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09-30-2010, 03:29 PM | #3 |
Sklee
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Re: Tony Curtis Dies
Here's a post from 1998 on alt.smokers.cigars made by Steve Saka talking about Tony Curtis:
Fellow ASCers, I enjoyed a magical cigar moment while dining at Emeril's New Orleans Fish House in the MGM Grand in Las Vegas after the Boondoggle. Cyd, my lovely wife, and I were comped a free dinner a Emeril's by one of the pit bosses for my action at the table. This was great news because it was one of the restaurants on our "must eat at" list. So on Sunday we got all dressed up, and while I was waiting for Cyd to "put on the finishing touches" I lit a Habana Punch Punch. She was done in short order, and we arrive at Emeril's in time for our 8pm reservation. There was a line ahead of us, and I could hear people asking for a table with the Maitre'd replying that the restaurant was book solid for dinner for weeks to come. This made me a bit nervous, and I was hopeful that our reservations were in order. Finally the moment of truth came, when I said, "Saka for two at 8?", to which I received, "Oh yes Mr. Saka, we have been waiting on you!" with a smile. The Maitre'd, began to escort us into the dining areas when I asked, "Is it okay if I keep my cigar?" and again I heard a sweet reply, "Absolutely Mr. Saka and it smells fantastic." Whew! This guy so far was two for two and batting strong. "Mr. Saka you can select any table you wish..." I noticed two fantastic tables in the back corner of the Smoking area, one with a reserved sign on it, and I pointed in that general direction. He led us over to the open table adding, "Sir if you would like you can have this reserved table." I replied with a thank you, a tubed Habana RyJ, and a newly printed Grant as he moved the reserved sign to the other table and sat us in the primo spot. "I hope you enjoy your meal and your cigar sir, if you need anything at all please do not hesitate to ask." "Was that a great Maitre'd or what? I must be in heaven!", fills my conscience. Anyhow the menu was so spectacular that we found it impossible to decide, and with the assistance of our wait staff we opted for the "Chef's Tasting" which wasn't on the menu. Basically it was 7 separate small courses of different specialty items from the menu, and each course was paired with different wine that compliment the food. Once the first course hit the table, it never stopped coming so I had left my half smoked cigar resting in the ashtray waiting for a lull in the food. During Course 3, I see this incredible statuesque blond poured into the tightest of dresses approaching us. She appears to be about 5'9" plus heels, short cropped sassy blond hair, and sporting a pair of breasts that easily cost $10,000 or more in Beverly Hills. All of a sudden from behind her I see her escort, and it is none other than Tony Curtis. As the Maitre'd seats them at the newly reserved table beside us I can't help but wonder exactly how old is Tony and damn life must be good for him. The wait staff pour over him, it is obvious he is a semi-regular. After our fifth course the lull I had been waiting for occurred, and I relit my half smoked Punch Punch. Damn this cigar is perfect, and I find myself really relishing in how its flavors are blending with the spicy cajun feast we are eating. Of course since everyone in the restaurant is staring to catch a glimpse of Tony put a shrimp in his mouth beside us, I witness a few disgruntled looks from those who disapprove of my cigar. Mentally I begin to brace myself for one of them to complain. But instead it turns out that Tony is talking to his waitress first, and I can overhear snippets of the conversation, "Cigar... bad smell... can he smoke that in here?", but I can't hear her replies. Before I know it his entire wait staff is at his table side, including the wait captain, and the Maitre'd. Their voices are slightly louder: Tony: "The cigar smoke is bothering <date's name> and ruining her meal." Maitre'd: "I understand Mr. Curtis, please allow us to reseat you..." Tony: "Why should I move? Tell him to put that cigar out." Maitre'd: "Mr. Curtis we can not do that, he is in the smoking section and Mr. Saka is very important to the casino. He is welcome to smoke his cigar in here..." Tony: <slight groan> Maitre'd: "Please Sir, let us move you to a table where you will feel more comfortable..." WOW! I can't believe they are going to actually make Tony Curtis move rather than ask me to put my cigar out! Is this like the ultimate cigar friendly restaurant or what?!?! And I was completely dumbfounded by that "Mr. Saka is very important to the Casino" part, as it was a total lie. I mean I gambled there a little, but nothing worthy of being treated so well. Man, this Punch Punch was tasting like you wouldn't believe! Anyhow, instantly I leaned over and spoke, "Excuse me gentlemen, I apologize, but I couldn't help but overhear. I have no problem whatsoever with putting my cigar out, honestly, I couldn't enjoy it knowing it bothered you." You could see the instant relief on both the Maitre'd and Tony's faces. Of course a series of thank you's and polite banter followed. Kudos to Emeril's and the MGM Grand! I promise to return, and with a far larger bankroll. Never in my life have I ever exacted such pleasure from putting out a cigar... :> Steve Saka http://www.cigarnexus.com ps: If you ever go you should try the Pan Seared Gulf Red Snapper with Roasted Garlic Mash Potatoes, Crispy Fried Parsnip Strips, and a Caramelized Onion Reduction. It was simply fantastic! MCS
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10-01-2010, 09:17 AM | #6 |
Mr. Charisma
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Re: Tony Curtis Dies
The Great Leslie! RIP
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