On a time crunch but craving excellence? The Kaizen lunch experience at 1856 - Culinary Residence offers a four-course, chef-driven meal served in under 40 minutes without sacrificing the elegance, flavor, or creativity of a fine dining experience.
Located inside The Laurel Hotel and Spa in Auburn,1856’s Kaizen lunch is thoughtfully designed for those who want a more intentional lunch without the time commitment of a long meal.
An Elevated Lunch, Reimagined
The menu shifts daily and includes a curated soup, appetizer, entrée with your choice of protein, a fresh French baguette, and dessert. Each dish is built around seasonal produce, much of it harvested from the rooftop garden of the Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center.
On a recent visit, the four-course meal arrived all at once on a wooden board. The presentation was minimalistic, yet thoughtfully arranged. The selection included a chilled gazpacho that was light and refreshing, smoked salmon paired with seasonal accompaniments, and an entrée choice of chicken tikka masala meatballs in warmly spiced sauce or seared scallops. A fresh French Baguette rounded out the savory courses. For dessert, an orange cupcake with vanilla bean frosting provided a bright, sweet finish.
The menu is crafted by Chef in-residence Joël Antunes and executed by a dedicated culinary team alongside students from the Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management.
The Experience: Thoughtful, Welcoming, Elevated
The atmosphere is refined yet relaxed. Service is attentive and the staff brings a calm confidence to the experience. A handwritten note at the table adds a warm, personal touch, one of many small details that make The Kaizen lunch experience so special.
The word Kaizen originates from a Japanese philosophy of continuous improvement. A fitting name for a lunch that's efficient and always evolving. A smart choice for game days, business lunches, or a quiet afternoon at The Laurel.
Good to Know Before You Go
1856 - Culinary Residence is a part of Auburn University’s Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management, where students work alongside professional chefs and service staff to create a restaurant that’s both educational and high-end.
Walk-ins are welcome, though reservations are recommended. Valet parking is available, and dietary restrictions can be accommodated with at least 24 hours notice. There is no dress code, but most guests opt for smart casual.
If you’re looking for a lunch that hits all the marks: fast, polished, and memorable. Kaizen at 1856 Culinary Residence is where you’ll find it.