For film aficionados and food lovers alike, there’s a unique spot in Venice, California, that perfectly blends cinematic history with authentic Mexican flavors: Casablanca Mexican Restaurant. As a long-time admirer of classic Hollywood, particularly the iconic 1942 film “Casablanca,” discovering this themed restaurant was a delightful surprise. Like many, my love for “Casablanca” started with Humphrey Bogart’s compelling portrayal of Rick Blaine, Ingrid Bergman’s captivating Ilsa Lund, and the unforgettable dialogue that has echoed through generations. From owning special edition VHS tapes to collecting screenplays and posters, the movie held a special place in my heart. If only my younger self, immersed in film studies, knew about a place like Casablanca Mexican, a true monument to this cinematic masterpiece. It wasn’t until recently, thanks to a tip from Evan Kleiman regarding their exceptional flour tortillas for the Tortilla Tournament, that this gem came to my attention.
The connection between “Casablanca” and flour tortillas might seem as unexpected as Rick Blaine finding himself in the tortilla business, yet it’s this very quirkiness that adds to the restaurant’s charm. While my recent focus has been on judging corn tortillas for our annual competition, a slight scheduling mix-up led me to Casablanca Mexican unexpectedly. Initially thinking I needed to pick up tortillas from there myself, before realizing it was already assigned, I found myself parked near the restaurant in Venice. Despite the detour from my busy schedule, the lure of a “Casablanca”-themed Mexican restaurant was too intriguing to pass up, especially for a former film student.
Exterior of Casablanca Mexican Restaurant in Venice.
Immersed in the World of “Casablanca”
Stepping into Casablanca Mexican is like stepping onto the set of the beloved movie. The restaurant is a veritable museum dedicated to “Casablanca,” with memorabilia adorning nearly every surface. Posters of Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman gaze down from the walls, famous quotes from the film are painted throughout the dining area, and images capturing iconic scenes transport you back to Rick’s Café Américain. From cardboard cutouts of the characters to a masked Bogart ceramic bust showcased on their Instagram, the dedication to the theme is unwavering. Even the restrooms, cleverly labeled “Humphrey Bogart” and “Ingrid Bergman,” continue the immersive experience.
This is more than just a theme restaurant; it’s a passionate tribute. While the cinematic ambiance is captivating, my primary mission was to sample the acclaimed flour tortillas and uncover the story behind this unique establishment. How did a Mexican restaurant in Venice become such a devoted homage to a classic Hollywood film?
The Story Behind Casablanca Mexican
The story of Casablanca Mexican begins with Carlos Haro, Sr., a Mexican immigrant who arrived in the United States in 1959 and established several Mexican restaurants in Los Angeles. A passionate fan of “Casablanca,” as detailed in a Thrillist article from 2016, Haro decided to combine his love for Mexican cuisine with his cinematic admiration when he opened a Mexican seafood restaurant in 1980. He chose “Casablanca” as the theme, and over the years, his son continued to expand the collection of movie memorabilia, transforming the restaurant into a pilgrimage site for “Casablanca” enthusiasts. Adding to its unique appeal are handprints of “Casablanca” actors cemented outside and a time capsule filled with film artifacts, solidifying its status as a monument to the movie.
Exterior of Casablanca Mexican Restaurant in Venice.
Tortillas Take Center Stage
While Casablanca Mexican is reportedly famous for its margaritas and calamari steak, my focus was squarely on the flour tortillas. The restaurant takes immense pride in their tortilla-making prowess, evident in the dedicated tortilla station visible from the dining area. A sign proudly declares that Casablanca has served over two million tortillas since 1986. Adding to the intrigue is a picture beneath the sign – could it really be Humphrey Bogart holding one of their flour tortillas?
Upon inquiring with the tortillera, she confirmed it was indeed Bogart, supposedly taken at the restaurant itself. Despite the historical impossibility, the legend adds to the restaurant’s whimsical charm. More importantly, Casablanca’s flour tortillas lived up to the hype. They were delightfully powdery, generously sized, and wonderfully soft. Served with a flavorful green salsa and butter upon request, the tortillas were perfect even on their own. I savored one with my chile rellenos and ordered extra to take home.
Casablanca Mexican’s tortillas have proven their quality, advancing to the second round of the Tortilla Tournament. Now facing tough competition against the reigning champion HomeState, the challenge is significant. However, much like the enduring appeal of “Casablanca” itself, I suspect this could be the start of a beautiful appreciation for Casablanca Mexican and its unique blend of film history and fantastic food.
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