Old New York Charm?

Yesterday, I went back in time.  Back to a time of gentleman in smoking jackets and ladies in cocktail dresses for the ritual of cocktail hour.  Now, I've only seen this type of "Old New York" style in movies, but I imagine that living on the Upper East Side in the 40's and 50's, Lexington Bar and Books would be the spot where the sophiscated gathered.  There is a strict dress code: no jeans, no sandals, no sneakers.  And you have to be buzzed in.  At first, I thought that this may be a private club but I think that they use this tactic to give you the once over.  Or maybe it was to ensure that you are greeted properly.  At any rate,   I was lucky enough to find a seat in front of the open floor to ceiling shutters that peered out to Lexington Ave.  My first impression was library in a huge mansion that had huge dark cherry bookcases and paneling, with the walls lined with first editions of classic American novels.  Leather club chairs and benches line the walls and in the back, a velvet rope to a room no doubtedly reserved for a distinguished gentlemen and his company.  This cigar list was limited, maybe only 20 cigars starting in price from $14.  But, Bar and Books will allow you to smoke your own cigars for a $5 sur charge per person.  This place is for the cigar purist, no butane lighters here.  Guests are brought, on a silver tray, a cigar cutter, a shooter of water, a candle and a bundle of sticks.  I quickly slid my butane lighter back into my purse, it proved to be so inadequate.  And there I smoked and watched and drank.  After I smoked my Perdomo, I engaged in the delicious El Primer Mundo Nicaraguan Maduro and sat back thinking, "I should have dressed up more." Yes next time, I will match the mood and feel of Lexington Bar and Books with a long silk dress, high heels and a gentleman in a smoking jacket whispering in my ear, "Here's looking at you, Kid".  

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