Morocco
Got to Casablanca by train - first class from Marrakesh cost a couple of quid more than second and is well worth it. Stayed at Hotel Galia, great spacious rooms, clean, cheap and the hotel manager is lovely and really tries to help you. Computer with internet free to use downstairs too. Went to Rick's, food fantastic though not the cheapest! Hassan II Mosque very very impressive!
Le Pilotis is a bar/restaurant on the Corniche with wonderful views of the sea. Le Corniche is a beach promenade 5km west of Casablanca.
Le Pilotis was a complete contrast to what we saw earlier in the day in the medina of Casablanca and would not look out of place in Marbella. It is where the 'beautiful people' of Casablanca come yet to our UK pockets was not that expensive. It's fascinating to watch these people and there's wine and mediterranean food as well as some good music.
Plenty of seafood restaurants out here in the Corniche but one place we'd recommend is Le Pilotis.
Boulevard de la Corniche, Casablanca
[5km west of the town]. Grab a red petit taxi which will set you back about 50 dirhams (c. £3.50).
www.bestrestaurantsmaroc.com/en//restaurant-maroc/detail/le-pilotis-et-le-lounge.html
OK... the famous 1942 movie Casablanca wasn't filmed in Morocco but on a Hollywood set.
However this bar/restaurant was based on the original set designs and really makes you believe you are sitting where Bogart ran his 'gin joint'.
A former US diplomat Kathy Kriger is behind this enterprise.
And yes... the pianist does play 'As Times Goes By'!
248 Boulevard Sour Jdid
North-western edge of medina
www.rickscafe.ma/gallery.htm
Just outside medina walls - easiest way to get to Rick's is to walk the Boulevard des Almohades between the port and the medina walls.
For the best restaurants, go outside the 'Zerktouni' ring road (Ain Daib, Anfa and Borgougne all have good, international restaurants and the best sushi is next to the Twin Towers on Blvd. Massira el Khadra).
Search Been there