The Revue Cinema presents its first licensed food and film event featuring the beloved classic 'Casablanca,' Thursday, Feb. 23 at 6:30 p.m.
What kind of cuisine would Humphrey Bogart's character Rick Blaine, the cynical American expatriate living in Casablanca in early December 1941, have featured at the Café Américain? Would he have blended French and European influences with North African flavours and traditions? What local produce would he have used? And how would the American theme be reflected in the food? The Epicure's Revue is asking Roncesvalles Village's chefs to let their imaginations run wild for this event, which will be licensed. The audience will be able to sip a beverage similar to what Rick's café would have served, savour the tasty offerings from area restaurants and enjoy the movie in a unique setting.Here's how the Revue's food and film evening works: Restaurants and specialty food shops supply at least one platter of food themed to the movie. Audience members receive a menu for the evening and get to taste the samples free of charge for a half hour before the film begins. Veteran food stylist Olga Truchan will be on hand to discuss Moroccan traditions, the type of food Blaine's establishment likely served and the renewed popularity of cocktails. So far, restaurants contributing include The Chocolateria (owner Tim English is exploring Moroccan spices), Blue Plate (owner Melissa Fox-Revett, quoting from the movie, joked about providing a "hill of beans"), Pizzeria Defina (imaginative, gourmet pizzas and other appetizers) and Soup 'n Such Café (working on a Moroccan-style stew recipe). Tickets, which cover the film and food samples, are $12 for non-members; $10 for members and seniors.