Mocha

The Scene
Cars do a screeching halt here and polished skin and chiseled bodies accessorized in brand names step out in self-adoring gait. You are ushered into a smoky room by a Moroccan waiter... he?s paid to serve that way. Yank out that cap and skirt-like apron, and you'll have your average Hyderabadi who goes to Central Mall for window-shopping.

The room is dimly lit, and with the nebula of smoke idling the rooms and near junkie looking populace, you almost mistake it to be a lounge bar. Your author did, and hastily stepped out to check the board outside... it reads, "Mocha - Coffee Shop".

Mocha is designed out of an independent duplex house, and one sees the waiter run up, down, out in the garden, to the exit and all other places one could think of in a house setup... catering to a mostly young flock that have a divine calm on their faces, are in no hurry to go any place and have no appointments to keep. The plush cars run on inherited petrol, and they themselves run on nicotine and caffeine.

Mocha?s d飯r is done keeping in mind the coffee shop mood, with a lot of bright colors and drapes. The couches and chaise longue make you lazy and stay on longer. And don't mind oglers... they might even offer to pay your bill for no reason at all. Just smile and turn it down politely, unless you like the idea of weirdos stalking you.

The Food
For a start, it is a coffee shop with a lot of glitz. A swankier looking Barista. Your brew could cost you anywhere between Rs. 35 and Rs. 125, depending on the origin of your coffee bean, the add-ons, some art work on it and, of course, the jazzy name.

My cutting chai costed me Rs. 25, a whopping Rs. 22.50 more than the roadside stall I frequent, and not half as good as the sweat-mingled syrupy tea I am used to. The desserts served are awesome, however, and worth each penny. All your chocolate cravings can reach a pitstop here, and dig your fangs into as much as you can.

Mocha also serves munch-ins and wraps to go with your coffee or tea order. My pick is the Mezze Bread With Hummus And Two Sauces - some herbed bread cut into wide strips and baked in the oven. It goes well with most beverages... hot or cold.

If you are addicted to Mocha, you may well be waking up here, and you could order for your cuppa with a high-calorie breakfast and choose from one of the many eggs-to-order.

The Verdict
Mocha is not your "chai ki dukaan" ...not even Barista or Café ƒoffee Day. This place is fashionable, and people come here to make style statements and splurge money on trivial pursuits like bread and coffee. If you ever wish to sample life on other planets, visit Mocha, and keep a loaded wallet.