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Downtown chic without ever leaving Lake County
Northwest Chicago suburbanites who typically
shy away from the neighborhood bar scene have been elated to find a sophisticated and truly beautiful cocktail lounge adjacent
to the highly regarded and popular Karma restaurant (510 East Route 83, Mundelein,
847-970-6900). When one steps into the elegant lounge, one is immediately transported into a Shangri-La where grays, greens,
blacks, and soft subdued whites fuse together to form a tranquil paradise of ultra-chic Pan-Asian design.
The lounge at Karma is a model of composed
grace and style: soft emerald green lighting, contemporary Asian-style black wooden tables and elegant lounge seating. A smooth
black bar top is adorned with fashionable low-backed black bar stools. The atmosphere is placid and dream-like, topped off
with hip ambient music.
Unlike many lounges that serve merely
as a waiting place for the restaurant, this is a lounge that is designed as a stylish, self-contained gathering place to enjoy
after-work conversation, hold a fashionable and informal reception or, in the evening, nestle in for some cozy and intimate
tête-à-tête.
The beverage service is top-notch and
those who want to enjoy food with their drinks can choose from the regular Karma menu (one of the finest collections of Pan-Asian cuisine in the metropolitan area). The exquisite food offerings are another reason
why the lounge at Karma is a unique, wonderful location for a corporate outing, private reception or celebration.
Drinks are creatively beautiful and delightfully refreshing
Karma’s drink menu strikes a delicious balance. There are original recipes that are perfectly at home in the high-design stylishness of the establishment,
yet there are enough traditional (or newly-traditional) standards to satisfy everyone.
Among
the intriguing martini recipes are the signature Karma Electra (mix of Midori Liquor and Stoli
Raspberry with a splash of orange juice and Chambord just at the bottom), the Flirtini
(Absolut Citron, Chambord, a dash of pineapple juice, and a float of Champagne) and the Gingertini
(Grey Goose vodka with ginger syrup). Those with a taste for heartier martini
flavors will enjoy the Chocolate Martini (Dark and White Godiva mixed with
Vanilla Stoli), which is also available in Raspberry, Banana or Hazelnut variations.
The Espresso Martini features a half-shot of espresso mixed with
Belvedere vodka, Vermeer Dutch Chocolate, and Kahlua
The cocktail menu includes
many other delightfully refreshing recipes. The Geisha features Absolute Mandarin, Passion Fruit,
Pomegranate, and Cranberry. The Bonsai
Martini is prepared from Belvedere Vodka, Sacred Power Sake, Apple Liqueur and cucumber garnish. Another Karma
Lounge exclusive is the Instant Karma prepared with Beefeater Wet Gin with Infused Pear and Lychee Nut Liquer - "It's
gonna get you"
Karma’s wine list features excellent Sake selections, including Sakes from Momokawa. Karma also offers an extensive wine list, available by the glass or bottle. It includes a wide range of elegant reds
and whites, both domestic and imported.
The lounge is open Sunday
through Thursday until 11pm and Friday and Saturday until midnight. To book a private reception in the lounge or for
more information, call (847) 970-6900. Free parking is available.
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