MASALA WOK, KOLKATA
A renowned theatre, located in the heart of the city, underwent renovation a couple of years back making way for multiple screens. However, due to lack of space, amenities such as a restaurant could not be accommodated within. Over a period of time, the need arose even further for such amenities as eating out along with the movie experience have become synonymous for most movie goers. Moreover, the entire commercial area in which the facility is located, lacked a good restaurant for office goers as well as family dining.
A casual themed restaurant was the immediate choice with an ambience to match the Indian and Chinese cuisine coupled with a Bollywood theme was premeditated. Stylish and chic, the entire space oozes with casual sophistication. Thus, the long space has large openings on one side with views of a busy old kolkata street below, bathing the area in natural light all throughout the day and also,thereby, reducing the narrowness of the area. The layout follows the length with a peripheral seating arrangement alongside the large openings to accommodate large groups and family dining whereas two-seater casual arrangement was planned on the opposite side. The inverted domed lights on the ceiling adds to the drama. One is greeted by a fairly large bar at the entrance with the kitchen occupying the furthest end of the space. Keeping the ambience very simple yet sophisticated, the entire design bears a crisp, straight line non-pretentious look, with the colourful tapestry and the visuals bringing about the casualness within. Special care was taken so as not to allow the Bollywood theme take center stage but restrict it to the entrance passage in the form of interesting visuals, thereby, continuing the association with the cinema experience.
HIGHLIGHTS
Creating something out of nothing is probably the main highlight of this project. The space on which the restaurant now stands was a narrow open terrace above the pavement porch.
Taking advantage of existing site conditions, to suit end user needs was probably the other highlight, thus, an unused terrace was covered by a steel truss with large openings to reflect an accentuate the surroundings; a narrow passage that served as an entry to this terrace was refurbished with the help of interesting visuals to become the main entrance to the restaurant.
The third highlight being the overall ambience that sets the tone for a calm, casual and serene dining amidst the hustle & bustle of a busy city below.
Location : Ganesh Chandra Ave, Kolkata
