The Great Escape: Zen-Sational

Every now and then we need to escape just to get out of the rut know as the daily routine of our lives. But who has the time (or money) to jet off to a spa vacation? And although there are thousands of places in and around Bergen County where you can get spa treatments, have a relaxing get-together with friends, or just slip away you don’t know where to find these places. What you need is a guide who can take you to new places; someone who can help you find those great little holes-in-the-wall; those off-the-beaten-path treasures that everyone keeps secret. Well, welcome to our new feature, The Great Escape. Like that extroverted friend with a mental app of places to go, we will take you to places in and around Bergen County that will make you feel like you’re on a mini-vacation, or at least on a hiatus from stress. We will take you to places you may have heard about or passed during your daily commute and made a mental note to try; and we’ll take you to places that you may never have heard of and wonder how we stumbled across them. All you have to do is show up here every week. Don’t worry, we’ll drive.  

The first Great Escape is to the Lounge Zen, 254 DeGraw Avenue, Teaneck. Lounge Zen is perhaps the mother of all holes-in-the-wall. This is the quintisential place to escape to when we need to unwind with a few good friends, our significant others, or just by ourselves. This is the place where you can let your guard down and recharge your batteries. This is the place you can get to from anywhere in Bergen County without having to merge onto a highway—it’s accessible by taking the back roads.

Because Lounge Zen has a total capacity of only 80 people, it never gets too crowded. The space is divided into two areas. To the left is the restaurant and to the right is the lounge. The restaurant has a small, but aesthetically pleasing bar that is fully stocked with everything from wine to sake. (If you want to really relax, order the warm sake and a bowl of steaming salted edamame as an appetizer.) The menu offers the finest and freshest Japanese fusion sushi and sashimi and you can eat in either the restaurant or the lounge if you’re looking for a more casual and intimate experience. Master Sushi Chef Seiki will create dishes for you that you won’t soon forget. We recommend the Zen Plates. You won’t be sorry.

If you’re looking to escape, the lounge is the place to go. The muted colors of the décor, the soft fabrics, the overstuffed chairs and sofas, create a feeling of warmth and tranquility in addition to providing a strong sense of intimacy and comfort. Lounge Zen offers a menu of Zen Martinis that seem to be infused with relaxation and will make you want to curl up into the sofa or chair and just fall asleep. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. It’s clear that they not only eat the food, and drink the martinis, sake, beer, and wine, but they enjoy it.

Lounge Zen offers something for everyone. In addition to offering Live Jazz, Wednesday is Open Mike Night; Thursday is College Night; Friday is Culture Hour for Young Professionals; and Saturday is Latin Night. Which is why we escape to the Lounge Zen on Tuesday nights when nothing social is scheduled. Tuesday is the perfect Zen night out. You can unwind from a busy weekend and set a mellow tone for the rest of the work week. Lounge Zen is currently offering 50% off sushi on Sundays from 5pm-10pm.

Lounge Zen can also be rented for parties and business events. However, it’s the best place to meet friends and catch up in an atmosphere that transmits a meditative peace. Ohm…www.lounge-zen.com.