Barista of the Month - Simon, Alimentary - Feb 2025

At Paradox Coffee Roasters, our café partners are part of our extended family. We love celebrating them! Each month, we’ll highlight a Barista of the Month from our partners across the country, sharing insights into their routines, what they love about their work, and tips for home baristas. Meet Simon Dardick from Alimentary, who is our Feb Barista of the Month and knows how to make a damn good cup of coffee!

What’s your name and where do you work?

Hi, my name is Simon Dardick, and I work at Alimentary.

What inspired you to become a barista?

My inspiration for being a barista came from interactions I had with several baristas as a late teenager. I fell in love with conversations around origin and processing.

How do you start your day before a shift?

I usually start my day by dialing in a brew, followed by some stretches and catching a moment with my four rabbits.

What’s your favourite part of working at the café?

My favourite part of working at Alimentary has been sourcing and serving high-end offerings and presenting them at the table.

Do you have any tips for perfecting latte art?

Latte art starts with great milk quality. No more tapping your milk jugs—spin and fold your milk instead. Focus on creating smooth, glossy microfoam and pour with confidence. The more you practice, the better your pours will get.

What’s your favourite blend or origin, and why?

Colombian coffees are hitting it for me at the moment. So many different varietals and processing methods.

What’s a fun fact most people don’t know about you?

I have four rabbits, and they’re part of my morning routine.

There's more to come from Simon in part two of this interview! In the meantime, head down to @alimentary_eatery and grab a coffee made by the man himself.