NUMBER 1 - PEOPLE & EVENTS - JIM SMITH OF BASIN STREET VISITS RICK'S. No Casablanca Bar has been an inspiration for us at Rick's except one that no longer exists...Basin Street on Blvd de Paris. Clients tell us the ambience here reminds them of the times they had at Basin Street with the owner Jim (Jimmy) Smith and his irrepressible bartender Jerry Manilow. Stories and stories I heard, the T-bones, Chili Con Carne (which was reported to have induced labor), the hamburgers; the recorded jazz music, live piano; the poker and the girls. And like all great bars it was popular because of the people who ran it. When Jim Smith sold the place the bar struggled, closed and has remained so because of a dispute between the owners and the City. An email arrived one night from Jim's son Dodd saying that he had brought his dad back to Casablanca for the first time in 36 years and they would be coming to dinner the following night - he hoped I could spend some time with them. And spend time I very, very happily did. I heard some of the old stories (his version!) and a lot more new ones. What was wonderful about Jim's visit was the surprise element - I never knew what happened after he sold the place - and to have him show up was an unexpected thrill. You can see more on our website and a recorded interview on webcasting. NUMBER 1 - ADDITIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS AT RICK'S - WEBCASTING. Rick's daily life is now open to view on our Webcasting Service - and like everything Issam orchestrates, it's not worth doing unless it's done right. So what we have is not a simple webcam, but a clear picture with music and sound. The software (which he located in Lahaina, Maui) has the capability to host video streams as well and you'll be seeing a lot more in 2008. Have a look right now....AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! |
