I have been to Casablanca a few times. I used to order a variety of foods, and it was always delicious, but then I discovered the seafood and now every time I go I just get the seafood special. It is always fabulous.
But what really sets this place apart is the vegetables! When I first went, they gave me a plate with a huge helping of fish and a huge pile of couscous and a ton of vegetables. I am a bit of a carnivore so I considered this plate to be a complete meal consisting of fish, plus a bunch of useless garnish. However, after I finished the fish, I took a bite of the couscous. It was wonderful, as good as the fish! Then I reluctantly tried the vegetables, and they were also delicious!
A restaurant that convinced me to eat the useless vegetables they throw on the side of every meal. Wow! Definitely worth checking out.
2) Testimonial added by Anna Benefiel / 09-21-2007
My fiance and I have always loved going to this restaurant ever since he moved here in 2005. We would always go out to Casablanca Cafe for a date on weekends when I visited - and now that I live here we can go even more often! The chicken tagine served here is the best I've ever had - and I've lived in DC, NYC, Boston, and Dallas - all big restaurant cities with plenty of Moroccan offerings. So, Casablanca Cafe is truly a gem and Bloomington is lucky to have it!Portions are generous and the hummus is great- don't be surprised when it's served with baguette slices rather than pita - a nod to Morocco's French epicurean influences.
However, one of the best parts of the dining experience at Casablanca is the service - not necessarily if you get the newbies, but rather if you get the main server, who is also a co-owner of the restaurant. I wish I could remember his name - but if you've ever been to Casablanca Cafe you'd remember him. This same person also plays in a local Moroccan / east African band - and if you go to the restaurant often enough, you might meet his sister, his nephew, and other members of the extended family. This main server guy is so kind - always so welcoming and does a great job of listing out all of the 4 or 5 nightly specials from memory, usually one with lamb, one with beef, one with salmon or seafood, and then variations on the menu's tagines and casserole etc. All of the specials are delicious, with lots of meat - so if you didn't bring a hearty appetite make sure to get a box to pack up your leftovers.
If you're in the mood for sugar and caffeine rather than wine with your meal, make sure to ask for the special "exotic iced teas" that they will make at customer request. Passionfruit or mango are good ones to try.
If you're bringing a large party, make sure to make a reservation as the seating area on the inside can get crowded - but the outdoor area is lovely when the weather holds. I think Casablanca Cafe is really best experienced as a romantic date for 2 on a Friday or Saturday evening, or a place to go with your parents so you can impress them with your new-found taste for international cuisine.
