Where does one lounge in the city? Home would be the answer for most people. The answer might soon change thanks to a group of youngsters who have renovated a 30–year–old house in Kowdiar into a perfect place to hangout.
At Nirvana Lounge I was welcomed into the Living room with a larger than life painting of Buddha under whose watchful eyes the in-house band was playing some rock music. The heavenly music and earthly ambience set the tone for an engaging evening. A painting behind the gig area was particularly enthralling to me since on close observation I kept discovering new animal figurines come alive from the painting. The whole ambience is creates a spiritual feel but I found the summer temperature and low seating a tad unpleasant for my creature comfort.
“It is more of a space to hangout than a for profit restaurant. Our earlier hangout was demolished as a part of road widening so we decided to apply our skills in restaurant consulting and create a hangout for friends. There is hardly any space in the city, which lets people get-together, unwind and talk at their own pace,” explains Midhun, a hotel management graduate and the man behind the venture when quizzed about the idea to start Nirvana Lounge.
“There is always an unplugged setup with a few musical instruments available to jam. Monday to Thursday we have jamming sessions, while Friday and Saturday we have House band featuring guest artists. Sundays we have special events like stand-up comedy, live caricature, live band and B-boying under the banner Magical Sunday. We are also planning to start Flea market, painting competition and indoor games soon,” elaborates Rahul, the head of events at Nirvana Lounge.
Apart from the main area, there are three other rooms with different themes and different seating arrangements. One of the rooms is covered with newspaper cuttings around a blackboard with normal table and chair seating. The room upstairs with brightly coloured walls houses a comfortable sofa and television which could serve as a nice place to catch a match or have birthday parties. The best option, however, might be to sit in the lawn and unwind surrounded by brightly coloured graffiti that poses clichéd, run-of-the-mill questions.
We proceeded to order Momos for starters from the menu which listed Thai and Chinese options. The mildly spiced minced chicken steamed fresh and wrapped in a delicate flour sheet along with in-house tomato chutney was a true culinary delight. The Nirvana special fried rice made in chilli oil rather than a chilli base was spicy and wholesome. The Szechuan chicken had a savoury hot and spicy flavour with a touch of sweetness.
The medley of magical music, alluring art and fine food could spell ‘Nirvana’ for a lot of people looking for a place beyond just dining; a living, breathing space that also gives food for the soul.
Nirvana Lounge is located on Golf Links Road, Kowdiar, and is open from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. A three-course meal for a couple would cost approximately around Rs. 500. For reservation, contact 9946852962.
