LAS VEGAS AND CIGARS - They almost seem synonymous and weíre happy to report that they are. It seems that everybody is smoking cigars at Restaurants,Casinos, Clubs, Golf Courses, on the street and even in the ìSmokers Roomî at the Las Vegas Airport. Yes, they do have them. I was there and enjoyed a smoke before boarding the plane.

MC CARREN AIRPORT CIGAR KIOSK

Speaking of the Airport, one of the most creative ideas weíve seen can be found on the second floor Espanale level. Itís a Cigar Kiosk. (Look for their revolving global sign over the Kiosk). The Kiosk is operated by CIGARS OF THE WORLD, a new company headquartered in Las Vegas.

The Chairman and CEO of CIGARS OF THE WORLD is Lonnie Wright ìLWî, a former UNLV Basketball Star and now Professor of Hotel Management at the Community College of Southern Nevada. Lonnie, who was born and raised in Las Vegas, was one of the few Las Vegas residents to play for this first class college basketball team. Lonnie also helped organize the NBA Golf Tournament in Las Vegas playing golf with Chicagoís very own Super Bull, Michael Jordan. Michael did enjoy a cigar on the course that day. (We knew he would). Lonnie is really into his new cigar business. He is so concerned about the quality of the cigars that their warehouse is only five minutes from McCarren Airport. When cigars are needed for the Kiosk theyíre delivered in a portable humidor to guarantee their freshness.
They carry over 25 different brands of cigars varying in price from $2.50 to $20.00. The Kiosk is open daily from 7:00 A.M. to 11:00 P.M. and donít be surprised if you run into the likes of Charles Barkley or James Earl Jones who were just there.

CIGARS OF THE WORLD - RIVIERA HOTEL

Lonnie Wrightís second store is opening in October at the Riviera Hotel. It is located on the main floor next to the entry to SPLASH. The store will feature a complete line of cigars, humidors and smokersí accessories, along with a complete line of Cognac flavored cigars. The store will be interfaced with the SPLASH show and you may see a few girls in the show smoking cigars as part of their performance. After each performance, stars from the SPLASH show will be signing autographs in the store and helping you select your favorite cigar. The store will be open daily from 9:00 A.M. until 2:00 P.M. to satisfy even the most avid cigar smoker. The Riviera Hotel is located at 2901 Las Vegas Blvd., South.

CIGARS OF THE WORLD CIGAR

CIGARS OF THE WORLD have their own cigar and itís first class. The cigar is a special blend using Dominican, Ecuadorian and Mexican tobacco. Itís a full bodied smoke with just a hint of sweetness. The wrapper is Ecuadorian and all the tobacco used is Cuban seed. Hand made, long leaf cigars using at least one year old tobacco and aged for another 90 days make the Cigar of the World a great smoke. You can buy them at the Airport Kiosk or the new Riviera Store.

Lonnie is a real believer in doing things right, and after seeing his locations, we have to agree. So whether youíre going to or coming from Las Vegas, youíll see Lonnie at the Airport or at the Riviera and with their great cigar ìCIGARS OF THE WORLDî, heís well on his way to becoming a major fixture in the Las Vegas cigar market.



EDíS PIPES TOBACCO & GIFTS

When Helen and Ed Dobbs say they have the LARGEST WALK-IN HUMIDOR in the State of Nevada -- theyíre not kidding -- I was there and they do.

Helen and Ed are the type of retail tobacco dealers you just canít say enough about. Their cigar selection is the best in Las Vegas. If youíre having trouble finding your favorite cigar this would be the place Iíd go. They also have a great selection of humidors, lighters, pipes and smokerís accessories. In this store you canít help yourselve. Youíre going to buy something and itís all quality. Itís a great store to buy gifts (I bought one for myself).

Their cigars are all properly stored and cared for, and in the summer heat of Las Vegas this really matters. From the beginning smoker to the old pro, Helen, Ed and their staff take time with you and answer all your questions. Visiting with them is half the fun. They know their cigars.

The store is only a short cab or car ride from all the strip hotels and if youíre serious about your cigars donít miss a visit to Helen and Ed. They have it all.

As we go to press Helen and Ed are building their second store at 7271 S. Eastern Avenue in the Warm Springs Market Place in Las Vegas. Theyíre scheduled to open in November of 1996.

The main store is located in Maryland Square at 3661 S. Maryland Pkwy No. 12 and the hours are daily 9am to 6pm - Saturday 9am to 5pm and Sunday 12pm to 4pm. 702-734-1931




RUTH CHRIS RESTAURANT

Marcel Taylor, owner of three RUTH CHRISí RESTAURANTS, is a Las Vegas veteran. Marcel has been in Las Vegas for 37 years starting in the Casino business and opening his first RUTH CHRIS in 1989 at 3900 Paradise, Las Vegas. In 1994 he opened his second RUTH CHRIS location at 4561 West Flamingo and in 1995 his third in Denver at 1445 Market Street. .

Marcelís favorite cigar, which you can see him smoking in the restaurant, is a La Gloria Cubana. Marcel features a broad range of cigars including La Gloria Cubana, Davidoff and Dunhill, ranging in price from $8.00 to $30.00. The cigars are featured in Michel Perrenoud Humidors. This is definitely a cigar friendly restaurant and Marcel is very pleased with the substantial increase in the customers in all age groups who are cigar aficionados.

The Ruth Chris Flamingo Restaurant stays open until 3:00 in the morning to satisfy all the late-night Vegas players with a lighter fare menu after 11:00 P.M. On Wednesday through Saturdays you can also enjoy live jazz in the Lounge starting at 10:00 P. M. At the 3900 Paradise location they also have a great business lunch and their dining room stays open until 10:30. If youíre at the 3900 Paradise location be sure and ask for Bo McDaniell who buys the cigars for the restaurant and is a very knowledgeable cigar man. Bo and Marcel spend a great deal of time installing high-powered smoke eaters to keep the restaurant fresh and provide a totally cigar friendly ambience with smoking available in the bar and restaurant.

As far as the food goes, when they say theyíre the home of SERIOUS STEAKS, theyíre telling you like it is. The meat is never frozen and the rib eye steak I had came to the table sizzling and with my cream spinach and potatoes was a memorable meal. I topped it off with one of Marcelís Gloria Cubanaís, and life was good.

Great food and drinks, great cigars, great people - donít miss RUTH CHRIS on your Las Vegas visit. Marcel and his great staff will make you feel at home.

3900 Paradise Road. 702-791-7011 Monday-Friday 11:00am-10:30pm Sat/Sunday 4:30pm-10:30pm 4561 W. Flamingo Rd. 702-248-7011 Daily 4:30pm to 3:00am



DON PABLO CIGAR COMPANY

The Don Pablo Cigar Company is great. Itís really the Nate & Bob Show - and itís one not to miss.

Right there at the store theyíre making 100% Cuban seed hand rolled cigars. Their master Cuban cigar rollers perform an art that you just donít see very often and shouldnít miss on your Las Vegas trip. The Don Pablo Cigar is made using long leaf Cuban seed tobacco from Santo Domingo, Brazil, Ecuador and Mexico. Their selection includes 7î Panatelaís in 32, 34 and 40 ring sizes; 5 3/4î to 6î Coronaís in 42, 48 and 52 ring sizes; 6 3/4î Imperial in a 46 ring size; a 7 1/2î Cuban Largo 46 ring size and a 8 1/2î El Cubano in a 52 ring size.

They also make 5 year old tobacco Vintage Cognac Largoís 7 1/2î, 50 ring size and a Cognac Monterico 5 3/4î, 52 ring size.

Chicago is their second largest market and they ship worldwide. Stop in while youíre there and buy one of their sampler boxes so you can decide which one you like best. It has 25 cigars for $64.75. Itís a good buy. I had a El Cubano which took me about two hours to smoke and it had a great finish.

Bob and Nate also have two retail shops in Hawaii at 1430 Kona Street, Hon, Hawaii and 101 Ala Moana Blvd., Hon, Hawaii. Stop in on your next trip to the islands and youíll find the CHICAGO CIGAR SMOKER MAGAZINE at their counter.

The Las Vegas store is located on the Strip in the Las Vegas Plaza at 3025 Las Vegas Blvd., South #117, Phone #702-369-1818. Store hours are Monday-Saturday 9:00am to 6:00pm and Sunday 10am to 4:00pm.



ADDITIONAL CIGAR FRIENDLY RECOMMENDATIONS

FIORE ROTISSERIE & GRILL is located in Tony Marnellís Rio Hotel. They serve regional European cuisine and their grilled dishes are cooked over fragrant woods the chef selects each day. Craig Gilbert the food and beverage manager has just completed remodeling of the new cigar veranda. After dinner you go into the adjacent veranda which features a walk-in humidor, wood floors, Persian rugs, comfortable leather chairs and a fireplace to enjoy your cigar. Their vintage cigars range in price from $6.00 to $30.00 and are complemented by their Cognac Carte which has it all. I-15 & Flamingo Road - Open 5:00 A.M. to 11:00 P.M. daily - Reservation 702-252-7777.


FRED GLUSMANíS PIEROíS ITALIAN CUISINE and New England Fish Market is one of my long-time favorites and features a complete Italian fare and great fish. The food is outstanding and the service is great. They have constructed a separate cigar bar in the center of the restaurant where you can retire after dinner for your cigar, drinks and live music. They have a humidor behind the bar to select one of their great smokes. Be sure and ask for my friend, Don, one of their great waiters. 355 Convention Center Drive - Open 5:00am to 11:30pm daily. Reservations 702-369-2305


CIGAR STORES

CHURCHILLíS TOBACCO EMPORIUM is located in suburban Las Vegas. The store has recently been taken over by George and Yolanda Arnold, a young couple who are real cigar believers. They are building their business and have a good humidor. George also has a great miniature car collection which is also worth seeing in addition to some good sticks. 3144 No. Rainbow Blvd., 702-645-1047

CASINOS

BALLYíS CASINO is a cigar friendly Casino. For all you players out there, be sure and give Bill Sullivan ìSullyî a call at 702-739-4111 if you want to get rated and negotiate a room rate. You can also buy cigars in two locations in the Hotel and they cater to cigar smokers.
3645 Las Vegas Blvd, South 1-800-7BULLYS


CIGAR MAKERS

RICH GALDIERIíS LAS VEGAS CIGAR COMPANY has been making cigars in Las Vegas for many years. Sweets are available in all the cigars. There are rollers performing in the store daily and you can have your cigars rolled and smoke it the same day. 3755 Las Vegas Blvd., South 702-262-6100

WEIRD SIDE TRIP

The graveyard!! Yes, I said the graveyard, which is located at 5119 Cameron in Las Vegas. Young Electric Sign Company (YESCO) supplies most of the neon signs for Las Vegas and when the signs change or go out of business they go to the sign graveyard. You canít walk in without permission (702-876-8080) but you can see the signs through the fence. Several movies have been shot there and thatís fun to watch because they light them up. Vampirella was recently shot there as was Tim Buntonís MARS ATTACKS, starring Jack Nicholson and Danny DeVito. I saw the sign from the Silver Slipper lit up and three of us were standing next to this big shoe smoking our cigars and it was very weird. We went back to the Casino.

To say Las Vegas is on Fire is an understatement. New hotels, casinos, shops, and restaurants are opening non-stop. While playing craps at one of the Casinos a couple asked me ìDo you have to smoke that cigar?î I politely looked at them and said ìYes I doî. They left - I kept playing and the guy across the table lit one up. We had a great time in Vegas and cigars are everywhere, so don't be bashful, light up and enjoy - we did.

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