Pique Bar

The setting for one of Vinicius de Moraes's iconic songs, Itapuã Beach in Salvador, Bahia, will have a new attraction related to the Rio de Janeiro poet. Seeking to bring to life the Bahian "Vina," as it was affectionately known, Bar do Pique, conceived by Vinicius and his wife Gessy Gesse in the 1970s, will receive a new version by the Superlimão studio. The tribute takes place in the year that Vinicius de Moraes would have turned 110. Originally located in a small house in Itapuã, the new Bar do Pique is now located in the former residence where Vinicius and Gessy lived, and revives the address's vocation for hosting and celebrating gatherings. There, at the time, the couple welcomed illustrious friends, such as the painter Calasans Neto, the writer Jorge Amado, and other icons of Brazilian culture. The historical context, in fact, yields interesting facts that contribute to the atmosphere. Visits from friends, for example, were essential to the bar's "christening," according to Gessy's story to the Superlimão team during the research process. While "Pique" was synonymous with excitement for the group of artists, for Gessy it had a different meaning. "She loved everyone's company, but longed for some peace and quiet. So, for Gessy, the name was a subliminal message, as if to say: 'Get the hell out of my house and go to a bar,'" says Inaiá Botura, the project coordinator. Now, with the bar, new visitors will be able to enjoy their beer or drink with the same perspective of Itapuã Beach that the artists had, strolling "with their gaze forgotten in the meeting of sky and sea," as Vinicius and Toquinho say in "Afternoon in Itapuã." Elements that evoke this experience make up the ambiance. Messages, poems, and drawings left by visitors that once graced the walls of the original bar were replicated in the new Bar do Pique, transporting guests to the bohemian atmosphere of the 1970s. The decor, featuring antique bottles, whale bones salvaged from the coast, and other ornaments, was inspired by the stories and photos shared by Gessy during her meeting with the Superlimão architects. Overlooking Itapuã Beach and next to the couple's original pool, with tiles designed by Udo Knoff, the bar's organic lines are inspired by the waves and the curves of the guitar, Vinicius's passions. Its design ranges from different heights, sometimes serving as a counter and, at others, as a bench. Carved in stone, the curves of the bar/counter/bench bring people closer together and allow for greater connection between customers, while the wood paneling reclaimed from local boats references the vessels anchored along the coast. In addition to providing a meeting space, the element also defines the bar's areas according to the defined program. The space serves the pools, but also functions as a waiting area for the hotel restaurant, and as a way to bring drinks in and out of the pool area and restaurant. "During the project's development, we were fortunate enough to enjoy a drink on the house's balcony, listening to Gessy tell stories about Vinicius and his friends. Now, with the bar ready, everyone can have this experience," comments Lula Gouveia, partner at Superlimão.