Climb the steps of the Mekong Lounge and Diner on theCampal-Miramar road in Panjim, just above the Pan Asian Bowl, and it takes oneto the magical world of the Orient, offered for the first time in Goa by twoyoung entrepreneurs from the family of Quenim “ Akshay and Aneesh.
Inside, the lights are just enough to lighten up your moodand elevate it further to the right spirit. In a combined effect of magic andmusic, as one places a light step on the floor, the tiles instantly welcome thefootsteps throwing vibrant colours below the feet. As one walks further in theinnermost, cosy corner, the colours on the floor change to sheer, shining gold.“It is pure magic,” boasts Akshay Quenim, as the warm, cosy and colourfulinteriors throw a welcoming embrace towards whosoever enters in.
In Chinese Philosophy, the interaction of the five elementsforms the basis of civilisation. As fire, water, earth, metal and wood combine;they give rise to the tumultuous cycle of life and these very elements interactat Mekong Lounge to create the perfect Oriental ambience, with loads ofdelectable cuisine, found along the banks of the Mekong River and variousexotic liquid concoctions that mentally transport one to the streets ofSoutheast Asia.
Akshay, 23 with elder brother Aneesh, 26, have come up withthis brilliant idea, to offer memorable evenings to those local patrons whowant to enjoy an evening in the Oriental style. “We have space for individuals,couples and families as well as arrange for private events or parties too,”says Akshay who plans to open up the lounge in the afternoons too forprofessionals and corporate who share work-talk over luncheon meetings. Theplace offers sitting arrangements for 75 at a time, and 150 for parties atMekong.
The newly launched Mekong and the two-and-a-half year oldPan Asian Bowl, together make up a cosy place that spreads across an area of400 sq ft together, one above the other. Both run by the Quenim brothers whowish to explore business on their own terms, keeping aside the tags of theirfamily name and fame.
“We have started this on our own, with loans from the bankand are expecting this venture to click. A joint endeavour of the MandoviQue’sHospitality and NRB Group, Mekong is going to rock with 90 per cent localvisitors with 40 chefs together to serve the needs of outdoor catering, homedeliveries, Pan Asian Bowl and Mekong. The group’s previous hospitality venturePan Asian Bowl has also been re-launched with a new refurbished look,” informsAkshay who has a degree in Hospitality Management from Switzerland while Aneeshhas done Business Management from DVRHAM in UK.
On a parting note Akshay expresses, “One must focus hisvision and concentrate on what he is doing. Challenges are bound to come yourway but overcoming them we have to achieve success.”
