I was actually on my way to a bookstore but my Uber driver dropped me off right in front of this place and when I peered inside, I noticed how cool it looked and asked the staff out front if it was okay if I could go inside to get a drink.
Upon entering, I was greeted by inside staff who asked for documentation. Now, being that it was my first time in Brasil, I did not know that when they ask for documentation, they are asking for ID. One of the reasons they asked is so they could link a blank card to my name. Receiving a card that is to be used to calculate and hold the items you order during your stay at the bar or restaurant is very common here in Brasil. At the end of your service, you show the card to the person at the register to checkout and pay. Paying until the end is also very common in Brasil, so if you are at a bar and you are ordering a first round of drinks, you won't pay until you're done.
Another reason why they have the cards per person is so that if you arrived in a group and when it came down to paying, they wouldn't need to split the check evenly, rather you will only pay for what you ordered or had. This idea is great for large groups where someone may only have had a drink or an appetizer while other may have ordered a full meal and then some. Typically in most situations when the bill comes, groups would split evenly but this makes it more fair and easier for someone who may need to head out earlier to pay for their order without interrupting the rest of the group. Pretty genius idea - don't know why places in the U.S. have not started to do something similar.
I sat at the bar which had a really awesome backlit mirror and dimly lit mood lighting with cool decor and collection of bottles and garnishes. The seats were comfortable and the mood of the bar was a vibe in itself.
Open the old VHS box (I had *The Bugs Life* - I really love how they worked these into the aesthetic for a more cool nostalgic feeling) which contains the QR code to view the cardapio (menu). There is a drink menu and a food menu.
I had the honor of meeting with the Chilean owner himself who helped me order and could tell me about his cinema, restaurant, and bar in English. He suggested I try the Macunaima cocktail which contains cachaça, limão, Carole, and fernet. For food, the Crudo Mediterrâneo which contains piece do die, avocado, pickles de cebola rosa e supreme de laranja Bahia, acompanha facia de pão tostado. These were marvelous recommendations as I loved both! The food was to die for - so many amazing flavors were in that dish and the drink was unique but in the way I like my drinks to taste. I loved everything so much that I wanted to come back another time during my stay, but I was unable to make it back out :/
This place is part movie theatre, part bar, part restaurant, and part music event space (music events typically take place on weekends). I would have loved to catch a film here and then head to the bar for a drink or to have dinner after and vice versa.
Will definitely be coming back next time I am in SP, such a great first-time experience! read more