At the very beginning of this popular parade of shops and bars, Academia de Cachaça has managed to strike a chord with the drinking classes. The huge selection of sugar cane rums that lend the place its name and northeastern bar snacks like sun-dried meat and escondinho (a sumptuous mix of mashed cassava and cheese with fillings like shrimp and trout) have made it a hit. A lively atmosphere draws all ages from the beach and nearby apartment blocks and it is almost always busy, (expect long queues at the weekends), making it all the more attractive as a slice of this part of town's life.