Of all the gin joints in all the world...
This being Casablanca and all, my Casa-based friend Jody and I wandered into Rick’s Café, modeled on the gin palace that appeared in the Humphrey Bogart-Lauren Bacall Hollywood movie, Casablanca. Beautifully decorated and spanning three levels with a terrace (closed because of heavy rain) and a comfortable lounge area that has that movie playing every night of the week, there’s something still missing. I think it’s the layout of the place – too narrow and tall – but beautiful acoustics for the piano, whose 1940s tunes trickle up to the high ceiling.The cafe, a concept bankrolled by a swag of American expats, is celebrating its fifth anniversary this year.
This night, the clientele was a mix of tourists and expats, with a few tables of Moroccans. Perhaps it was so quiet as this is Ramadan. We ordered long vodka & tonics and took a seat at the tall bar, feet dangling from our bar stools. A word: don’t try falling off these devils.
(Interestingly, Misty is the song playing when you open Rick's website...see earlier post, spooky)
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This is where you really have me...Rick's bar and all the associated feelings courtesy of Humphrey, Ingrid and co...its eliciting a tear as I write this...and there you are in this world...in Morocco!
ReplyDeleteNow I am totally jealous ...not just seemingly miffed!
Although the feeling obviously gets jarred by the idea its almost like Panet Hollywood...or Hard Rock Cafe.
Still just revisiting ...that movie and its associated complex feelings!...there is that tear again!
If it makes you feel better Corby, remember that this is not the actual bar, but a copy of the movie bar, done what, 50 years after the movie? Does that alleviate the pain? Sorry, I forgot such an avid movie buff was in the blog's audience...
ReplyDelete