January 5, 2010

Corridor café

Barbara's Café in the old walled city of Intramuros is located in one of the wide passageways that lead from the street to the inner courtyard of the Plaza San Luis complex. Called a zaguan, it was the corridor where carruajes (horse-drawn carriages) would pass through to drop their passengers off by the entrance. The floor is paved with granite, what was and still is called piedra china (Chinese stone) because they were originally used by Chinese traders as ballast in their junks. The chairs and tables at Barbara's Café are what we call batibot chairs and tables. Batibot means 'small but strong and sturdy.' The wooden seats and tabletop are wrapped in sheet iron, and the legs and seat backs are made of bent iron rods; even the studs and rivets are made of solid iron.

batibot chairs and table at Barbara's Cafe in Intramuros

31 comments:

Chuck Pefley said...

This tiny cafe has a nice feel. I've always been partial to this kind of wire chair. Very popular 50 or more years ago.

Ken Mac said...

this isn't Spain ? !!!!!

so bummed Marley is leaving us.

dianasfaria.com said...

This looks like a beautiful place to relax!

Lois said...

Barbara's certainly has some pretty artwork too!

Lowell said...

It looks like a bright and fun place to grab a bite to eat. I, too, like the art work on the wall!

brattcat said...

What a beautiful place. I would love to sit there, sipping something lovely.

Chattahoochee Valley Daily said...

Nice, cozy setting. Are the seats comfortable?

Anonymous said...

How alluring to sit and let time pass by, far away and without meaning...

Tara said...

I see beautiful paintings on the wall.

Leif Hagen said...

How cozy and artsy! I'll meet you for coffee and treats there someday, 'K?

traveller said...

When you get a chance, see how much those kinds of paintings cost (iyong nasa pinakababa). Something bigger than that.

Olivier said...

sympathique cet endroit, très intimiste.

Jilly said...

What a wonderfully inviting place. I adore those chairs!

Mike Rose said...

I like the chairs and table. More as a work of art than something to fit my frame on though!

The art work in the background looks interesting and set the photograph off.

James Mark said...

Alors, on parle français ici ? Yes, I love cafe photos, and this one takes me far from the heavy snow falling here today! Thanks!

Verna Luga said...

Hilds, are these chairs still the original ones?

The floors I guess were not renovated yet! Tama ba?

I love the paintings!

Mo said...

looks a lovely place to sit over a coffee

Anonymous said...

I really like that lower piece of art on the wall, Hilda.

The old school house is no longer there.

VP said...

A nice corner and a little piece of history given with the usual grace.
Batibot furniture is a great idea!

Andreea said...

This looks like a lovely place to get a coffee. I would have guessed this to be somewhere in Europe. I hope they serve yummy pastries as well :)

hadv said...

Okay, so after that detailed description of the chairs.. where's my coffee??

BlossomFlowerGirl said...

Looks a lovely place to sit and drink tea. Nice atmosphere, and I like the painting too.
Cheers.
Melbourne Daily Photo

George said...

I like the look of this restaurant -- it has character.

lizziviggi said...

What a charming looking place! I'd like to sit at that table and sip a cup of coffee. And how informative... now I know what to call my patio chairs!

James said...

This reminds me of some Mexican restaurants in California. I like the natural lighting.

Louis la Vache said...

«Louis» wonders if, by sitting in these iron chairs, it would stiffen the spine of some of our spineless politicians...

Gunn said...

What a beautiful and artistic place!:-)

Cezar and Léia said...

Hmmm, I'd like to stop there for a coffee or capuccino! :)
God bless you!
Cezar

Lianne said...

i think i'd like to visit this cafe! how do i get there? :)

leethroughthelens.blogspot.com

Rob Siemann said...

Very classy type of very rustical! Very nice!

SH -ic said...

I would like to sits there