A flashback to the seventies, the Mocha Mojo lounge in Chennai has a bold design, supported by an equally bold menu heralding the raw revolution, writes Chetna Chakravarthy.
The seventies was the age of the rebels, where, to break free from the shackles of society through revolution and innovation was the mantra of the times. Resurrecting this spirit in its truest sense is the Mocha Mojo in Chennai, which is a more Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin version rather than the Austin Powers era we are accustomed to.
Panels of wood with varying widths and in shades of bluish grey, dark reds, olive greens and white adorn the wall, cleverly camouflage the menacing columns.
The 29 different colours add a psychedelic feel to the otherwise relaxing ambience. The interesting part about these panels is the tube lights embedded in them.
650 regular T5 tube lights not only give the bands of colours a smart, diffused look but also give the outlet’s energy savings some real mojo. And that is not all. Ample storage space is created in concealed units that blend into these strips.
Three different types of seating include a bed-style arrangement and a set of lounge sofas with plush cushions. Almost like a tribute to the classic designers of the seventies, the third type of seating is a set of white tulip chairs with fuchsia coloured cushions.
Also at the far end of this long space stands the open kitchen, which however, is a tad bit disappointing. A tall metal unit blocks the view and is in fact quite an eye sore. Thankfully only a couple of the seating arrangements face this kitchen thus, making it quite easy to avoid.
The upper deck houses the smoking area as well as one of the most unique elements of this coffee shop, the suspended bridge seating. Here the colour palette is more intense, complemented by a play of dim lighting.
Hookahs are served in this enclosure; it also has provision to screen sports and other events on the large projector screen. The column in the centre of the room has been transformed into an elegant display unit for the hookas.
The crockery is almost like that of the original Mocha with a few additions. The menu however echoes the seventies theme and in fact also boasts of healthy preparations with the calories being mentioned beside each dish.
One of the highlights of this Mocha Mojo is the introduction of the raw revolution. It claims to be the only chain in Asia to serve delicacies that are prepared by only mixing, blending, hydrating or dehydrating the raw materials right from the source.
This newly opened coffee lounge is definitely one-of-its-kind and will soon be offering its patrons free Wi-Fi as well as a high-end book store on its premises itself. So in the words of its owner, Samir Nanavati: “Mocha Mojo is the place to visit for a 30-minute vacation.”
