In a culinary event set to redefine the fine dining landscape of St. Moritz, Michelin-starred restaurant KOL, led by celebrated chef Santiago Lastra, will host its first-ever international residency at the legendary Badrutt’s Palace Hotel. From February 12 to 26, 2025, guests will have the rare opportunity to experience Lastra’s masterful fusion of Mexican tradition and Swiss sophistication in an exclusive 14-day pop-up.
A Global Trend: The Rise of High-Profile Chef Residencies
The luxury dining scene has increasingly embraced pop-up residencies, where world-renowned chefs transport their signature concepts to new destinations. Currently one of the 9 esteemed 3-MICHELIN-Key Hotels in Switzerland, Badrutt’s Palace is no stranger to hosting the best in the industry, and continues to elevate its gastronomic reputation with a string of exclusive collaborations.
Past pop-ups at the historic hotel have included Chef Daniel Rose of Le Coucou, New York and La Bourse et La Vie, Paris, as well as 3-Michelin-starred chef Eric Kragh Vildgaard and Tina Kragh Vildgaard of Copenhagen’s Jordnær. This February, the hotel also welcomed Franco Pepe, the internationally celebrated pizzaiolo behind Pepe in Grani. Now, with Chef Santiago Lastra’s highly anticipated residency, the culinary spotlight is set to shine on contemporary Mexican cuisine.
The Vision of KOL: Elevating Mexican Cuisine with a Local Lens
Since opening KOL in 2020, chef Lastra has earned global acclaim for his ability to recreate authentic Mexican flavors using local and seasonal ingredients. His London-based restaurant, ranked 17th in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024, has become a beacon of innovation, celebrating Mexico’s rich culinary heritage while embracing the ethos of sustainability and ingredient-driven creativity.
For his St. Moritz residency, Lastra and his team will craft a menu showcasing his signature approach. Guests can expect dishes like Nicoatole, a modern take on the traditional Mexican custard infused with bright yellow pepper, crème fraîche, caviar, and seasonal flowers. Another highlight will be Langoustine Taco, inspired by the coastal flavors of Baja California, featuring chipotle cream, hand-pressed sourdough tortillas, and sweet lobster head jus infused with sea buckthorn, squeezed tableside for a dramatic flourish.
A Meeting of Culinary Minds: Mexican Soul in the Swiss Alps
Chef Santiago Lastra sees this residency as a natural extension of KOL’s ethos, aligning with the rich history and refined elegance of Badrutt’s Palace. “I’m looking forward to cooking in such a historic and quality-conscious hotel and bringing Mexican soul to the Swiss Alps,” says Lastra. “I believe there’s a great brand synergy between Badrutt’s Palace and KOL, and I’m excited to cook in one of my favorite landscapes—the snowy mountains.”
Richard Leuenberger, Managing Director of Badrutt’s Palace, echoes this sentiment: “In our pop-up restaurants, we attach great importance to quality and bringing a cuisine that is unique to St. Moritz. We are delighted that Santiago will be on hand throughout the pop-up period, inspiring our guests and delivering the true dining experience of KOL.”
A Meeting of Culinary Minds: Mexican Soul in the Swiss Alps
Badrutt’s Palace has long been a sanctuary for discerning travelers seeking unparalleled hospitality, and with this latest residency, the hotel continues to push the boundaries of fine dining. For those who appreciate exquisite food in an extraordinary setting, KOL’s residency at Badrutt’s Palace is an unmissable event.
Reservations are now open for this limited-time experience, available from 12th to 26th February 2025, with dinner service running from 7 pm to 11 pm, Friday to Tuesday. For more details and bookings, visit www.badruttspalace.com.
All images © Rebecca Dickson