NUMBER 2 - PEOPLE & EVENTS - LENNIE BLUETT RETURN ENGAGEMENT. Lennie Bluett is a Rick's Cafe legend. Now 88, Lennie, played at Rick's for a month just after we opened and was a real hit. His repartee with the audience, genuine friendliness, vast repartoire, not to mention a flamboyant wardrobe and commanding (6'6") presence made for a lively month. Also Lennie has a tie to the film "Casablanca". His mother, Mae, was Humphrey Bogart's cook, and when Warner Bros. was casting for parts in "Casablanca", Bogart insisted that 21-year-old Lennie try out for the part of Sam. They powdered his hair to make him look older, but he still lost the part. Lennie called out of the blue in February and asked if we'd like him back...of course, come in May was the response. Again he became a popular fixture with his warm personality and friendliness, happy to chat with anyone - including greeting a group of Koreans with a hearty "Kon-nichi-wa." We had him sit for an interview for our webcasting which is available for all to see. Lennie is really a part of our Rick's family and it was a treat to have him back. NUMBER 2 - ADDITIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS AT RICK'S - LOUNGE BAR. It started when we exhanged banquettes for chairs, and while waiting a void was created in the dining room where we showed the film "Casablanca" on a wide screen TV. Many groups coming just for a drink would often find our bar full, and either be turned away if we were too busy or if not seated at a large dining table...not very fun for a group of drinkers. After a few calculations we realised we would only lose one table for 6 if we turned this dining room into a lounge bar for drinking and light snacks - the rest of the tables could be used elsewhere on the floor thanks to the new chairs. Wood paneling was added to the room, and a wood frame with notched wood was built to cover the chrome of the TV screen. The best part was finding antique inlaid wood tables from Essouira and 17 leather "Mamounia Art Deco" armchairs. Now the Lounge is full all the time, and the film runs constantly with subtitles changed to accommodate the nationality of the clients. |
