Who doesn’t enjoy a good PopUp? Sure there’s a strong marketing side to this phenomenon, but it seems that everything comes with a healthy does of advertising these days. On the positive side, PopUps bring a welcome detour from the day to day as well as foster an appreciation for their concept due to the ephemeral nature (enjoy it while it lasts, folks!) And Paris’ latest popup is no exception…
The historically located hangout, Café A has been temporarily transformed into an Alpine ski village complete with evergreens and chairlifts known as
Café Altitude, where you can warm your cockles at their Żubrówka Biala bar. While there are a few other options, the main focus here is on the four cocktail creations based on a newer offering from this polish vodka. Żubrówka Biala is a clear version of the popular Żubrówka vodka, which is flavored with bison grass giving it a clean, but earthy/grassy flavor.
There are four 10 Euros cocktails to choose from, such as the Biala Folie Blanche (Żubrówka Biala, camomille syrup, lemon juice, simple syrup and apple/pear juice). The Biala Folie Blanche is refreshing enough and easy to drink, but it doesn’t really allow an appreciation for the more subtle flavors in this vodka. I noticed a few gentlemen ordering vodka straight over ice, which is a good alternative if you really want to taste it. And something about vodka on ice feels very snowscape to me, fitting right in with this popuop’s theme.
Just for fun, I would love to see a hot cocktail served as well. Not sure if vodka+hot cocktails is a good mix, but maybe just a mulled wine amped up with a shot. Just a thought….
And for the American readers, Żubrówka vodka was banned in the US for some time (giving it an absinthe-like illicitly interesting edge) and a FDA acceptable one was created called Zu a few years back. (which I haven’t tried, so can’t comment on)
In addition to drinks, there is the Bon Coin chalet, decorated with second hand goodies, all of which are for sale. They are offering different workshops for both adults and children and have a schedule of live music. You can reserve the cable car for a special evening or event. Plus the space is just fun and cool (both decoratively and figuratively.) And, it’s this complete packaging that makes Café Altitude worth a visit.
Café A has been home to many different popups over the last few years, so there are a healthy number of neighborhood locals milling through to check out this latest. On the night I was there, it was attracting both big groups of young singles as well as families out for a stroll with the kids and push chairs. And, this all-age mix of relaxed regulars definitely adds to the après-ski ambience.
There are still two weeks to check Café Altitude. Follow their FB page for info on the musical and workshop program.
Café A
148 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Martin
75010 Paris
