SMOKE AND MIRRORS

I sometimes can not make up my mind to sit home and relax or get out. This weekend the weather yet again did a 360 and went back into winter after two weeks of 60 and 70 degree days. Alas, the Lad was coming through to tie loose ends up back in Cleveland, so of course that meant two things.

1-No rest for the weary and
2- I would be getting out in the cold.

Of course this would only happen if we even made it out of bed from Friday night. Well, it had been almost three weeks already!!!! So miracles of miracles, we did indeed make it out of bed, me none to happy to be up before 11AM. I decided we would head into Philly, for I had a hankering for one of my guilty pleasures....a Cuban cigar. The Lad was leary of a thick cigar, but I couldn't understand why. I told him it's like any other phallic object....just put your lips together around it and blow.  Now mind you I don't smoke, but I do enjoy I lovely Cuban from time to time, maybe like four a year. I think I get it from my mother's brother who was a cigar aficionado. I love the smell of them. So it was off to Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia to Ashton's Cigar Bar.

But it’s not just any bar. Located atop the Holt’s store on Walnut Street, Ashton Cigar Bar is a unique retreat—the only venue that I'm aware of in Philadelphia that is open to the public, and allows guests to smoke cigars indoors. It features a spacious walk-in humidor holding more than 200 premium cigar brands.

 A stylish modern lounge, and a fully stocked bar offering 250 whiskeys and 400 spirits in all, plus a variety of noshes. It was great to see the number of gin and whiskey they had that was right from Philadelphia itself.  It also boasts a state of the art, top-of-the-line air handling system that will make nonsmokers feel at ease and comfortable. Although cigars and cocktails are the main focus, the aesthetics were also key. Ashton's has created a contemporary design with a warm, comfortable atmosphere, which includes a mix of black and red leather seating, exposed brick walls, and a sleek marble bar top.

It feels  upscale, cool, and hip without being snooty. Although, I'm glad the Lad talked me out of wearing my fez hat with the ostrich plumes to the joint. It may have been a bit much. But this place is the perfect setting to enjoy a drink and a fine cigar. The staff here is also very knowledgeable to pair a cigar back to a whiskey, gin or scotch, or a certain wine to bring out the notes of the libation and the cigar, to harmoniously work together. The Lad went with a martini while I bypassed my gin, to try my hand at a whiskey on the rocks, with our Cubans.

 Unfortunately, I don't even remember our ride back to the Casa. And the Lad assured me I was in top form in my performance last night, but I have no recollection. This sometimes happens when I have a Cuban.

Of course I don't advise smoking a cigar on a empty stomach. Before hand we went to one of my favorite dinning spots, the Dandelion Pub.  ALL THE WORLD’S A STAGE, Shakespeare reminded us, and that was without ever laying eyes on this restaurant. One can only imagine what he would have made of the Dandelion, where firewood crackles in an oak-mantled hearth shipped over from England, or so says the waiter, and a bronze bust of Winston Churchill caps the ground-floor bar.

The  British pub has been packed with players since opening. Stephen Starr is the mastermind behind this cozy, intimate London-style pub that serves up a killer brunch ,booze-soaked Scotch pancakes I saw on the menu, and other seasonal twists on British favorites. The atmosphere reminds me of equal parts EastEnders and Diagon Alley...a stunning "British tavern" set in a stately old Victorian house transports foodies across the pond to merry ol' England. The Lad has been to England where he had the best fish and chips. The Dandelion’s is the best he's had since, he has said. But it was just small plates for us here today with some traditional ales, with a lovely seat in front of the fireplace...which was welcome after the winds whipping down the streets.

It was a definite weekend for the senses...that's for sure. We had it all, seeing, hearing, smelling, and tasting. And then there was the touching. Another long morning spent in bed again, before the Lad continued further northward. And friends wonder why I enjoy the sight of the Lad when he's here. What a fine sight he is.