Casablanca Grill amounts to more than a hill of beans in this crazy world
By Mary Payton, Outpost contributor
The Casablanca Grill is steeped in
the finest style of Hollywood yesteryear.
Decorated to resemble Rich's Cafe in the movie classic "Casablanca," the restaurant takes you back to a time of smoke-filled rooms and international espionage. The floor is covered with Moorish tiles, filigree iron work lanterns and screens decorate the textured walls, and a white upright piano sits in the middle of the room. On the far wall is a painted mural of the cast of 1943's "Casablanca," a tribute to the grandeur of Hollywood.
As soon as I saw the piano, I knew I would like this place. But the menu clinched it. Each menu section had a clever name associated with the main theme, such as "We'll always have Paris" for the chicken and "As time goes by" for the salads. In addition, each character in the movie had a dish named after them. Rick's Peppered New Yorker burger, Ilsa Veggie, and the Ugarte sandwich are a few examples. The selection is also rather diverse. It includes sandwiches themed as vegetarian, chicken, pasta, Southwestern, and wine burgers -- the house specialty. Unfortunately, the selection of steaks is extremely limited. I only found two dishes on the menu and they were both open-faced sandwiches. Extreme steak aficionados out there, this may not be the place for you. I ordered the Philly Cheesesteak sandwich and my friend Sue had the Alamo wine burger. As we waited for our food, we watched an old black and white film starring Spencer Tracy (I think it was "Stanley and Livingston," but don't quote me on that) and listened to the 1940's-style piano music wafting through the house speakers.
We had barely gotten into our drinks when the food arrived. My sandwich was filled wit both red and green bell peppers and there wasn't too much cheese, which is just the way I like it. Sue complained that the Alamo wasn't spicy enough, but the burger was still delicious. Our meal was enhanced by an attentive waitress, who kept our drinks filled and our service swift.
Then came the check. As a college student, I am always on the lookout for a good meal for a relatively low cost. I think I found it at the Casablanca Grill. The prices range from $5.50 to $9 for the entrees and about $10 to $15 for the specials, which usually include seafood. Our lunch for two cost about $16 -- not bad for the caliber of food and service that you get.
I love the recent boom of Hollywood theme restaurants. However, I don't enjoy having to sign over my house and first born child as payment for a two-person meal, something common at places like Planet Hollywood. That's why I prefer Casablanca Grill. The location is a little out of the way, but it is perfect for a date with a budget. Go for the food. Go for the price. But most of all, go for the fabulous film noir decor.
Play it again, Sam.
Posted
May 8, 1999
Copyright 1999
Nevada Outpost