gentlemen, welcome to the 'Cafe Casablanca'.

As soon as they were inside, they were greeted by the owner of the establishment, Mr. Amoz, who in formal Arabic bowed and said, “Ahaaaaa, Sheikh Muhammad, welcome to my humble establishment. It is so nice to see you again, my lord. It has been too long since we have had the honor of serving you. May I assist you with your coats?”

After checking their coats, the owner directed them to a low table surrounded by comfortable high cushions and saw to their comfort and seating. “Who is going to dance tonight?” Fazzi asked the host in Arabic.

“Dina, a young and most talented dancer from Egypt,” the owner said.

“I think I have heard of her. She is one of the best. Do you also have a male dancer tonight?”

“We usually do have a male dancer, however tonight, he is sick and can not perform. I’m sure that Dina will more than entertain your party tonight. I will see to it that she dances for your table above all others.”

“That is most unfortunate, indeed. I so looked forward to proving to my friends that there was such a thing as a male belly dancer,” Fazzi said, then turning to Richard, he apologized for using Arabic, “I’m sorry but the owner’s English is…. is... is…Yussef what is the word…?”

“Limited?”

“Yes. Limited,” the Arab said; turning to the owner, he asked, “What do you recommend that we eat this evening? These two gentlemen are very important friends and businessmen that I am trying to impress.”

“Sheikh, for you and your friends, only the best will do, and you shall have it. May I suggest our shish-ka-bob. It is made with lamb that has been marinated for 12 hours then impaled on metal swords with fresh vegetables and roasted to perfection and served over steaming couscous. However, everything else on the menu is also excellent and I will personally make sure the cook treats your order with the utmost respect and care.” The owner assured them. He then signaled a waiter to bring the menu. “This young man, Amir, will be your waiter. His English is much better than mine, and he will see to your order. Have a pleasant evening and if you need me–I will be available. Just feel free to call on me.” Then in heavily accented English he turned toward Joseph and Richard and said, “I hope you enjoy the evening and that I will have the pleasure and opportunity to see and serve you gentlemen again and often. When you do come in again, please remind me that you are friends of Mr. Muhammad and I will consider it an honor to personally see to your comfort.”

“Thank you. And we will be sure to remind you,” they both said. The waiter came over and recited a long list of specials. When asked about certain dishes, he responded that they were all very good and any would please your pallets, however his personal recommendation was the shish-ka-bob. The chef is a Bedouin and no one cooks ka-bobs like a Bedouin. The three of them agreed on the Ka-bobs and in short order a meal fit for kings was set before them. In addition there were several different types of wines offered and served.

“It appears that wine is one of those ‘concessions’ to Western culture that the owner of this place has made.” Fazzi said,