# RICK'S CAFÉ CASABLANCA — COMPREHENSIVE TEXT CORPUS (UNABRIDGED)
Official Plain-Text Knowledge Repository
Website: https://www.rickscafe.ma
Address: 248, Boulevard Sour Jdid, Ancienne Médina, Casablanca 20110, Morocco
Phones: +212 522 274 207 / +212 522 274 208
Email: booking@rickscafe.ma / info@rickscafe.ma
Last Updated: September 2026

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1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY & IDENTITY
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Rick's Café Casablanca is an internationally celebrated restaurant, piano bar, and cultural salon located in Casablanca, Morocco. Founded on March 1, 2004, by former American commercial diplomat Kathy Kriger, the establishment brings into physical reality the legendary gin joint immortalized in the 1942 Academy Award-winning Warner Bros. classic film "Casablanca", starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman.

Housed in a meticulously restored 1930s traditional riad set against the ramparts of Casablanca's Old Medina (Sour Jdid), Rick's Café provides an immersive 1940s atmosphere featuring four fireplaces, intricate cedar woodwork, arched colonnades, brass lanterns, hand-carved mahogany bar, and a black-lacquered grand piano at its center.

Key Institutional Facts:
- Founder: Kathy Kriger (1946–2018), former Commercial Counselor at the U.S. Embassy in Morocco.
- Founding Entity: The Usual Suspects S.A.
- Opening Date: March 1, 2004.
- Capacity: Approximately 150 dining guests across ground floor courtyard, first-floor balcony, and private dining alcoves.
- Operational Schedule: Open 365 days a year, 7 days a week, for lunch and dinner.
- Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD / DHS).
- Dress Code: Smart Casual strictly enforced at dinner.

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2. DETAILED HISTORY & FOUNDING STORY
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For more than six decades after the release of the 1942 film, tourists visiting Morocco arrived in Casablanca searching for Rick's Café Américain, unaware that the movie was filmed entirely on soundstages in Burbank, California.

In 1998, American diplomat Kathy Kriger arrived in Morocco as the commercial counselor at the United States Embassy. Following the events of September 11, 2001, Kathy decided to leave the foreign service and remain in Morocco to create a tangible symbol of American-Moroccan friendship, tolerance, and shared cultural values.

Kathy conceived the idea of building the world's first genuine Rick's Café in Casablanca. To secure private financing, she sent letters to friends and contacts around the world proposing they "round up the usual suspects" and invest in the venture. She established an operating company named "The Usual Suspects S.A." and received backing from international and Moroccan investors.

Kathy found a grand 1930s courtyard mansion abutting the ocean walls of the Old Medina in the Sour Jdid district. Collaborating with interior designer Bill Willis and master Moroccan craftsmen (maâlems), she restored the property over two years. Hand-cut zellige tilework, sculpted plaster arches, cedar balustrades, beaded brass lighting, and a sculpted mahogany bar were installed. Four working fireplaces were added to provide winter warmth.

Rick's Café opened on March 1, 2004, to international acclaim. Kathy Kriger chronicled this extraordinary journey in her 2012 book: "Rick's Café: Bringing the Film Legend to Life in Casablanca" (published by Wiley). Kathy remained the welcoming hostess and heart of Rick's Café until her passing in 2018. The institution continues to be run in her memory with uncompromising devotion to her founding standards.

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3. ARCHITECTURE, SALONS & SETTING
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The restaurant is organized around a grand two-story open central courtyard (patio):
1. Ground Floor Courtyard:
   Floored in polished terracotta and marble, surrounded by horseshoe plaster arches, and filled with lush indoor palms. In the center sits the black-lacquered grand piano.
2. The First-Floor Balcony:
   Wraps around the central courtyard, offering diners a theatrical birds-eye view of the pianist and central tables beneath illuminated brass chandeliers.
3. The Sculpted Mahogany Bar & Salon:
   An authentic period bar carved from rich mahogany, serving craft cocktails, single malts, and fine Moroccan and international wines.
4. Private Dining Alcoves:
   Intimate alcoves draped in heavy fabrics, featuring working open fireplaces and views towards the Atlantic fishing port.
5. The Screening Salon:
   A dedicated first-floor salon continuously screening the 1942 classic film "Casablanca" on repeat without audio, allowing the live jazz piano from downstairs to provide the soundtrack.

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4. MUSIC, LIVE JAZZ & RESIDENT ARTISTS
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Live music is an indispensable component of the Rick's Café experience:

The Courtyard Grand Piano:
Positioned at the center of the courtyard under dramatic Moorish archways, our black-lacquered grand piano delivers an unamplified, singing, and mellow tone that fills the natural acoustics of the riad. It serves as the instrument through which resident maestro Issam Chabaa brings the cinematic romance of 1942 to life each night.

Resident Artists:
- Issam Chabaa: Musical Director and virtuoso resident pianist. A native of Rabat trained at the National Conservatory of Music, Issam has performed nightly at Rick's Café since opening night on March 1, 2004. His playing seamlessly combines American jazz swing, classical harmony, and romantic ballads.
- The Jazz Quartet: On evening services, Issam is joined by an acoustic rhythm section comprising upright double bass, brush percussion, and guest brass soloists.
- Arabesques Sessions: Special performances uniting classical Arabic lute (oud) played by Driss Nigra, Spanish/classical guitar by Ahmed Gendouz, and vocals by artists including Dalila Meksoub, bridging Western swing standards with Andalusian and North African musical modes.

Repertoire Highlights:
- "As Time Goes By" (Herman Hupfeld) — Played upon guest request and throughout each evening set.
- Great American Songbook: "Summertime", "Night and Day", "Autumn Leaves", "Satin Doll", "My Funny Valentine", "Body and Soul", "Ain't Misbehavin'".
- Classic French Chanson: "La Vie en Rose", "Les Feuilles Mortes", "C'est Si Bon", "La Bohème", "Ne Me Quitte Pas".
- Arabic & Andalusian standards: "Lamma Bada Yatathanna", classical muwashahat, and Latin classics like "Bésame Mucho".

Performance Hours: Nightly from 8:00 PM to Midnight during dinner service.

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5. COMPLETE DINING MENU & DISH DESCRIPTIONS (PRICES IN DHS)
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Note: All prices are in Moroccan Dirhams (DHS), inclusive of taxes and service.

STARTERS & SALADS:
1. Champagne Oysters (185 DHS):
   Gratinated fresh Atlantic oysters in a rich Champagne creamy sabayon and aged parmesan cheese.
2. Prawn Salad Tropicana (145 DHS):
   Pan-seared Atlantic prawns with fresh papaya, avocado slices, and mixed greens in an Argan oil curry dressing.
3. Smoked Salmon Salad (145 DHS):
   Premium smoked salmon ribbons served with chive cream cheese, onions, capers, and greens in sweet mustard vinaigrette.
4. Burrata Salad (140 DHS):
   Artisanal burrata cheese, basil pesto, fresh heirloom tomatoes, and garden herbs.
5. Goat Cheese with Figs (130 DHS):
   Warm melted fresh goat cheese over marinated dried figs, baby arugula, and greens in aged balsamic vinaigrette.

MAIN COURSES:
6. Char-Grilled Bone-In Ribeye (490 DHS):
   Prime bone-in ribeye steak char-grilled to order, crowned with savory herb butter, served with roasted vine tomatoes, new potatoes, and house sauces.
7. Beef Steak Surf & Turf (235 DHS):
   Grilled beef tenderloin medallion paired with jumbo Atlantic shrimps, white thyme cream sauce, and steamed green beans.
8. New York Strip Grilled Steak (225 DHS):
   Tender short loin beef steak grilled medium or to preference, accompanied by creamed spinach and sautéed wild mushrooms.
9. Grilled Sea Bass with Curry Sauce (215 DHS):
   Atlantic sea bass fillets grilled and served with a combination of basmati and wild black rice, finished with delicate creamy curry sauce.
10. Crown of Beef Stroganoff (190 DHS):
    Tender beef strips and wild mushrooms sautéed in a lush tarragon cream sauce, served within a piped ring of smooth mashed potatoes.
11. Seafood Linguini (190 DHS):
    Artisanal fresh linguini pasta with Atlantic mussels, calamari, and prawns in a white wine marinière reduction with garlic, shallots, and fresh parsley.

DESSERTS:
12. Rick's Famous Cheesecake (70 DHS):
    A legendary house classic prepared with Philadelphia cream cheese on a graham crust, unchanged since opening day in 2004.
13. Chocolate Lava Cake (80 DHS):
    Molten dark chocolate cake baked to order with warm flowing center, served with zesty citrus orange sorbet.
14. Tarte Fine aux Pommes (70 DHS):
    Warm delicate French apple tart on crisp puff pastry, served with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
15. Pineapple Delicacy (80 DHS):
    Caramelized grilled pineapple slices with warm vanilla drizzle and rich coconut cream parfait.
16. Fresh Raspberry Tart (80 DHS):
    Plump seasonal raspberries atop a buttery cookie crumb crust filled with Madagascar vanilla mousseline cream.

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6. DRESS CODE & GUEST ETIQUETTE POLICY
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Philosophy: "Attire for the Timeless"
A visit to Rick’s Café is a step back in time, a rendez-vous with a classic era. As such, guests are requested to dress in Smart Casual attire that complements the chic elegance of the establishment.

Welcomed & Encouraged Attire:
- Gentlemen: Collared shirts (dress shirts, linen shirts, polos), tailored trousers, neat chinos, clean dark denim without holes, blazers, sport coats, dinner jackets, leather dress shoes, loafers, moccasins.
- Ladies: Cocktail dresses, elegant day dresses, tailored jumpsuits, stylish wraps, evening flats, or elegant heels.

Strictly Prohibited at Dinner (Entry Will Be Declined):
- Athletic sportswear, tracksuits, gym sweatpants, football jerseys.
- Athletic shorts, board shorts, beachwear, swimsuits.
- Men's sleeveless tank tops and athletic singlets.
- Beach sandals, rubber flip-flops, athletic slide slippers.
- Baseball caps and sports headwear (formal fedoras and panamas may be worn upon arrival and checked with the cloakroom).

Service Variations:
- Lunch (12:00 PM – 3:00 PM): Relaxed Smart Casual. Tailored Bermuda shorts and pristine fashion sneakers are acceptable.
- Dinner (6:30 PM – 12:30 AM): Sophisticated Elegant. Long trousers for gentlemen are required. No shorts of any kind are permitted at dinner.

Door Policy:
The maître d' reserves the right to decline entry to any party whose attire does not respect the dining etiquette.

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7. TABLE RESERVATIONS & BOOKING GUIDELINES
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Service Sessions:
- Lunch: Daily 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM (12h00 – 15h00)
- Dinner (First Seating): Daily 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM (18h30 – 20h30)
- Dinner (Second Seating & Live Jazz): Daily 9:00 PM – 12:30 AM (21h00 – 00h30)

Reservation Channels:
1. Online Request: https://www.rickscafe.ma/en/reservation/ (or /fr/reservation/)
2. Direct Telephone:
   - +212 522 274 207
   - +212 522 274 208
3. Direct Email: booking@rickscafe.ma

Rules & Grace Periods:
- Table Holding Policy: Tables are held for a maximum of 15 minutes past the reserved time before release.
- Parties of 6 or More: Advance booking is mandatory. Direct telephone confirmation and a credit card deposit or hold may be required.
- Cancellation: Guests are kindly requested to provide at least 24 hours notice for cancellations or modifications.

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8. LOCATION, GEOGRAPHY & DIRECTIONS
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Exact Address:
248, Boulevard Sour Jdid
Ancienne Médina
Casablanca 20110, Morocco

GPS Coordinates:
- Latitude: 33.605033° N (33° 36' 18.1" N)
- Longitude: -7.620393° W (7° 37' 13.4" W)

Positioning:
Situated directly against the oceanfront outer rampart wall of the Old Medina of Casablanca (Sour Jdid), overlooking the entrance to the Port of Casablanca.

Access & Distances:
- From Hassan II Mosque: 1.5 km (~4 minutes drive / 15-minute scenic coastal walk east along Boulevard Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah).
- From Casa-Port Railway Station: 1.2 km (~3 minutes drive / 12-minute walk along Boulevard des Almohades).
- From Casablanca Cruise Terminal: 800 meters (~2 minutes drive / 8-minute walk).
- From Mohammed V International Airport (CMN): ~33 km (~40 minutes via A3 highway or direct 45-minute ONCF train to Casa-Port).
- Valet Parking: Complimentary valet parking service is provided right at the entrance on Boulevard Sour Jdid.

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9. VERSION FRANÇAISE SYNTHÉTIQUE
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Rick's Café Casablanca est une table d'exception et un piano-bar mythique fondé le 1er mars 2004 par Kathy Kriger, diplomate américaine amoureuse du Maroc. Installé dans un riad traditionnel des années 1930 adossé aux remparts de l'ancienne médina (Sour Jdid), l'établissement redonne vie au décor et à la magie du film culte "Casablanca" (1942).

Caractéristiques Principales :
- Piano à Queue : Instrument laqué noir d'exception, trônant au centre du patio.
- Artistes Résidents : Le pianiste Issam Chabaa, directeur musical depuis 2004, accompagné d'un quartet de jazz acoustique et des sessions "Arabesques" (luth, guitare et voix orientales).
- Cuisine : Produits nobles de l'Atlantique marocain (huîtres au Champagne, bar grillé, gambas géantes), viandes d'exception (faux-filet grillé, bœuf Stroganoff) et pâtisseries maison (Rick's Cheesecake, moelleux chocolat).
- Horaires : Déjeuner (12h00 – 15h00), Dîner 1er service (18h30 – 20h30), Dîner 2nd service & Jazz live (21h00 – 00h30). Ouvert 365 jours par an.
- Code Vestimentaire : Smart Casual soigné. Shorts, tenues de sport, casquettes et tongs strictement refusés au dîner.
- Coordonnées : 248, Boulevard Sour Jdid, Casablanca 20110, Maroc. Tél : +212 522 274 207 / 208. E-mail : booking@rickscafe.ma. Voiturier gratuit à disposition.

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END OF CORPUS — RICK'S CAFÉ CASABLANCA (HTTP://WWW.RICKSOFFICIAL.MA)
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