Where to eat in Lausanne: La Confiserie

This, right here, is a shop unlike any other in Lausanne.  Sophie and her team opened the doors of La Confiserie two years ago, but its interior transports you to a different era entirely. Slightly reminiscent of a 1950s candy store (you know the one where your grandparents would purchase a bag of gumdrops for a nickel?), La Confiserie is quaint and kitschy in all of the right ways.

Don't let its small size fool you, as La Confiserie boasts a large menu with a variety of homemade salads, soups, baked potatoes, sandwiches, and desserts. It's a perfect place for a quick bite on-the-go (though there are two tables inside the cozy shop, where we couldn't help but nestle in for a cup of coffee and cake citron)--just be prepared to encounter a crowd during the peak lunch hours...though the short wait will be worth it. Trust us.

For lunch, we were able to enjoy one of their popular salads packed with small shrimp, courgette, mango, and black rice, all topped off with a sesame balsamic dressing--it was delightful and surprisingly filling. Their top seller? The moelleux aux marrons, which is actually gluten-free (though you don't need to have a wheat allergy to enjoy it!).

 Their items are all freshly made in-house, and change according to each season, so check back regularly to see what's new!

Looking for a quality traiteur with the home-made touch? La Confiserie will also cater for your next event, just inquire within for details.

So when you're out and about in town, or on your lunch break, we highly recommend popping in to La Confiserie to pick up a freshly made sandwich, salad, or sweet treat and coffee for a little afternoon perk. Just be mindful of the hours as well as the fact that you will want more than one dessert.

La Confiserie
Tribunal Federal 3, Lausanne
Monday-Friday 10h30-15h
021 351 24 50

Where to eat in Lausanne: Bleu Lezard

No guide to Lausanne would be complete without mention of the Bleu Lezard. For two decades, this café-bistrot has been a dynamic fixture on the city's restaurant scene. In fact, when it was created, it was one of the first  "alternative" spots, catering to a hip, younger crowd – ask any Lausannois in their 30s about Bleu Lezard, and you're likely to get a nostalgic story of weekend nights spent between these walls.

Staying on the edge of cool is no easy task, but all these years later, Bleu Lezard continues to please. Groups of diners gather in tight quarters around the restaurant's seasonal menu. The ambiance is electric - this is no place for the noise-sensitive. At peak hours, the dining room feels like being at a fabulous party with a guest list of boisterous, fun-loving friends.

The decor is casual but artfully assembled, a nod to the owners' creative taste. And the location just off of the Pont Bessières makes this a great dinner stop before a night out on the town.

The Bleu Lezard is the brain child of the Wegmüller sibling trio – Thierry, Jasmina and Gilles – whose creative talents are also behind Java, another popular spot just up the hill. The three are particularly passionate about music and have built it into the spirit of their restaurants. The name Bleu Lezard is a subtle reference to Jim Morrison, the Lizard King, and Java recalls Serge Gainsbourg's song la javanaise...

After dinner, head downstairs to the Cave du Bleu to catch one of the many evenings of live music the space hosts. Intimate and cozy, this is one of the best places to enjoy a wide variety of artists from Switzerland, Europe and even countries across the world. Consult the Bleu Lezard website for a full list of upcoming shows. Cover charges are affordable, ranging from about 10-25 CHF according to the show.

Bleu Lezard

Rue Enning 10

021 321 38 30

www.bleu-lezard.ch

Winter Style Guide 2013

Perhaps it's the sight of snow in the city this morning. Or maybe the impending dread that comes with the long winter (don't get us wrong, we love skiing and fondue, but goodness is winter loooong and coooold here in Switzerland), but we decided to steer our efforts into one of the other things we love about winter...the fashion. After a bit of research (and a lot of shopping...sorry husbands), we put together a short & easy guide referencing this season's hottest and most accessible trends.

Whether you're into leather, pleather, or something in between, this season the moto jacket is hitting the racks full force. All three of these options can be found in stores right here in Lausanne.

So many minis, so little time. This season rock a festive mini to your holiday parties! Pair it with opaque tights, a fun heel or boot, and silk blouse. All of these are available on zalando.ch.

Who says you can't have it all? Now you don't need to choose function over form--the low-heeled ankle boot is practical and trendy this season (feet rejoice!). You can find these (and many more) on asos.com.

Are you ready to reveal all? Neither are we, which is why we'll be wearing a cami underneath our transparent tops this winter. It may also help take the bite out of the winter's cold when it comes to this seasonal pick, but we'll do it in the name of fashion!

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Do you have a favorite trend or look for this winter? Send us your style suggestions or photos to thelausanneguide@gmail.com and we may feature you in an upcoming post!

Lausanne Street Style: Annie

On Annie:

Bag: Zara

Shoes: Zara

Trousers: Zara

Trench Coat: Comptoir des Cotonniers

Sunglasses: RayBan

A bit about Annie:

What's your profession?

Nurse

How would you describe your personal style inspiration?

Apart from the obligatory unflattering uniform, I'd love to say my style is casual chic.

What's your favorite hangout spot in Lausanne?

Yatus for their amazing wines!

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

Probably my Burberry black Hobo bag (with my Amanda Aakeley scarf hidden inside of it!).

Where to eat in Lausanne: Amigo Taco

Simple, straightforward, no gimmicks. They didn’t even advertise their opening--and it turns out they didn’t need to. Amigo Taco opened its doors a little over two weeks ago and already they have a cult-like following. They do one thing, and they do it well—they make tacos. When asked whether they would expand their business to include margaritas or different varieties of Mexican food (or perhaps selling those mouth-watering tortillas on the side) the answer was a confident ‘no.’ Why? Pablo Balzaretti, the patriarch of the family and the one who laid the groundwork for the business, delivered his answer pure and simple, “It’s all about the tacos.” That’s what a taquería is after all.

 

So what makes Amigo so special? We all know we have a soft spot for family businesses—and this is one at its very core. “I wanted to create something for my sons, something they could take ownership of and be responsible for,” Pablo explained. He and his wife Leticia, both from Mexico, have insisted on taking a ‘behind-the-scenes’ approach, allowing their sons, Marcello and Paolo, to take the reins of the business. The result? When you walk in the doors of Amigo be prepared to feel a fresh and youthful energy.

They aim to please—and are quick to offer their suggestions or give you a tasting of their home-made tortillas (say yes...say yes every time).

 

Their menu is refreshingly simple—only 9 tacos to choose from, and all selected for the menu for a reason; reflecting a special story or a familial reminder of their connection to Mexico. The family favorite is the Endiablado (which is arguably one of our faves too); made with pibil, a smoky and sweet sauce originating from the Mayans. You can also add a green or red hot sauce to kick up the spice to any taco, or an 'off-the-menu' chipotle sauce that is a perfect blend of smoky and spicy.

All of their ingredients are fresh, never frozen. And what they don’t import from Mexico, they buy locally. The guacamole and beans, which accompany the extremely affordable ‘menu’ option (3 tacos, guacamole or beans, and a drink), are both family recipes, and the guac is made fresh every single morning.

So if you're interested in a fancy dinner with lots of options, don't come to Amigo Taco. But if you're into fast, fresh, and flavorful, casual and friendly--Amigo's door is open and their tortillas hot.

Amigo Taco
Rue Marterey 72, 1005 Lausanne
021 311 06 19

Hours:
Monday-Saturday 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Sunday    Closed

Winemaker's Dinner at LAC gallerie

Remember how much fun we had at The Hidden Dinner Club's first event? We wined, we dined, and we chatted with other foodies well into the night. We are excited to announce that the next event is here and it's not to be missed! This time the dinner will be held in an art gallery in Vevey where you will be able to taste local wine, eat local food, all in the presence of captivating contemporary art. Space is limited so sign up now!

The dinner will be on Thursday November 21, and there are only 20 spaces. More details on their website

November Movember Giveaway

Calling all 'Mo-Bros'! The time of the moustache is upon us. Movember (moustache+november) is a month-long event where men all over the world grow out their moustaches in order to raise awareness about prostate cancer and other health risks men face. And even though we here at the Lausanne Guide cannot grow that fabulous facial hair ourselves, we would like to honor those of you who are going to take part!

Here's what you need to do:

• Spend the month growing out that facial fur (or face lace, or crumb catcher...we could go on...)
• Send us a picture of your magnificent lip foliage by or before November 27 (either on Facebook or thelausanneguide@gmail.com)
• We will select our four favorite flavor savers moustaches and put them up for a vote by all of our readers
• We will tally up all of the votes and the winner will be announced on November 29. The winner will receive a fabulous moustache-themed prize!

So really, it's a win-win here. Participate in Movember and raise awareness for men's health, and have the chance to win a stellar prize for that bro-merang.

May the hairs be ever in your favor. Happy Movember!

Image via 


Find out more about the Movember movement at http://ch.movember.com/en/?home

Lausanne Street Style: Nix

How cute is this little lady? We were drawn to her ability to transform a short vintage dress into this fall look with ease. Also, her leather boots were classic and gorgeous (and again, Lausanne friendly).

On Nix:

 

Cardigan: Zara

Dress: Vintage/Thrifted

Boots: Ochsner

A little bit about Nix:

What's your profession? 

Administrator

How would you describe your personal style inspiration?

Thrifted & sixties

What's your favorite hangout spot in Lausanne?

For afterwork/pre-dinner drinks, Yatus on Petit Chêne, for food, Nandanam Indian Restaurant, and for fun and relaxation, Ouchy (or anywhere near the lake).

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

Can it be my drawer full of boots and shoes? If not, probably my Toms. Comfiest. Shoes. Ever.