“What in heaven’s name brought you to Casablanca?” ” I came to Casablanca for the waters.” “The waters? What waters? We’re in the desert.” “I was misinformed…”Everybody comes to Rick’s! This renovated Building is at one of the entries to the Ancient Medina.The Usual Suspects dressed for a Sunday lunch reservation. The Riad is built right on the 1700’s fortification wall.Of all the Gin Joints, In all the towns, In all the world… we walked into this one.This renovated traditional 1930’s Moroccan Riad — courtyard-style mansion — was built for painter Abdelkrim Al Ghattas, is now Rick’s Cafe.Here’s looking at you, Kid!Very elegant! Fine dining with salmon and lamb, wine and dessert.There is so much Art Deco style architecture like the magnificent Cathédrale du Sacré-Cœur — a striking 1930 landmark by French architect Paul Tournon. The flying buttresses along the roof have pronounced right angles instead of the usual sweeping curves in Gothic churches.The façade features two rectangular towers in the local Art Deco style — a French-Moroccan blend called Mauresque. The city is a dazzling collection of white buildings (Casa Blanca).Gorgeous interiors. The rectangular windows with modernist stained glass in vibrant red and indigo blue penetrate the upper parts of the church — reminiscent of traditional Arabic mosque decoration.We wandered around town enjoying the sights — but took way too many architecture photos to share!The Hassan II Mosque is the pride and joy of Morocco — completed in 1993. Purposely built on reclaimed land jutting into the Atlantic Ocean — reflecting a verse in the Qur’an saying, “the throne of Allah was built on water.”We joined a tour after a rainy night and really appreciated the reflections on the courtyard tiles of the minaret — the world’s second tallest at 210 meters (689 ft). Hassan II MosqueOrnate and Opulent — a masterpiece of Moroccan craftsmanship — hand-carved plaster, gilded cedar ceilings, exquisite tile work, and acres of marble! The retractable roof slides opens for cooling during Ramadan. Hassan II MosqueSunset over the eastern Atlantic Ocean from our apartment in Casablanca with the Hassan II Mosque tower peaking out. Excellent apartment in Oceans One.“We’re shocked! Shocked to find that gambling is going on in here!” So we put it all on 22 and let it roll!As Time Goes By! A great jazz trio enlivened our second visit — the manager graciously sat us at an excellent table with a complementary glass of champagne!“Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”
One Reply to “Casablanca – Rick’s Cafe – Play It, Sam! Morocco”
Omgoodness !! What a fun adventure.
I love Art Deco and how stunning is the morocco architecture.
I think your having way too much fun here.
Omgoodness !! What a fun adventure.
I love Art Deco and how stunning is the morocco architecture.
I think your having way too much fun here.