Looking for a delicious yet affordable dining option after a long day on the trail? Moab’s newest pizzeria, Paradox Pizza, has what you crave! Whether you order a house special pie or prefer to build your own, every pizza is made from scratch, starting with Paradox’s own hand tossed dough and a housemade tomato sauce bursting with flavor. Each pizza is topped only with the freshest ingredients; all meats are natural and humanely raised, and the pizzeria uses local and organic produce when in season.
On a recent busy Friday afternoon, I stopped by for a slice - always available, and just $3.00 for a huge piece - to say hi to Susan Kittler, chef and owner of Paradox Pizza. I had the flavorful Puttenesca - mozzarella, tomato sauce, capers, garlic, roasted tomatoes, and Kalamata olives - while we talked. Susan has over 20 years experience as a cook and baker, and has lived in Moab for over 15 years. She’s originally from New Jersey, and says that once she moved west, “I missed the thin crust and delicious flavors of the pizza I had grown up with. I started Paradox Pizza to share the simple, delicious taste of East Coast style pies with Moab and its visitors.”
Since opening in June, both locals and tourists have responded enthusiastically to Susan’s offering. Two of the best selling house specialties are the Margherita–mozzarella, tomato sauce, garlic, fresh tomato and basil – and the Italian Meats (pepperoni, sausage, prociutto, peppers and onions.) In addition to pizza, the restaurant offers soup, made fresh daily, as well as salads – choices include Caesar, Greek and dinner salad. And new this fall, artisan bread specials on Friday and Saturday, and Ciabatta loaves available daily. Susan’s breads are well known in Moab, and locals and tourists alike can stop in for a loaf of sourdough or Ciabatta for only $4.95. “I love to bake,” says Susan, “and I believe that you can taste our commitment to quality with every bite of our food, whether it’s pizza, bread, salads, appetizers or desserts.”
Did someone say dessert? Yes, they are all made here. After I finish my slice, Susan entices me with a caramel pecan brownie. It’s rich, gooey, and absolutely divine. The other four offerings – cheesecake, a chocolate chip cookie, cannoli, and tiramisu – look equally good. Like everything at Paradox Pizza, they are available for dine-in, take-out, or delivery.
Paradox offers Moab’s only free pizza delivery, and this fall the restaurant has expanded its delivery into Spanish Valley. Pizzas are available in 12 or 18 inch sizes, and if you are too tired to come into the restaurant after a day of exploring Moab’s National Parks or trails, delivery is always a good option!
After my delicious lunch, I ask Susan if there is anything else she wants people to know about her restaurant. She pauses and looks thoughtful, and says, “Just keep your article simple. I want people to know we are not gimmicky or complicated; that we work hard to offer our customers delicious, homemade food at reasonable prices.”
Susan and her staff welcome you to Moab, and invite you in to (or take out from) Paradox Pizza. You can find them at 702 South Main St., or call 435-259-9999, or even order online at www.paradoxpizza.com. |