BY TANIA HOROUPIAN

During your next stop in Lausanne, Switzerland, take a gastronomic trip around the world with a visit to Kai Zen Restaurant. Open since May of 2007, Kai Zen is located in the heart of the city and offers a menu and wine list with flavours from some of the world’s most exciting destinations.

What can you expect? A laid-back start to your night with a drink in Kai Zen’s “see and be seen” lounge. With a backdrop of music ranging from lounge to nu-jazz, funk to house, it’s the perfect way to start your evening with friends, work colleagues or that “special someone”. Enjoy a beverage from the elaborate drink menu that provides a great choice of traditional classics, signature cocktails, beers and wines (Mission Reserva – Carmenere from Chili is a personal favourite…). For those of you who prefer your drinks non-alcoholic, there is also an extensive range of options for you, such as the Paris (raspberries, strawberries, lemon and cranberry) or New York (white peach, lemon and red bull) Coolers. After your apéro, head into the red-themed dining lounge, where you can watch the talented kitchen staff at work through a floor-to-ceiling glass wall and enjoy a décor of unique artwork hanging on the walls (yes, available for sale). For your meal, pick a selection of entrées, main courses and desserts from one of the five themed menus, where the options are based on traditional flavours and favourites from New York, Paris, Rome, Tokyo or Bangkok. Or – if you’re feeling adventurous – shake things up by mixing and matching from the different menus. How about an appetizer from Bangkok, an entrée from New York and a dessert from Paris? Author recommends the Yam Kung Ya (gambas salad with nuoc mam vinaigrette – hard to pronounce but incredible to eat…), the “Giselle Bundchen” burger (a delicious ratio of beef and bun and also – let’s face it – the closest you’ll ever get to her…) and the Fondant au Chocolate (flowing dark chocolate and a layer of raspberry. Enough said). Top off the night with a digestif and you’re officially set for the rest of your evening in the night scene of Lausanne.

Have two nights in the city? Head over to Le Bedroom, Kai Zen’s brand new sister restaurant, located in Lausanne’s trendy “Flon” district. Opened in late 2009, it features the same sexy décor and atmosphere as Kai Zen, with the added feature of large couch bankettes and oversized pillows, where you can enjoy a cocktail, live music and the company of friends before sitting down to a great meal of international tapas and a range of classic and innovative entrées.

Add some flavour to your next visit in Lausanne with a trip to Kai Zen. Your tastebuds, friends  – and wallet – will thank you!

Contact:

Rue Pépinet 3, 1003 Lausanne
T: +41 21 310 8484
F: +41 21 310 8481