Fort Kochi is a prominent name among the tourists and locals alike. Steeped in history, art and culture Fort Kochi transports you to a different era in itself. From churches to fishing nets to the famous Jew town and the restaurants on the streets highlights the diversity of the place.
One such Sunday evening I decided to drive to Fort Kochi curious to see the preparation for the holiday season as well as to satisfy the gastronomic needs. And when in Fort Cochin you would never want to miss the famous Kashi Art Cafe.
Kashi Art Café has earned its name all over Kerala and now has people from all across the state visiting Fort Kochi for a piece of it. The café has an incredible ambience and invites people to enjoy the art and the exquisite food. Fort Kochi has a vibe of its own and that of Kashi is much like it, it is a natural light filled place with both tourists and locals having a cup of tea or sharing a conversation. The Kashi Art Café is deeply connected with Kochi Muziris Biennale, being one of its patrons, and hence hold many art exhibitions in connection with it and otherwise.
Kashi Art Gallery is a venue for artists to host exhibitions. It aims to bring together lovers of art. The Gallery was established in 1997 and from then on has played a vital role in the life of many upcoming artists. Kashi Art Gallery on Burgher Street in Fort Kochi shows no bias when it comes to art, it invites and encourages art of all genres to be promoted and exhibited in its space.
Located by the coastal lines of Fort Kochi, the Kashi Café has found itself at a prime location. The Café was developed from an Old Dutch house over 12 years ago by its first owners; it has now evolved and developed but by keeping everything true to it the same. Kashi offers fresh juices, amazing pastry, freshly ground coffee and many continental and fusion dishes.
Kashi was founded and conceptualised by Tanya Abraham – An author, journalist, art administrator and founder-director of The Art outreach Society (TAOS), a non profit organisation that works towards social and individual change using art as a tool. She is the author of Fort Cochin, History and Untold Stories. UNESCO has nominated her name for the contribution to the restoration of a historical Dutch building in Fort Cochin for an economically viable project. She has also won the “Iconic Women Creating World Change” award from Women Economic Forum, Birmingham, UK and “NGO Leadership Award” from World CSR Day, Mumbai, India. Currently she is pursuing her PhD in Zurich.
Presently the cafe is owned and managed by Mr.Edgar Pinto who was happy to quickly share a few details about the café as well as its specialty.
Kashi Art Café promotes and supports artists. What are some of the ways in which artists can use the facilities or services of Kashi?
Art residency, Art in Schools, Exhibition space
Kashi Art Café is known for its gourmet restaurant as well. How do you blend in food and art?
Creating an ambience with art and cooking fresh food which is largely organic and pesticide free
What is the one factor which makes Kashi Art Café a prominent place on the tourist map?
Inspirational menu , Fusion cooking and outstanding art installations that are periodically changed.
What are some of the projects or exhibitions Kashi is currently involved with presently?
Kashi is a supporter and a patron of the kochi Muziris biennale from its very inception and hosts exhibitions at regular intervals . Kashi gallery has additional two more spaces that are used for exhibition.
Thanking Edgar for the details and his time whilst savoring a plateful of spahegetti and meatballs, I stepped out of the restaurent which was still brimming with people waiting to get a seat.
Kashi is more than a restaurent business. The place is an experience and a feeling and an economic viable project combining art and food. Their efforts to revive and promote art and artists is praise worthy. Over the years with many restaurents and food joints occupying the place Kashi has truly made an identity of its own and stands out proclaiming its love for art and good food.
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