We’ll admit it—when we first heard about QChef a couple of years ago, QoQa’s chef residency series tucked away at Le Stamm in Bussigny, we didn’t quite know what to expect. A unique dining experience in the restaurant at the headquarters of a quirky e-commerce company? Sure. Why not…
But recently, we were invited to attend a QChef evening with up-and-coming French Chef Clotaire, and let’s just say…we’re still talking about it.
The meal was a riot of creativity and surprise, the kind of culinary adventure that usually demands a plane ticket to Copenhagen. Each dish arrived bursting with unexpected textures and flavors. From oysters and catfish to fried chicken, the menu was both surprising and comforting. And yet, despite all the fine-dining finesse, the atmosphere remained decidedly unpretentious.
The laid-back atmosphere is partly due to the venue. Le Stamm offers a cozy and authentic ambiance with oversized family-style walnut tables. Its open-kitchen design allows diners to be close to the action as chefs work their magic.
We loved the long communal tables, where we found ourselves chatting with strangers-turned-new-friends about everything from the perfect sear to holiday plans in the Valais. Like all good hosts, several enthusiastic “QoQasiens” (QoQa employees) moved from table to table making sure everyone felt happy, comfortable, and welcome. As during every QChef evening, they also led a participative game amongst the different tables, sparking enthusiastic whooping and cheering for each team.
After dinner, we even got to meet Clotaire himself—a genuine delight—ask all the questions we wanted and hear stories from his time competing on Top Chef France. (Spoiler alert: it’s intense.)
Of course, no great meal is complete without an excellent wine pairing, and QChef didn’t disappoint. The pairings were thoughtful, highlighting everything from classic vintages to intriguing natural wines. But one of the absolute highlights for us was the effort poured (pun fully intended) into the non-alcoholic pairings. These weren’t just afterthoughts—they were complex, surprising, and so delicious that we found ourselves looking forward to the next sip as eagerly as the next course.
Part of what makes QChef so exciting is the lineup itself: the guest chefs are often celebrated names, rising local talents, or winners and finalists of Top Chef France.
QChef is proof that world-class culinary experiences don’t always require crossing borders—or breaking the bank. It’s creative, convivial, and just a little bit unexpected.
So if you’re craving something different, keep an eye on QChef’s calendar. We’re pretty sure you’ll leave Bussigny feeling like you’ve traveled much further than a few kilometers from Lausanne.
Upcoming Qchefs:
October
Quentin Mauro, the winner of Top Chef France, season 16. At only 24 years old, this young chef won over the jury with his creative dishes and flawless technique. Expect modern, daring cuisine full of surprises.
November
Former chef of the Abbaye de Montheron, Rafael Rodriguez is coming to Le Stamm to share his signature specialty: game, from the forest to the plate. If you’re a fan of dishes rich in flavor, wild ingredients, and a cuisine that is both raw and refined, you’re going to love what he has in store.
Discover more details here.
