to keep things tantalizing. It's still in a soft-launch stage, so many items on the menu might be unavailable. Everything is pork-free.

Directions? If you've been to Ribs @ Oasis in Bandar Utama, you'll know how to reach Paradox (barely a five-minute drive from 1 Utama). Thankfully, Ribs remains in business.

Perfect for private functions. It's still quiet this week, possibly due to its somewhat secluded location, but the crowds may come once word of mouth spreads.