If you’re a fan of the classic movie Casablanca, Rick’s Cafe in Toronto’s trendy Kensington district is the place for you. The fact that the cafe has the same name as the spot in the famous film is pure coincidence, as owner Richard Ilnycki explains that the place is, in fact, named after him. What isn’t a coincidence is Richard’s love of Casablanca star Humphrey Bogart and the bar his character operated. “I love the roles he portrays and I take inspiration from them,” says Richard. “If I have a problem in my life I often wonder how one of his characters would deal with it and follow what I imagine their lead to be.”
Like the silver screen version, this Rick’s Cafe is meant to be an oasis for customers as well as a place to grab a bite. “People can enjoy a coffee, read a book, work on their PhD, chat with friends or chat with me. People like to think that they matter and they often do this by talking to someone else. That’s what life’s about.”
