No, Partisan isn’t a contraction of “Paris” and “artisan,” but rather a tribute to the resistance song by Anna Marly, later popularized by Leonard Cohen. Lebanese ex-pats Georges and Anthony Karam dreamed of creating a community space, where criticism and intellectual stimulation were both welcome. Renovated with help from architect Randa Kamel and interior designer Tracy Zeidan, the former furniture boutique now boasts large windows, a long black countertop, solid wood benches, and best of all, an imposing roasting machine, which roasts beans all day long, pumping out bags of whole or ground coffee that you can take to go, from Kenya, Colombia, Ethiopia, etc., depending on the season (€14 to €18 for 250 g). Along with cleverly executed drinks, including cold brew (€5-6), flat white (€5) and of course, classic espresso (€2.50) made with the java of the day – Italian blend or third wave. And to go with all that? A few house sweets: iced carrot cake, walnut banana bread or vegan cookies (€3.50 to €6). // Mathilde Moche
Hidden gem: The homemade granola with oats, buckwheat, sumac and za’atar – for the owners’ Levantine touch (€12 for 300 g).
