Smoke Signals
Volume 6
1997 Dallas Big Smoke
I gotta tell you, if you like good old southern hospitality, the Dallas Big Smoke was for you. This year there was a little problem with location but it all worked out in the end. Originally the Dallas Big Smoke was to take place at the Fairmont Hotel. However, something happened and it got moved over to the Wyndham Anatole Hotel. The space was great and in normal Big Smoke fashion we can chalk up another great evening to the Cigar Aficionado staff!
Something that is new at the Big Smokes is the addition of a live band. This is a great touch. One other great thing about the space at the Anatole was the setup of cigar friendly restaurants on one side of the room with ample room to sit and socialize while listening to the band.
One of the big surprises at this Big Smoke was the addition of a new cigar called Lone Wolf accompanied by one of its owners if I am not mistaken, namely Chuck Norris. He was great enough to pose for photos, sign autographs and hand out Lone Wolf cigars. Obviously he was a magnet for the media but it is always nice to see the celebs out at the Big Smokes. I wouldn’t be surprised if we begin to see more of him as Lone Wolf continues to develop.
On a more personal note, one of the greatest moments for me was the fact that three of my dearest friends joined me for a photograph with Marvin. These three folks are the force behind the first cigar bar in the Wichita area. It was really great being at a Big Smoke together with them. Needless to say, we had a great time seeing each other there and sharing in the fun of a Big Smoke. Mort’s Cigar Bar was very well represented that night in Dallas by its owner Morrie Sheets, manager Darrin Hackney, and assistant manager Peggy Johnson. If you folks ever get the chance to come to Wichita, you owe it to yourself to pay them a visit. It is certainly helping me get the word out in the Wichita area about the enjoyment of fine cigars. I’m sure they would love to see you so if you ever go, tell them I sent you.
Well, if a Big Smoke is coming to a town near you, say Dallas perhaps, you really should check into joining us for one great evening. No matter where they are held you are sure to find great people, great cigars, great food, and great music all wrapped up in one fine evening, just like Dallas.
Something that is new at the Big Smokes is the addition of a live band. This is a great touch. One other great thing about the space at the Anatole was the setup of cigar friendly restaurants on one side of the room with ample room to sit and socialize while listening to the band.
One of the big surprises at this Big Smoke was the addition of a new cigar called Lone Wolf accompanied by one of its owners if I am not mistaken, namely Chuck Norris. He was great enough to pose for photos, sign autographs and hand out Lone Wolf cigars. Obviously he was a magnet for the media but it is always nice to see the celebs out at the Big Smokes. I wouldn’t be surprised if we begin to see more of him as Lone Wolf continues to develop.
On a more personal note, one of the greatest moments for me was the fact that three of my dearest friends joined me for a photograph with Marvin. These three folks are the force behind the first cigar bar in the Wichita area. It was really great being at a Big Smoke together with them. Needless to say, we had a great time seeing each other there and sharing in the fun of a Big Smoke. Mort’s Cigar Bar was very well represented that night in Dallas by its owner Morrie Sheets, manager Darrin Hackney, and assistant manager Peggy Johnson. If you folks ever get the chance to come to Wichita, you owe it to yourself to pay them a visit. It is certainly helping me get the word out in the Wichita area about the enjoyment of fine cigars. I’m sure they would love to see you so if you ever go, tell them I sent you.
Well, if a Big Smoke is coming to a town near you, say Dallas perhaps, you really should check into joining us for one great evening. No matter where they are held you are sure to find great people, great cigars, great food, and great music all wrapped up in one fine evening, just like Dallas.
Keep Your Smoking Holy!
