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Home > What's New > Cigar Dinners: Alive and Well in Southern California
Cigar Dinners: Alive and Well in Southern California
Posted: Tuesday, June 17, 2003
By Michael Moretti 
You may think that California cigar dinners are a contradiction in terms, but there are places in the Golden State where thick blue smoke, sumptuous cuisine and robust libations are still embraced.
With the state smoking ban in full effect throughout California, which outlaws indoor smoking in most places of employment including bars and restaurants, a cigar can feel like a private indulgence as opposed to a public revelry. Many don't feel this way, especially in Southern California, and are still celebrating the pleasures of puffing.
Arnold Schwarzenegger has not forgotten about cigars. A hero to cigar smokers off the screen, as well as on, his former restaurant Schatzi on Main in Santa Monica, 3110 Main Street, offers a cigar dinner on the first Monday of every month. Still hosted by the man himself, the dinner attracts many celebrity guests, who receive invites from Arnold, but reservations are available as well.
Guests number about 200 to 250, according to Schatzi, and can enjoy cigars on the patio or at one of the many outdoor spots the restaurant and bar offers. The price for the night is $85 per person for a four-course meal, one glass of wine, a spirit, live music and two complimentary cigars. A magician walks from table to table, as does a masseuse. Different music, food, wine and spirits are featured each month. The next event will take place on July 7. Call ahead, (310) 399-4800, for details.
Raul Martinez, former host of Los Angeles radio talk show "Cigar Renaissance" and Cigar Renaissance Promotions are hosting the second installment of the Candlelight Cigar Extravaganza on June 26. Cigar smokers will file into Prego Ristorante at15301 Ventura Boulevard, Sherman Oaks, located in the suburbs of Los Angeles. Taking part in the dinner are special guests, returning from the first Extravaganza. Boxing great Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini will be there for round two as will Heisman Trophy winner Charlie White and University of Southern California's Anthony Davis.
The price is $95 per person, which buys a four-course dinner, accompanied by fine wine, five premium cigars from Mursuli, Topper, newcomer Beverly Hills Manure Co., La Aurora and Bahia. A Mursuli torcedor will be on hand rolling cigars. Guests will receive a Cigar Aficionado magazine and tote bag, as well as a chance to bid on auction items.
Some of the proceeds from the event will go to benefit the San Fernando Veterans of Foreign Wars. For more information call (818) 907-9691.
Hellam's Tobacco Shop, the 110-year-old California retailer, will be treating smokers to an "Evening Under the Stars" coupling premium cigars and Indian cuisine at Indian Summer, located at 220 Oliver Street in Monterey. Hellam's has been hosting cigar events in the area for more than three years.
Along with a buffet-style meal and a single-malt Scotch tasting, guests will get the chance to meet Nick Perdomo Jr., the owner of Tabacalera Perdomo S.A., who will demonstrate the art of rolling cigars. To finish the evening, Indian Summer's "belly dancers" will perform for smoking guests on the restaurant's heated outdoor patio.
The event takes place on Thursday, June 19. The price is $50 per person. Call Hellam's Tobacco at (831) 373-2816 or Indian Summer at (831) 372-4744 for more details. Also in Cigar News:
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