I didn't smoke today, but I found someone who was...

I spotted this gentleman outside of Habana Outpost in Clinton Hill in Brooklyn, smoking a CAO.  Not sure of the wrapper, appears to be a Churchill.

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".  

www.barandbooks.cz

Finally I found a place to smoke and drink!

I've made my list of cigar shops to go to in the city.  I made my list and checked it twice and found a wonderful place on the Upper East Side that is wonderful and nice.  Today, I'm actually able to put an entry about my Perdomo!  Hoooorrrraaayy! I had my wonderful Perdomo with Taliskers 12 yr whiskey.  I hadn't tried Taliskers before and Lexington Bar and Books, where I was, was having it's weekly whiskey special.  I'm getting the feeling that the makers of Perdomo had whisky in mind when they made this cigar.  I had Taliskers neat, with a little lime squeezed in and it was nice.  Just like with the Jack Daniels, I'd chose this combination any where, anytime I need to reprieve from the day to day grind.

Ahhh! I've found a Spot!

Since I've been in NYC, I've had quite an adventure looking for places to smoke.  One day, I was at Lincoln Center and decided to use my trusty Google Map on my iPhone to tell me if  there were cigar shops close to me and where they were.  So Google gave me a list and the one closest, "Torch" was just a couple of train stops away.  Or so it seemed.   So I walked.  And walked.  And walked.  All over the Lincoln Tunnel.  All down by Jacob Javitz.  All the while navigating with my iPhone.  Well, Google proved to be on the money.  It led me directly there.  Only it failed to mention that the cigar shop that I was sooo looking forward to finding and the cigar shop that I'd schlepped avenues for was now  -- an auto body shop.  

Luckily, in Atlanta, when I was rushing out of the house to catch my plane, I threw in my bag a Cigar Report magazine.  Not sure where it came from but low and behold, it had a list of cigar shops in NYC!  So great! Now I can begin planning my smokes all over town.

My first stop was De La Concha Cigar Lounge just south of Central Park on 6th Ave between W 56th and 57th.  I didn't walk all through the shop, I was mesmerized by all the sticks I saw as I walked through the door.  The prices seemed pretty reasonable, and I chose an Avo Domaine Connecticut Corona.  It was almost $11 but it was, well, I'm still trying to put into words all that I tasted.  My developing palate tasted on the first pull a little bitter and sweet but not overpowering but the tastes felt separate in my mouth.  When they merged right before the middle of the cigar, I thought I smelled apples which explained the sweet taste.  It smelled like apples peels thrown into a fireplace.  So much was going on.  I was telling a friend of mine of my experience and he was like "Yeah, Avo's are complex".  Complex is an understatement, my friend.  Definitely a smoke that I would try again, just for the simply fact that I must taste and identify all the components of this cigar!  I will not be defeated...

De La Concha allows you to bring sticks in to smoke but they require that you purchase one from them.  They also do not serve libations, which, didn't allow me to continue my experiment today.  De La Concha only serves water, juice, or tea.  And there are no tvs.  Laptops are not allowed on the tables.  Sounds like a downer, huh?  Not at all!  What De La Concha has is a huge picture window facing 6th Ave that is prime for good old New York City people watching, without the distraction of white noise.  De La Concha's environment really fosters a simple communion between you and your cigar and the other patrons.  Sure, you could play with your phone, but why?  I really enjoyed my time there and will definitely be back! 

You can find them on the web at www.delaconcha.com