THE BEST OF MOROCCO in 30 days, bringing you the highlights of this beautiful country in North Africa!

So close to Europe – south across the Mediterranean from Spain – Morocco is another fabulous world altogether. It has the lot: remote landscapes and unforgettable culture, from the magnificent old palaces of imperial Fez to the faded-fabulous art deco architecture of Casablanca. The pulse of life in the city souks is irresistible and the artisanal output is phenomenal, from vivid tiles to high-quality leather goods. Here are the best things to see and do in Morocco.

DAY 1  CASABLANCA

I can remember that sense of excited anticipation of FINALLY landing in CASABLANCA, MOROCCO!! I have always romanticized CASABLANCA, because of the very popular love song by Bertie Higgins in 1982. As a history buff and an avid reader, I have read so many war and love stories about Casablanca, especially the part which the city played in WWII with all the allied forces involved in espionage. My first thought was to go for a meal at RICK’S CAFE. Opened March 1, 2004, the place was designed to recreate the bar made famous by Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman in the classic movie Casablanca.

Set in an old courtyard-style mansion built against the walls of the Old Medina of Casablanca, the restaurant – the piano bar is filled with the Old Medina of Casablanca, with architectural and decorative details reminiscent of the film: curved arches, a sculpted bar, balconies, balustrades, as well as beaded and stenciled brass lighting and plants that cast luminous shadows on white walls. There is an authentic 1930s Pleyel piano and As Time Goes By is a common request to the in-house pianist.

Rick’s Café Casablanca was developed by Kathy Kriger (1946–2018), a former American diplomat in Morocco. The restaurant is housed in a traditional Moroccan grand mansion with a central courtyard or a Riad built-in 1930. The land placement allows for three facades: a distinctive street-front entrance with heavy wooden doors that depict that of the film; a port-oriented façade that looks to the Atlantic; and narrow dead-end access which was the former main entrance but is now the service entrance.

Because of the age of the structure and proximity to the sea, the mansion was totally restored and renovated. American architect/designer Bill Willis  conceived the decorative and architectural details which enhanced the existing arches and balustrades to evoke the film “Casablanca.” Intricate antique brass floor and table lamps with metal shades strung with beads give off dramatic lighting effects, and on each table rests a specially designed brass lamp with a beaded shade designed by Bill Willis. Carved and inlaid wooden screens, tables, and chairs from Syria add decorative touches reminiscent of the furniture in the film. In addition to the faithful rendering of the decoration

 in Casablanca, Rick’s Café today is full of tile and woodwork representing Morocco’s craft industry. Fireplaces are of carved marble or painted tadelakt with intricate zellige tile patterns accenting the fireplaces and the risers of the central stairway. Tadelakt in muted colors cover walls throughout the restaurant, and the floors are set in hand-made terra cotta tile.

Food selections at Rick’s Café take advantage of Morocco’s abundance of seafood. The menu offers a wide selection of fish from the traditional Sole Meuniere to John Dory crusted with black pepper, white wine, and thyme. Steaks, foie gras, goat cheese salad with fresh figs, and an American Crab Louis are among the dinner selections. Rick’s Cheesecake and brownies figure on the dessert menu, along with more exotic

presentations highlighting local fresh fruit. At lunch, popular favorites such as Chili Con Carne and American Hamburgers are available along with “the catch of the day” and a Moroccan Tagine. 

The rooftop terrace barbecue, “The Pergola” offers a range of items from mixed grill to roasted game hen and swordfish steak.

My starter choice was the goose liver pate. It was really well prepared by the chef. My main course was the duck confit with potatoes and long beans. Very well presented dish! 

Piano music is played nightly from Tuesday through Sunday, a repertoire of standards reminiscent of the 1940s and 1950s, including classic French, Spanish and Brazilian songs along with American favorites such as Summertime, The Lady is a Tramp, Blue Moon, and the inevitable As Time Goes By (several times a night) Truly a must-visit when one is in Casablanca!