Part One: Big Smoke Las Vegas 2009 Evenings

Gregory Mottola
Posted: November 17, 2009

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But what is the good life without good food? Some of Las Vegas's top restaurants run by celebrity chefs were giving out samples the entire night. Big Smoke's restaurant row consisted of Aureole, Carnevino, David Burke, Emeril's Delmonico Steakhouse, Woo, Taqueria Cañonita and Andre's, which served chocolate truffles.

"The food is phenomenal," said Mehringer. "It's always good, but I didn't expect to see so many restaurants here." Quattrini and Waller agreed as they ate in front of the shadow dancer booths. Every year, part of the Big Smoke's signature entertainment includes four backlit booths with four shapely female silhouetted dancers moving to the music all night long.

From left to right, Kenneth Hulsey of Washington D.C, Rod Hohnson of Houston and Gregory Perrin of Austin, Texas.

Every booth brought some element of enjoyment or relaxation (even the ones with the long lines), but the show wasn't just designed to be a guy's weekend. Many husbands and wives could be seen strolling and smoking together. One couple was there celebrating their tenth wedding anniversary.

Nor is it uncommon to see fathers and sons, and even daughters, using the Big Smoke as an unforgettable bonding experience. Women attended in groups of two and three eager to partake in what has been a historically male ritual. And they were a very welcome addition to the event, as are all walks of life of all social echelons. Both evening sessions were precursors to the next morning's seminars, which were focused presentations from the industry and offered a whole new level of smoking awareness.

Photos by Sjodin Photography

CLICK BELOW TO READ ABOUT THE SATURDAY SEMINARS
From Seed to Box
The Best of Cigar Cinema
Fighting for your Rights
Cuban Cigars
Boutique Cigar Brands
Lunch with the Fuentes

CLICK BELOW TO READ ABOUT THE SUNDAY SEMINARS
Charlie Palmer Cooks Breakfast
Roll Your Own Cigar With Team La Gloria
Bourbon Rules!

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