New cafe pops up at old Paradis location in North Miami

Sommer here! Nearly a year after Paradis Books & Bread closed its doors — leaving myself and many other Miamians distraught — a new concept has opened in its space. 

• Enter four.miami, a pop-up by Blk Brw, Julian Pan and Nu'Man Hall, which hosted its opening party yesterday. 

Why it matters: After opening in 2021, PBB quickly became widely considered a safe space in Miami, with community discussions and events often taking place in its outdoor courtyard. 

• Many are hoping its new tenants will carry on that tradition. 

Catch up quick: The nationally acclaimed watering hole announced its closure in January, citing a "whole tangled knot" of reasons — from a firestorm of online criticism, the departure of two founders and an overwhelming demand for food service. 

What I saw: Not much has changed in the space: Books fill some of the shelves, pastries sit in the glass display case and there's a constant flow of fresh bread emerging from the oven. Outside, guests gather under the canopy.

• The most notable differences is the center table indoors is now for sitting, not books, and the few dozen wine bottles lining the entryway shelves is absent.

Bottom line: A group of friends and I spent the afternoon sitting outside, snacking on a few pastries, a baguette and the mortadella and burrata sandwich (all delicious.)

• Returning to the North Miami location felt seamless, as if no time had passed.
• Seeing the community come and support the new tenants reminded me why the space was so cherished.
• We left before the kitchen began serving pizza, but we'll be back.