The Lausanne Guide to Life and Style

What to do in Lausanne: The Hidden Dinner Club

noreply@blogger.com (TheLausanneGuide) — Mon, 20 May 2013 08:09:00 +0000

Jennifer describes herself as a big dreamer. She smiles and looks wistfully into space and says that she sees the big picture, the grandeur of it all, but just needs to get the finer details pinned down.

‘What do you want to do?’ she was once asked. She thought about it a minute and answered that what she wanted to do didn’t exist. ‘Well write it down, and then it’ll exist.’ And that's exactly what she did.

She made lists. She edited. She re-wrote. She reformed. Jennifer finally found herself with a big dream that might just work.

Last week, we had the opportunity to partake in a spectacular dining event which served as the very first step of Jennifer’s big dream. Held at one of our favorite wine bars in the city, Midi 20, we were spoiled with a fine dining experience provided by chef Olivier and delectable wine pairings hand-selected by Midi 20's general manager, Sofiane. The idea behind The Hidden Dinner Club is simple: a mélange of food and wine and people, all enjoying the finer things in life in a moment captured and envisioned by its creator.

Jennifer is a connector. She wants to connect people to other people, winemakers to wine drinkers, farmers to the consumers, habitants to the habitat. And this is essentially what makes The Hidden Dinner Club so special. From traversing across vineyards in ‘galloping dinners’, dining in the depths of castle cellars, to clinking glasses whilst floating across the scenic waters of Lac Léman, for Jennifer, no dining experience is off limits.

So why is it called The Hidden Dinner Club? Eventually, eager diners will receive indication that the next event is approaching, and sign up. After that, all details except the date (i.e. who/what/where/how) will be kept a secret until a few days before. One thing we can guarantee, however, is an unforgettable experience paired with an incredibly gracious host.

Because we all know that breaking bread together and toasting to good health is one of the best ways to connect...but doing it on a boat, in a castle, or even in one of our favorite local spots in the city? Even better.

Interested in attending a Hidden Dinner Club event? Check out HiddenDinnerClub.com or like them on Facebook to stay informed about future dining experiences.

Scenes from the weekend: Caves Ouvertes Vaudoises 2013

noreply@blogger.com (TheLausanneGuide) — Sun, 19 May 2013 10:24:00 +0000

The rain held off, the air was crisp, and the wine crisper. The vines were showcasing their early buds--a hopeful promise that summer is just around the corner.

There's nothing like drinking wine amongst the vineyards that produce it--we hope you got the chance to enjoy the fruits of living in such a beautiful place!

If you missed out yesterday, there's still time today (19 May)! For just 15CHF, your glass entitles you to tastings in the entire canton of Vaud! See the website: http://www.cavesouvertes.ch for more details.

Santé!

Something for the weekend: Caves Ouvertes Vaudoises

noreply@blogger.com (TheLausanneGuide) — Thu, 16 May 2013 09:07:00 +0000

It's time to get your swirling, sniffing and sipping on! The wine cellars of our canton are open for business this weekend and offer you a great opportunity to discover the local flavors. The weather is going to be dreadful, but don't let it stop you from enjoying this fabulous event.

You want to know our favorite spot? We're so glad you asked... ;)

We are regulars on the terrace of Patrick Fonjallaz in Epesses - the view, the warm welcome and the vast offering of whites and reds alike keep us coming back each year when the weather turns warm to stock up. Be sure to try "La République" for its classic Swiss flavor and the "Plant Robert" for something unusual and intriguing.

Santé!

Lausanne Street Style: Cindy

noreply@blogger.com (TheLausanneGuide) — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:21:00 +0000

Coat: Zara

Boots: Hunter

Watch: Casio

Bag: Louis Vuitton

A LITTLE BIT ABOUT CINDY

What is your profession?

Master in Management at the University of Lausanne; currently working in an internship in a cosmetics company.

Where do you get your style inspiration?

Fashion blogs such as stockholmstreetstyle, lookbook, and brands from the UK, such as Topshop.

What's your favorite place to hang out in Lausanne?

Cafe St. Pierre for its moist chocolate cake and the Bazart restaurant, for its Meditarrenean food.

If your apartment was on fire and you could only grab one thing, what would it be?

I would take my eye-liner!

Lausanne's Night Market (Les Tables Longues) Starting May 16, 2013

noreply@blogger.com (TheLausanneGuide) — Tue, 14 May 2013 07:41:00 +0000

Lausanne is introducing a new night market in the Flon that will take place nearly every Thursday night between this Thursday (May 16) and mid-September. Each week, various Lausanne restaurants will set up stands to sell, what is being called, "urban cuisine," meaning innovative, responsible and high-quality food.

Entry is free and each dish will cost between 4 CHF and 16 CHF. Sounds pretty cool, non?

We're looking forward to checking it out! Hope to see you there...

More information (in French): https://www.facebook.com/events/547772875273527/

Lausanne Street Style: Joelle

noreply@blogger.com (TheLausanneGuide) — Mon, 13 May 2013 09:47:00 +0000

May is a capricious month in Lausanne, bringing both longed-for sunshine and, in what seems like the same breath, wintery winds. With such fluctuations, we thought that Joëlle made a beautiful selection - both fashionable AND practical - with this woolly sweater jacket. Isn't she lovely?!?

Sweater: Isabel Marant

Lausanne Street Style: Virginia

noreply@blogger.com (TheLausanneGuide) — Thu, 09 May 2013 19:44:00 +0000

So maybe it's not Paris. And thinking of it as a little Milan would be a stretch. But even still, Lausanne has a style and fashion-sense all its own.

We hit the hills of our city this weekend for some "photo bombing," in search of Lausanne's most fashionable ladies and gents.

We started with our lovely friend Virginia - Saturday morning's rain storms didn't stop her from sporting this adorable ensemble and an eye-catching red umbrella.

Photo Credit: Gabriel Garcia Marengo

Top: Mango

Leather shorts: Mango

Red bag: Freitag

Scarf: Her momma ;)

A LITTLE BIT ABOUT VIRGINIA

What's your profession?

Digital Marketing Specialist and Web Editor

How would you describe your personal style inspiration?

My inspiration comes from my travels, my mom's closet, magazines and Pinterest.

What's your favorite hangout spot in Lausanne?

In winter, I love La Clé. The owner is always grumpy but the place is nice and drink prices are affordable. I also love Café des Artisans. The owner is the cutest girl ever and the food is incredible!

In summer, you'll find me at Bourg Plage or Great Escape for some fresh air and festive company.

If your apartment was on fire and you could only grab one item from your closet, what would it be?

My Freitag bag (my boyfriend worked hard to give me this gift).

Where to eat in Lausanne: Café des Avenues

noreply@blogger.com (TheLausanneGuide) — Wed, 08 May 2013 09:05:00 +0000

It's not exactly what we'd call sous-gare, but this place is so precious to us (and is an easy walk from the station) that we just had to include it in our series. Café des Avenues is one of our favorite brunch spots for those lazy Saturday mornings, where all you want is a place to unwind, read your paper, and take comfort in good coffee and conversation.

Maple-syrup pancakes dusted with powdered sugar, generously portioned omelets and bacon, seasonal fruit salad with home-made muesli mix, and of course, a freshly baked assortiment of bread with confitures are all at your fingertips (and did we say reasonably-priced?).

The restaurant staff are friendly, the interior spacious, and free wifi is provided for those who are looking for a new place to study or work. Did we also mention it's kid-friendly? For those of you who have young children, this place has an adorable area in the back with couches, books, and games.

And although we love this place for breakfast, we've also had incredible dinners here! In the evenings, Café des Avenues offers classic Swiss-French fare; from fondue to the mouth-watering entrecôte parisienne with a large selection of wine and beer, this is definitely a spot to check out all hours of the day.

Café des Avenues
www.cafe-des-avenues.ch/
Hours:
Tuesday-Thursday 6h30-24h
Friday 6h30-1h
Saturday 9h-1h
Sunday 9h-24h
Closed Mondays

Something for the weekend: May 3-5

noreply@blogger.com (TheLausanneGuide) — Fri, 03 May 2013 10:20:00 +0000

Carnaval de Lausanne, May 2-5
Taking place in various locations throughout the center of the city, the Carnaval de Lausanne offers a little entertainment for everyone. Live music, dance, and other various spectacles can be enjoyed until Sunday 5 of May. Trying to find an activity for the young ones? On Saturday 4 of May, there will be several activities geared just for the kids starting at 9:30 in the morning. Check out the day-by-day program, as well as a comprehensive list of entertainers and events here.

Les Puces du Design 2013, May 3-5, Morges

Looking for a unique piece for your apartment? Then this place is a MUST for this weekend. Over 50 booths of hand-selected vintage goodies, all under one roof. Design freaks and collectors beware, this might be your Achilles heel. Entrance is 5 CHF, free for ages 12 and under. For more information, visit the website: http://www.pucesdudesign.ch/

Morges Tulip Festival, Ongoing until 15 of May
And while you're in Morges, check out the Tulip Festival! Nothing gets you in the mood for Spring like thousands of vibrant blooms. See our previous post about the festival here.

Make margaritas for Cinco de Mayo, May 5
This holiday may mean nothing to you, but who doesn't love an excuse to drink a delicious homemade cocktail? It's simple, refreshing, and the recipe is uncomplicated (unlike this recent weather pattern). Click here for the recipe. ¡Salud!

What to do in Lausanne: Get fit for summer!

noreply@blogger.com (TheLausanneGuide) — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 09:03:00 +0000

This weekend's weather report has our hearts all aflutter—get ready for some sunshine Lausanne!

While the imminent joy of warmer days (finally! bare legs and bathing suits!) is definitely something to celebrate with BBQ planning and a little online shopping, it’s also time to think about wiping off the winter hibernation stupor and working off that fondue weight. For those who have not been training for the Lausanne 20K later this month (...that would be us...), here are three ideas about how to get ready for summer and to feel great in the process…

ZimFit Trainings: We had the great pleasure of meeting Kathy Zimmermann at the Lausanne Guide Happy Hour a couple weeks back and she's sold us on her workout methods. A certified personal trainer, she gathers groups in the great outdoors (locations throughout Swiss Romande) and emphasizes fitness for life--she's absolutely right in saying that maintaining a level of fitness is key for living well in this hilly city! She may have even convinced us to wake up early for a morning session in Vidy...

Classes at Pilates et Moi: We are huge fans of this pilates studio right in the center of Lausanne. These classes are not for the faint of heart—come ready to work hard and feel AMAZING afterward.

Outdoor fitness with I Move Fit: Train outside in beautiful Vidy! I Move Fit offers several types of training including “the bikini fit challenge.” Umm…yes please.

Swiss Urban Training: We LOVE this concept. Reclaim your city through sport! Local businesses sponsor these 1-hour classes, so they are completely free for you. Just show up with your active gear and follow along. Watch the video for a better idea.

What to Wear In Lausanne: Spring 2013 Trends

noreply@blogger.com (TheLausanneGuide) — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 07:57:00 +0000

The snow hasn't quite melted, but the (fashion) calendar is telling us that it's time to start switching out our ski trousers for skirts, and our snow boots for some dainty flats.

We're here to give you the details on how you can be fashionable this Spring without breaking the bank--and we'll also make sure you can find all of the key statement pieces right here in Lausanne!

So what can you expect? Look for bold patterns of black and white, peekaboo pieces, statement sunglasses, leather accents, and lots of denim! Stay tuned and stay hopeful that Spring will come (oh, please come soon!).

Details:

H&M chiffon dress, 21 CHF / Denim jacket, 36 CHF / BCBG Max Azria leather clutch, 98 CHF / Wet Seal jewelry, 12 CHF / Kate Spade , 64 CHF / Linda Farrow , 485 CHF

Something for the weekend: April 6-7, 2013

noreply@blogger.com (TheLausanneGuide) — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 11:05:00 +0000

Spend your weekend or evenings all next week hanging out in the cellars of old town Cully listening to live music and enjoying the festive vibe of this 31st annual homage to all things, well...Jazz [insert jazz hands here]. Smaller and considerably less bedazzled by celebrities than Montreux's event later this summer, the Cully Jazz Festival is a delightful celebration of local culture, this international music genre and the various forms that it takes.

A few tips:

- TAKE THE TRAIN; Parking is a nightmare!
- Arrive early for any OFF Festival shows. The cellars are tiny spaces and they fill up quickly. Snag a table early and defend your space with a vengeance.
- Go hungry. There are tons of food vendors selling all sorts of local and international foods!

The Lausanne Guide Happy Hour @ Le Comptoir

noreply@blogger.com (TheLausanneGuide) — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 16:15:00 +0000

In case you haven't already heard, we're having a party!

...a REALLY, REALLY, REALLY awesome party.

How do we know it's going to be so excessively awesome?

Because our best buddy over at Le Comptoir is helping us make things happen.

That's right, The Lausanne Guide and the coolest cocktail bar in town, Le Comptoir are teaming up to bring you great drink specials and good company at our first ever LG Happy Hour.

It's our way to tell you, our readers, how much we love you. Well, how much we love you and cocktails.

Especially champagne cocktails.

Bring your friends; bring your colleagues; bring your significant others.

We look forward to meeting you!

PS: Would be great if you could let us know you're coming...click here.

Lausanne Neighborhood: La Cité

noreply@blogger.com (TheLausanneGuide) — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 20:16:00 +0000

While La Cité is the likely first destination of any Lausanne day tripper, many residents grossly under appreciate its charms. In case the soaring cathedral and surrounding medieval architecture are not enough to draw you upward to this historic heart of Lausanne, then perhaps knowing some of its best addresses will! These places keep us coming back to La Cité again and again...

La Bossette
Don’t get us wrong, we enjoy a posh bar as much as the next girl. But let’s get real. Sometimes, the thing you want most of all is a good beer, a relaxed ambiance and a crowd of fun-loving best friends. For these moments, there is A la Bossette. Read our review...

Le Comptoir
Within weeks of its opening, Le Comptoir cocktail bar became one of the coolest places to hang out in all Lausanne; and within minutes of our walking through the door, it was decidedly our favorite place in town for a classy yet comfortable after work drink or weekend gathering with friends. Read our review...

Nano +
We love to be surprised. And to come across nano+, a brightly adorned contemporary gift boutique, while strolling the venerable old cobblestoned streets of La Cité was unexpected indeed. Read our review...

Caffè Bellini
Caffè Bellini, which opened its doors to Lausanne just a couple of months ago, has that antiquated Italian vibe mixed in with the rough-luxe decor found in many Manhattan lofts. Friends, you no longer need to cross the border to get mouth-watering and [my goodness] beautiful Italian food. Read our review...

L'Elephant Blanc
Intimate, smart and elegant are all words that come to mind when describing this almost hidden little bistrot perched atop Lausanne, in the shadows of the cathedral. L’Elephant blanc is a bit unassuming from the outside, but don’t make the mistake of walking past without peeking in. Read our review...

Sweet Dreams Cupcake Café
Situated in the quaint back streets of La Cité, just behind the Notre Dame Cathedral, Sweet Dreams Cupcake Café confectionary heaven is a must-see and must-try for all dessert enthusiasts. Read our review...

P'tit Bar
This little (or shall we say p'tit) gem can be found nestled in the shadow of our Notre Dame Cathedral and is one of our favorite spots all year round. In the summer, enjoy the p'tit terrasse; a cluster of colorful tables scattered on the sidewalk with a view of both the city and the cathedral. Read our review...

Things to know about La Cité:

It hosts one of the best parties all year in Lausanne; The Festival de la Cité every July is not be to missed for sure.
It's home to the Notre Dame Cathedral. If you plan to take a tour, don't forget to download and use the new Lausanne Cathedral App for iPhone!
Culture and design buffs will want to stop by the Mudac Museum of Contemporary Design and Applied Arts

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An afternoon at the brewery: Docteur Gab's welcomes Crockus

noreply@blogger.com (TheLausanneGuide) — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 12:14:00 +0000

This past weekend we had the pleasure of checking out the new digs of Docteur Gab's in Savigny, where the beer flows like water. With the Spring Crockus in-hand, we took a tour of their new brewery where Docteur Gab's himself (Gabriel) talked us through the entire brewing process from start to finish. We are so impressed with these guys and absolutely loved sharing our Saturday afternoon with them.

And thanks Reto for extending the invite to us (and ensuring our glasses were never empty)! If you've still not tried Docteur Gab's beer, what are you waiting for? Their brewery is open on Thursdays from 17h-19h and Saturdays from 10h to 14h (and apparently open to book for private tastings). Also, free beer delivery to the Lausanne area on Wednesdays for any crate orders (24 beers)--they pick up empty bottles as well!

See their website for more information or to place your order.

Something for the weekend: March 23-24, 2013

noreply@blogger.com (TheLausanneGuide) — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 08:39:00 +0000

This weekend, we’re planning to put on our walking shoes and to make some serious tracks around Lausanne for the 7^th annual Aperti weekend. It’s one of the most under-publicized events in the city but also ranks as one of the best! All weekend (noon-18h, Saturday and Sunday) a host of Lausanne artists will open up their studios and display their current projects.

This is completely amazing for two reasons: 1) Lausanne has great local talent, which you’d probably never find unless you were an art curator or especially determined and 2) the studios where these artists work are in the most unexpected and charming spaces throughout the city; it’s great fun to explore new buildings and to see our town through the eyes of these creative individuals.

More information as well as the event map, which marks all the studios and gives a brief description of the artist and their work, are available on the Aperti website.

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Also, on Saturday you’ll find us at the inauguration of Dr. Gab’s new spring brew, Le Crockus, at their brewery in Savigny.

Introducing this Spring's Brew: Crockus by Docteur Gab's

noreply@blogger.com (TheLausanneGuide) — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 10:30:00 +0000

The fine gentlemen of Docteur Gab's are opening their doors to all this Saturday! Come join us as we celebrate Spring (c'mon Spring! Get here!) by sampling their seasonal variety 'Crockus'. Hope to see you there!

More information on their facebook page or on the Docteur Gab's website.

Cheers!

Want to ~~know~~ taste more? Check out some of our reviews of establishments in Lausanne that also serve Docteur Gab's brews:

A La Bossette

Zooburger

Bar Tabac

Café du Simplon

Chalet des Enfants

And for a full list of vendors, click here.

Where to eat in Lausanne: A la Bossette

noreply@blogger.com (TheLausanneGuide) — Sun, 17 Mar 2013 18:43:00 +0000

Don’t get us wrong, we enjoy a posh bar as much as the next girl. But let’s get real. Sometimes, the thing you want most of all is a good beer, a relaxed ambiance and a crowd of fun-loving best friends. For these moments, there is A la Bossette.

A la Bossette Café is located on the fringe of La Cité on Lausanne’s Place du Nord. Serving for many years as a meeting place for leftists and idealists, this local haunt has a distinct personality and probably the most relaxed, unpretentious ambiance in the city. The warmth of the service is second to none and with over 40 beers from all over the world (or right here in Lausanne: Dr. Gabs) and an affordable menu that includes unique specialities such as fondue au fromage de chèvre, this Lausanne institution attracts a diverse and faithful clientèle.

A la Bossette
Place du Nord 4
021 320 1585
www.bossette.ch

Also in the neighborhood...

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Where to drink in Lausanne: Le Comptoir

noreply@blogger.com (TheLausanneGuide) — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 13:19:00 +0000

Within weeks of its opening, Le Comptoir cocktail bar became one of the coolest places to hang out in all Lausanne; and within minutes of our walking through the door, it was decidedly our favorite place in town for a classy yet comfortable after work drink or weekend gathering with friends.

"This must be what love at first sip feels like," we mused, relishing our mint julep and martini.

Le Comptoir’s decor and menu pay homage to that thrilling period of Prohibition where jazz and illegal alcohol merged, making nightlife elicit and dangerous. And while it may no longer be gangsters providing the booze, we’re convinced that Bertrand, the guy behind the bar, is pretty fabulous!

Check out the cocktail recipe that Bertrand designed exclusively for The Lausanne Guide.

If the night gets late, but the party is still going, we recommend checking out the underground club space (because really, what is a speakeasy-themed bar without an underground nightclub?!?).

Dimmed lights, leather arm chairs, art deco touches contrasted with modern industrial furnishings throughout, give this place a special vibe unlike any other bar in the city. Bertrand and his creative team introduce new concepts regularly; for example this winter’s weekly Oyster Bar (Oysters 2chf/each and champagne 10chf/the glass) was the perfect excuse for some holiday indulgence. To stay in the loop, be sure to follow them on Facebook for news about special events.

To top it all off (assuming you still need to be convinced), the drinks are not Le Comptoir's only attraction! Those who like to nibble while they imbibe can order one of several mouth-watering trays of Italian meats and cheeses from Le Comptoir’s sister establishment, Caffè Bellini. We’ve already raved about this new Italian eatery in a review, and can assure you that the prosciutto will change your life.

These two next-door neighbors just took “dinner + drinks” in Lausanne up a notch in the class department.

And we seriously approve.

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Are you interested in receiving occasional (but not too often) life and style updates via our email newsletter? Sign up and we'll do our best to keep you in the loop about ideas for living well in Lausanne!

For the weekend: Red Bull Crashed Ice Competition

noreply@blogger.com (TheLausanneGuide) — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 19:54:00 +0000

Wow. There are no words. Don't get us wrong, we'd heard about this Red Bull Crashed Ice downhill speed skiing competition, but it didn't really peak our interest. And then tonight, we headed up to Le Comptoir for a little light dinner and drinks and WHOAH. We were not expecting THIS!

Needless to say, we just changed our weekend plans. This thing is going to be Ah.mazing.

Here are the details:

FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 2013
18.00: Event Start
18.30: Team Challenge Qualifier
19.30: Kinect Digital Championship
20.00: Team Challenge Finals
21.00: Event End

SATURDAY, MARCH 2, 2013
17.00: Event Start
18.00: World Championship Finals
20.00: Prize Giving Ceremony
20.15: Surprise Act
21.00: Event End
23.00: Official Party @ MAD Club

Looking for more details? Visit the Red Bull website.

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Where to eat in Lausanne: Le Kiosque at St. François

noreply@blogger.com (TheLausanneGuide) — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 12:21:00 +0000

Our hearts skipped a beat when we walked into Le Kiosque for the first time. What once served as a counter for buying bus tickets has been transformed into a charming little café, perfectly situated in the center of Lausanne’s busy St. François square. There’s something so enchanting about an old space finding its heart and soul and being appreciated again. This little gem of Lausanne past has even reclaimed its old clock, reinstalled after years in the history museum. Swoon!

The menu is composed of a classic selection of café beverages as well as soups, sandwiches and salads (all of which are under 10 chf (!) ). Seats are available at about six tables situated along the curved banquette against the wall, so diners cozy up next to one another rather than sitting across a table.

We’re looking forward to many coffee dates and light lunches together in this Lausanne icon!

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Where to shop in Lausanne: nano+

noreply@blogger.com (TheLausanneGuide) — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 10:03:00 +0000

We love to be surprised. And to come across nano+, a brightly adorned contemporary gift boutique, while strolling the venerable old cobblestoned streets of La Cité was unexpected indeed. This little shop is home to a variety of creative decor items, jewelry, bags, accessories and handmade papers—not least among the offering is the owner Marie Lise’s very own jewelry line. Most other featured designers are local to the Continent with a few exceptions like beautiful paper goods from Japan. All products have been selected with care; it seems that each item has a story that destined it for this store.

In short, this is an excellent address for those curious shoppers looking for something out of the ordinary.

Marie-Lise's jewerly studio is smack-dab in the center of the boutique. It's doesn't get more authentic than this!

And although we do our best not to buy everything we love when doing our Lausanne Guide homework (we really do try), sometimes we can’t resist...who doesn't need a Matterhorn cookie cutter, we ask?!?

Add nano+ to your list of spots to explore in La Cité. It’s certainly worth a detour!

nano+
Rue Cité Devant 8
www.nanoplus.ch
021 312 80 38

Where to eat in Lausanne: Caffè Bellini

noreply@blogger.com (TheLausanneGuide) — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 16:47:00 +0000

Think Sicily meets SoHo and you'll get along just fine.

Caffè Bellini, which opened its doors to Lausanne just a couple of months ago, has that antiquated Italian vibe mixed in with the rough-luxe decor found in many Manhattan lofts. With black and white checkered walls, dried meats and aged cheeses hanging behind the bar, as well as its eye-catching fresco paying homage to Italian film director and scriptwriter Federico Fellini's Amarcord, it's obvious you've stepped into a small part of Italy right here in Lausanne. But then there's the pinball machine-- the retro 70s diamond light paneling--the exposed industrial light fixtures hanging along the windows, creating a distinct glow of reds and blues. What is this place, exactly?

Whatever it is, whatever style you want to call it--eccletic, urban, rough-luxe, or old Italian--it's working.

And the food is out.of.this.world.

Antipastis of dried parma, garlic and thyme infused olives, foccacia, cheese and peppers. Gorganzola and walnut encrusted crostinis with pear and honey. Generous sized pizzas and pastas and risottos. Sorbet, fondant, tiramisu. Wine. Bellinis. Must we go on?

Friends, you no longer need to cross the border to get mouth-watering and [my goodness] beautiful Italian food. Your search is over.

You're welcome.

Caffè Bellini
Rue de la Barre 5, Lausanne
For reservations:
021 351 24 40
Hours:

Tue - Thu: 4:00 pm - 1:00 am

Fri - Sat: 4:00 pm - 2:00 am

What to do in Lausanne: Valentine's Day

noreply@blogger.com (TheLausanneGuide) — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 08:24:00 +0000

Love. It’s in the air.

We may not be the biggest fans of formal Valentine’s Day celebrations, but we do l.o.v.e. love. Who doesn’t?

Here are a few of our favorite romantic outings in or around Lausanne in case you’re looking for a little inspiration this year...

A winter picnic at the top of the hill in Parc de Milan
Sunset and a bottle of wine overlooking the city from the area in front of the cathedral
Dinner at an intimate bistrot like L’Elephant Blanc
A walk in the vineyards of Lavaux ending with a glass of swiss wine at Le Baron Tavernier in Chexbres
A stroll along the water front in Ouchy with apero at Chateau d’Ouchy
A dinner cruise on Lake Geneva
A quick breakfast with your favorite person at Le Kiosque in St. Francois before work
A stolen a kiss on the Pont Bessières
Oysters, a well known aphrodisiac (wink wink), at the Lausanne Palace with a glass of bubbly
A cooking class taken together at Le Fraisier cooking studio

ALSO! Lausanne jewelry designer Baies d’Erelle is offering 10% off her online shop this week only for Valentine’s Day (use the code Valentin when checking out). {cyber rib jab to our two favorite fellas ;)}

Happy Valentine's Day to everyone! We love you, Lausanne!

Fashion Forward: Our night by the TJ Showroom runway

noreply@blogger.com (TheLausanneGuide) — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 12:37:00 +0000

Last week we had the pleasure of watching an array of Swiss, Italian and Belgian fashion designers showcase their new collections. TJ Studio hosted the event, which took place in a cement warehouse with mammoth bus tires lining the walls,and exposed bulbs and halogen lights casting dark shadows amongst the rows of chairs. The music reverberated in our collarbones as the models sashayed down the catwalk, eletrical tape playfully adorned in their hair and on their faces--a perfect touch to show communion with the setting. The contradiction between the unfinished, bare, and unrefined warehouse with the polished, well-executed designs was artfully dissonant. So what local trends are on the horizon? According to the TJ Showroom, expect the unexpected. Asymmetrical hems, nonfunctional zippers, sheer cloth, playful geometric patterns and vibrant colors.

Click here for more info on the TJ Showroom.