On this BTM Road Trip segment, we go behind the scenes as Beyond the Marquee senior reporter Jon Donahue takes a day off from acting in the new Tom Tykwer film “A Hologram for the King” (starring Tom Hanks), to interview the owner of the coolest restaurant and piano bar in Casablanca, Morocco.

Rick’s Cafe, the mythical saloon from the 1942 film “Casablanca” has finally been transformed from celluloid to wood, glass and plaster thanks to the imagination and determination of an American woman enamoured of Morocco, Kathy Kriger. Armed with only a FLIP Camera and the help of a couple of local friends, Jon manages once again to create yet another International Road Trip segment for the BTM audience you definitely won’t want to miss!

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About Rick’s Cafe, Casablanca, Morocco; 

When in Casablanca, check out Rick’s Cafe!

Set in an old courtyard-style mansion built against the walls of the Old Medina of Casablanca, the restaurant – piano bar is filled with architectural and decorative details reminiscent of the film: curved arches, a sculpted bar, balconies, balustrades as well as dramatic beaded and stenciled brass lighting and plants that cast luminous shadows on white walls. Details have been added that go beyond the film set in terms of ambience and comfort – four fireplaces, banquettes and an intimate private dining with view of the fishing port provide the background setting for an international menu specializing in Casablanca’s fresh fish, vegetables and fruit. Issam, a pianist from Rabat, provides the soundtrack to the sophisticated elegant surroundings. Guests steeped in the elegant atmosphere come to feel as though they are in the film, and each evening a new chapter unfolds in the lives of the characters who are part of today’s Rick’s Cafe.

CHECK OUT THESE OTHER FUN BTM ROAD TRIP SEGMENTS:

Jon Donahue sets off on an international Road Trip 1/2 way across the globe to check out the fictional town of Sweethaven (aka Popeye Village from the 1980 movie POPEYE) and files this report!

While in Berlin in late 2011 for the production of Cloud Atlas, Beyond the Marquee host, Jon Donahue takes us on an un-official tour of the set used in the then upcoming film, Hansel and Gretel Witch Hunters (starring Jeremy Renner and Gemma Arterton).