July 4th, a famous date in the calendar, Marg and Hector’s Wedding Anniversary! We have moved on from Marrakech to Casablanca, ever The Romantic, where else but Rick’s Cafe (248 Rue Sour Jdid, Casablanca, Morocco) would we be dining this evening? Of course it’s not a Curry House but Beef Stroganoff and Lamb Chops featured on The Menu, so we’re not too far away.
The venue was located in daylight as we took in the area around Casa Port. Open since 2004, the Restaurant is a converted Riad. Coincidentally, we met the Granddaughter of the previous owner on our Express from Marrakech.
Arriving around 20.00 – No, we do not have a reservation – we were given a table right on the middle of the downstairs room beside the piano. The piano was scheduled to played from 21.00. Four Chaps were sat at the Bar a few metres away, tables towards the entrance were set up for a large party, maybe three or four couples were sat around us.
Ashtrays were on the tables but nobody smoked. The waiter took ours away when he realised it would not be used. People still do this? I asked. It is not permitted in Europe. The message may have been aimed above his pay level, but having seen enough of Morocco this week, this is something that should be addressed. To many Cafes are simply no go areas.
Drinks were ordered first, a Bottle of Rose at 250 Dirhams (£16.50) was ordered to share. Hector needed Bier too, a 33cl Bottle of Casablanca would complete the moment. Why is Bier always £7.00 a pint in Morocco?
Goats Cheese and Fresh Figs? This sounded like a Splendid Starter, to share. With Balsamic drizzled over the Figs, Cheese and the Lettuce Ballast this was remarkable. This will most certainly be served one day at Hector’s House.
Beef Stroganoff was served by the caterer at our Wedding in 2003. Hector even then was determined to not have Chicken served to our Guests. A Micro-portion served too Bland, a disappointment.
Stroganoff needs a blast of Ginger, at least, to give it the required impact. When it arrived this evening with Tagliatelle, I was taken aback. This was a surprisingly good combination. The Quality of the Sauce was Outstanding. A Complexity of Flavours were contained there-in. This was easily one of the Best Non-Curry Meals Hector has enjoyed in years.
Marg was served Five Lamb Chops shrouded in a Herb coating. Artichoke and what Marg believes was a Mash of Turnip accompanied. Additionally, small Sides of Vegetables were placed on the table- Broccoli, Onion Rings, Eggplant, Beetroot and Crispy Celery. The Overall Quantity was Perfect, the prices were also reasonable at around £10.00 per Main Course.
The Waiters were ever attendant to top up the glasses and happy to take our photo. As Hector recorded every Dish so one Chap came over and asked if I would refrain from using flash. No problem.
Play it, Sam
The Piano Player did two sets during our visit. Various Standards with a Jazz Interpretation, at times. It was fitting that when I asked for The Bill the unsung lyrics were about being – Sorry – fitting, how much had we let ourselves in for?
A Restaurant, A Cabaret, different from our usual by far. The Hostess was sat at the bar then started moving around the room to check all was well with her Guests for the evening. This presumably was Ms. Kathy Kriger of The Usual Suspects, a conclusion reached from the poster on display at the door.
This was a very Pleasant Experience – As time goes by….
Dessert
To prolong the Pleasure there had to be Ice Cream. There was a choice of various concoctions, we both chose Vanilla and Caramel which came with a Chocolate Sauce and topped with a Glace Cherry.
The Rose Wine was finished. Marg ordered a Milky Coffee which came exactly how she likes it, half a cup of Coffee and a Jug of Hot Milk. This must be what it is – To Dine.
The Bill
1005.50 Dirhams (£65.00). For the Quality, Quantity and Excellent Service, this was a night – You must remember this…
The Aftermath
There had to be a photo with the Hostess and a photo reconnaissance of the story of the redevelopment of the Riad. The place was still busy as we left, smoking had never been an issue.
OK, the place has nothing to do with The Movie – Casablanca , but how could anyone come to Casablanca and not visit Rick’s Cafe?