New Orleans

Ok gang I’m finally in New Orleans and at the end of my multiple city run from hell. So just for ease sake and because I am lazy I’m going to lump the shops I have been hanging out at in one post.

Esteli Cigar 515 Saint Louis New Orleans. It’s a nice shop with a fairly decent selection. Prices are a little high but not crazy. They have some nice leather chairs and a couch to sit and smoke and chess board if you want to play. I picked out a Rocky Patel Vintage 1999 Perfecto (which was $10.99)and sat down for a pre-dinner smoke. As it almost always does the conversation turned to Vegas once they find out that’s where I’m from. We had a great conversation about several different topics including hurricane Katrina and what it did to the area. it’s a very laid back place even though it’s in the French Quarter and it seems locals like to hang out there which is way better than hanging out with tourists.

Cigar Factory New Orleans 415 Decatur New Orleans www.cigarfactoryneworleans.com. All of the cigars they sell are their own brands which are rolled in the shop all day. I never get tired of watching the rollers work. It is such a cool process to watch. I picked myself out a Tres Hermanos which is their Maduro cigar. It was good smoke, not much in the way of complexity but it was consistent all the way through. Then I smoked the Vieux Carre which is their Cameroon wrapper. Kind of the same thing going on with this one, not very complex just the same all the way through. So the shop is really big, they have plenty of tables to sit at and you can bring your own drinks in. Since it is New Orleans you can pretty much drink anywhere. It’s kind of loud in the shop and not much conversation goes on. So I just sat at my table and smoked my cigars and drank my beer.

Don Leoncio Cigar Lounge 430 Canal Street New Orleans www.donleonciocigars.com. I found this place completely by accident I was walking up Canal St. heading to my hotel and decided to cross the street earlier than I usually do and there it was. This place is huge, it has several couches and leather chairs to sit in. There is also a fully stocked bar in the back with plenty of drink options. Their selection is pretty good and the prices are a little high but not overboard. Since it is right in the heart of the tourist area it’s not a surprise about the prices. They have their own brands but I wasn’t feeling very adventurous so I picked up a Casa Magna Torito. You just can’t go wrong with this cigar. Anyway, so I sat down by the front door and people watched while I was smoking and I was not disappointed!!! There were plenty freak shows walking around.

So if you find yourself in New Orleans check out these shops (there are several others, i just didn’t have time to get to them). My next scheduled trip is Los Angeles in June so as usual if you have any suggestions for a shop I should visit or want to meet for a smoke drop me a line at sean@lasvegashtv.com.

See Ya,

Sean