Rio de Janeiro's Gossip Nook
Take a turn off Lapa's main street (Rua da Lapa), head up the hill a bit and you’ll see the glow of the cozy Cantinho da Fofoca (Gossip Nook), a bar with a style all its own. This bar tucked away on a residential block has barely been open for a year and has already won Rio’s “Best Bar” award. Your eyes won’t tire of taking in the decorations in the small one room bar: vintage finds from Rio’s antiques street fairs adorn the wall and a couple of old bicycles hang from the ceiling. Sit at one of the rustic wooden tables—in the bar or on the street-- and order a beer or a fine cachaça (sugar cane liquor) or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try one of the creative mixed drinks that combine cachaça with ingredients like tamarind or chili pepper (R$7). There is a small selection of typical Brazilian bar food (cheese, olives, cod fish croquets, etc.).
The bar’s owner, Elmar (singer and former owner of a used
book store), gives his eclectic touch not only to the decoration but also to
the bar’s soundtrack: the music ranges from Sinatra to Roberto Carlos (known as
the Brazilian “king”), from tango to tunes, from Vietnam to the Balkans.
Brazilian TV commercials and soap operas from the 1970s, music documentaries,
and art films play on the TV monitor. Each night has a different activity or
theme (with some flexibility). Bar opens at around 6pm and closes when the last customer leaves.
Monday is short story readings.
Tuesday’s “Voices of the Planet” features world music.
Wednesday you can view art films, documentaries and old soap
operas, etc.
Thursday will find jazz wafting out into the street.
Friday’s rock night features audio and videos from the 60s
and 70s.
Saturday you may hear Cuban, French, Italian music, easy
listening, or who knows what.
There is no cover charge. Cash only.
Cantinho da Fofoca is located between Lapa and Glória, on Rua Taylor, 42, just off Rua da Lapa. Tel: 9922-4058
Check out On The Road Travel for more local tips on where to go out in Rio de Janeiro.
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