Apologies for the gap in blogging...although I was euphoric after the teriffic results of the November election, it didn't put me into a blissed out stupor for two months! Rather, it was a relief and I think maybe, just maybe the American public is finally waking up to the horrors of the last six years. The positive election results ushured in a burst of activity at the restaurant as the end of Ramadan was closely followed by year-end celebrating. We launched into a variety of projects to add to our ambience, cuisine and animation. After renting sound equipment for our Sunday Jam Sessions for more than two years we finally bought our own set - what a difference...and now we can have musical events whenever we want...in fact we've added a trio to accompany Issam on Thursday nights. An upright piano (on rollers, just like in the film!) has been added on the first floor so Issam can play for groups and on request...but sadly no, we haven't yet launched into a nightly rendition of "Knock on Wood." A suggestion by our gallery-owner friend Khalil to have a party to launch a "Casablanca portfolio" of lithographs by artist Abdallah Saddouk and writer (and friend) Rita Khayat was the final catalyst to remove the large banquettes from the otherwise elegant upstairs Blue Room and to put decorative items into the freed up space. The room is now very, very "Casablanca" with a lovely Syrian screen, matching game table and two incredible Iranian brass standing lamps - one with beads. We were honored that former Prime Minister Youssoufi attended the signing party, and thrilled when he and his family decided to stay for dinner. We quickly transformed the Blue Room back into a dining room and the new space had a fitting inauguration. And I can - and do - go on and on about the new additions to our menu from our Chef. It started with live lobster and langouste, then we added Coquilles St. Jacques (the scallops come from the US - really top quality and taste) and a turbot with bearnaise sauce that's excellent) and giant shrimp - Crevettes Royale. So that's what we've been up to for the last couple of months...more details to follow on our fabulous New Year's Eve party. |
