I've been a local in this foothill town for 24 years. I've seen many changes surge throughout this town and the adjoining ones. Did you know that Oakhurst was once the video game capitol of the world, thanks to Sierra On-Line? No joke. Simply do some research, starting with this link:
Anyhow, I don't want to go on too much of a tangent. This town has a fair share with the history of video game development and embrace, to this day! Mountain Mayhem fits into this manifold of the purveyance to the video gaming culture...
Mountain Mayhem began in the garage of the owners (Chris and Vali). Chris had an optimal arrangement of computer terminals for LAN gaming with his friends and family, and he also had three computers set up for studio recording for creating demos. Along the way, the decision was made to start a cyber cafe in town. In 2008, the business was brought to fruition in the Raley's Shopping Center. My first impression upon entry, I recall a visit of regality that I haven't experienced before: a long corridor of a suite, each wall being furnished with flat screens for XBOX 360s to the right and shelvings for top notch gaming PCs to the left; dark lit ambiance with a subdued glow exuded by the flourescence of moniters. Towards the end of the suite, there was a snack bar that provided an impressive collection of energy drinks and miscellaneous food such as hot dogs, White Castle burgers and desserts. I was greeted by a friendly, familiar face (Chris) and I expressed my immediate gratification of the existence of such a unique business avenue in Oakhurst. A little over a year later, Mountain Mayhem relocated a few suites to the right; this move yielded more space, a kitchen, superior air conditioning and a nifty loft.
Outside, the new location greets you with an abstract mural painted by Ms. Rivka, decorated with various popular video game titles, restaurant items, and other miscallaneous references. After entering, you face the kitchen with a huge bar counter; above lingers a menu, with a custom drawn Spock in the background, guarded by Spider-Man and two mech warriors... the preceding sentence will make sense when you visit, trust me.
The layout inside is very welcoming and comfortable; a line of couches for your XBOX 360 needs and 20+ computer terminals, providing close to one-hundred games including: World of Warcraft, Call of Duty: Black Ops, Left 4 Dead 1 & 2, Duke Nukem: Forever, Team Fortress Classic 2, World of Tanks, Garry's Mod, Bioshock 2, Crisis 2 plus many more (I'm not even including the XBOX 360 game selection - SO MANY GAMES!).
Mountain Mayhem's restaurant menu features a selection of burgers, sandwiches, hot/polish dogs, salads, homemade ice cream and desserts (cookies and brownies); all of top quality. Several locals herald the burgers and sandwiches from Mountain Mayhem as the best in town, myself being one of them (the patty melt would be my recommendation). Not to mention the slogan of the restaurant is "Eat well and prosper." Entirely appropriate.
This is a place where you can bring your kids for celebrating their birthday, or any other event that would require a platter of burgers and fries. There are plenty of video game titles featured in the clients that are kid-friendly (Bejeweled, Plants Vs. Zombies, Feeding Frenzy, Hamster Ball and other Popcap games). There is also a Wii and Kinnect available to play.
There is also a huge selection of resale video games, ranging from Nintendo to the modern generation consoles (I have been purchasing Nintendo 64 games that I haven't seen in years from here). I mustn't overlook the retail they have to offer, such as video game controllers, keyboards, mice, headphones. CD repair is also available. Also make sure to purchase a Mountain Mayhem shirt with logo to show off your patronage (I'm guilty of not owning one, but this will be rectified very soon).
In summation: Mountain Mayhem has everything a gamer needs (except a girlfriend LOLOLOLOL JK JK). But seriously, it's a very friendly atmosphere that truly needs to be appreciated by the community. The owners work laboriously to keep the place running, and they do a fantastic job. It's a refuge for nerds where we can feel completely uninhibited to partake in conversation of the new games, the older generation games and other topical indulgences pertaining to the video game culture. The food is amazing. There is no doubt in my mind that there isn't a location like it.
I will provide a link to their website in sincere hope that you will take time to at least see what this magnificent place has to offer. Make sure to also stay updated on the events/tournaments that will be taking place there.
Don't let the name of the business scare you away; the only mayhem you'll experience is contained in some of the games themselves. Mountain Mayhem, to me, is Mountain Bliss.
- Tetsuo The Prophecy (Thom V)
