Overview

Villa SORRISO can be described as being nothing other than a supremely sophisticated Super-lounge where space and light meet luxury. It is a late night local hotspot restaurant, club and lounge located in old town Pasadena which is accompanied with elegantly preserved architecture, delicious Italian food and a warm and welcoming dining experience. It is a stunningly modern and stylish Mediterranean villa restaurant, Lounge and Martini Bar that confidently blends success and sophistication into an entirely holistic, consummate rewarding night of entertainment. Owners Karen and Jack Huang, former aerospace engineer and investment banker, have found their perfect niche in the southern California community by utilizing a harmonious use of space and light throughout their indoor and outdoor facilities. Their spacious outdoor lounge will surely impress you. Between the huge leafy trees, glaring fire pits, cascading fountains and private cabanas, Villa SORRISO creates a unique night club atmosphere which cannot be easily matched.

Ambiance

Smoking a Fuente Fuente Opus X Cigar with a few friends in the outside cabana, I was impressed to see the spacious and airy dining rooms inside. The subtle lighting and glowing candles set the perfect mood for intelligent laid back conversations. With live entertainment, laid-back dancing, up-beat DJs and a late night outdoor bar and patio, Villa SORRISO is too legit for its own good. As an ultimate lounger and fine cigar smoker, I was also impressed by the quantity and quality of their high-backed, elegantly upholstered lounge sofas. Lounging with friends on a sumptuous multi-seated black leather sofa, my eyes were rewarded with elongated high-ceiling artistry, blended exotic hardwoods and surrounding plush furnishings. In addition to the generous portions of lounge-space, I enjoyed the luxuriously inviting and dramatic presence of the classic and modern mix of smooth and romantic jazz ensembles. At the peak of my lounging experience, I felt attuned to subtleties of musical rhythm, sights of beautiful women, warmth of fire, taste of wrapped Rosado tobacco leaves and the presence of sophisticated, productive friends.

Zebra Lounge

After relaxing in the indoor lounge and in the outdoor cabana, treat yourself to the notorious Zebra Lounge where comfort, complexity and style unite together. Located on the second floor of the Mediterranean Villa, you will surely discover that this will be the main event of your ultimate lounging experience. As private clubhouse for the sophisticated and stylish, the Zebra Lounge is fashioned with luxurious, deep leather couches and ottomans, plush draperies, exotic hardwood coffee tables, an intimate private bar with windows and a smoking balcony overlooking Colorado Boulevard; an experience that will surely give you a sense of ownership and prestige throughout the night. In addition to all this, Zebra Lounge members are provided with the finest amenities which include: A Computer workstation, Broadband wireless internet access, Multi-Media capable plasma television platforms, State-of-the-art audio visual equipment and a monthly parking passes upon request. To be blunt - The Zebra Lounge is an outrageous measure of gratifying, complex pleasures.

Cuisine

Villa SORRISO prides itself in having an extensive menu of quality dishes for various tastes. Looking at the menu, I discovered the usual mix of pastas, chops, pizzas, but what really impressed me was their wholesome list of fresh seafood. If you are a seafood lover, you will be enticed. Villa SORRISO offers an enticing oyster bar, hot and cold seafood platters, grilled lobster, king crab legs and daily fresh fish specials. I particularly enjoyed their garlicky oven-roasted mussels. For seating arrangements, there are many options. For those who like to eat inside while also watching the outside scene, you can dine near various large glass windows found throughout the restaurant which allows for a more spacious, overlooking view. For a more cozy, romantic dinner for two, you must try the secreted outdoor patio which consists of a splashing fountain, overflowing with flowers.

Recommendations

Villa SORRISO appeals to many target groups. For the appreciative restaurant connoisseur, this is classic Italian done right with heavy portions and a rewarding ambiance. For the ultimate lounger, this is a dreamy haven of eventful leisure and relaxation. For the romantic dater, this is an impressive, elegant night of intimacy that will surely be remembered later that night. For the business professional, this is all necessities provided and all senses amused. For the everyday fine cigar smoker, this is a perfect mid-morning smoke with a friend and a local hotspot to remember. For those looking to enjoy an environment which compliments a professionally modern and elegant style of good taste, Villa SORRISO it your space of luxury.

Villa SORRISO
168 W. Colorado Boulevard
Pasadena, CA 91105.
(626) 793-2233

Casa 425 is a modern luxury local hotspot that speaks sensible energy and intelligence. It is a stylish boutique hotel and lounge which opens onto a tranquil courtyard in the heart of the historic Claremont Village in Southern California. Smoking a Camacho Corojo 10th Anniversary cigar, I arrived first from the outside courtyard on 2nd street were I soon noticed the artistic energy of objects and systems preserved with smooth shape and warm elegance. Lounging with a friend on a Saturday night, I found that the fiery fountain courtyard was a perfect venue for intimacy and warm conversations. Hungry, we moved to the inside bar and lounge where I was amazed to see sophisticated modern furnishings such as the centrally located geometric fireplace and the raised film screenings on the above white wall. In addition to the pure and energetic feel, there was quality service where all amenities were provided.

If staying at the hotel, such complementary amenities include wireless access to internet, European Style Breakfast, Fresh Fruit, bicycles and a Movie Library. Additional accommodations include over sized tubs, fitness rooms and same day dry cleaning. If traveling by business, Casa 425 prides itself in being a relaxing venue for meetings, board retreats, presentations, networking, receptions, private parties and weddings. Casa 425 offers a fully wired, fully loaded system of service where all necessities are tranquilized; where all boredom is amused. In essence, Casa 425’s unique fusion of historic Spanish and New England architectural styles combined with its calm personality made me feel at ease with laid back comfort.

Cuisine

Once in the inside bar and lounge, you will find an extensive menu of savory and sweet appetizers as well as any drink you can conjure up. From fruity cocktails to traditional martinis, from rich wines to savory Cognac, you are bound to find your drink of choice at the charming and welcoming bar. With appetizers mostly ranging from $12-15, the price was a little steep, but with all the great service and accommodations, it is well worth the experience. While there, I ordered a classic 425 ‘Casa’ dilla which consisted of grilled chicken, green chili, sliced mango and Monterrey jack cheese. I particularly enjoyed the fine flakey crust that dissolved on my tongue. Portion wise, I was delightfully surprised. Although I had my doubts at my initial sight of the layered Mexican treat, it was enough for two. With a fine selection of international wines offered by the glass and an extensive list of alcohol, I certainly can see myself coming back to relax near the outside fire pits with close friends.

Community and Culture

After enticing yourself to a nice appetizer and peaceful lounging experience in the outside courtyard, reward yourself to the nearby pleasures found in the Claremont Village where intelligence meets humility. Visit the stylish boutiques, the reflective galleries and the welcoming cafes where comfort and sophistication merge together as one. Watch a movie with a date in the new Laemmle Theater, a five-screen cinema showing the best in independent and major Hollywood movies or order the finest mint hookah tobacco with a best friend at Casablanca’s Bar and Grill. If you’re looking for a more night club scene, then you must visit Hip Kitty Jazz & Fondue to enjoy a big band type of musical ensemble where improvised jazz combos of sweet and romantic melodies will cause you to get out of your seat and dance. No matter what you ultimately decide to do, just be sure to bring a close friend or a beautiful date as you will want to share all your warm memories and loungeful experiences together.

Casa 425
425 West First Street
Claremont CA 91711
(909) 624 CASA

Sheng-yen
History

Open since 1992, Equator is a hidden gem in Southern California. Equator Restaurant and Café has become a local favorite of mine that keeps me coming back for more. It’s an ambient Asian Fusion styled restaurant and lounge located in the heart of Old Town Pasadena that provides a beautiful assortment of dreamy soundings and cares-of-the-sun relaxation. Having traveled to cities and countries such as China, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Vietnam, I must say that Equator has provided me with an entirely unique South East Asian experience that cultivates inner peace and harmony.

Ambiance

Before walking in on a late Saturday night with a friend, one of the first things I noticed was the ambient, down to earth crowd in the relaxed outdoor café-like lounge. Smoking a Padron 7000, I felt at home as others enjoyed fine cigars and rewarding cocktails of their choice. Upon entering the indoor scene, I was immediately rewarded with an explosion of simplistic, gratifying patterns of artistry and Zen creativity. The geometrically placed ruby-red brick walls topped with vast 19th century Victorian oil on canvas paintings put me into a spiritual state of meditation and unrivaled leisure.

Complementing the sophisticated, gilded Romanticism seen on the walls were the robustly padded sink-in-your-seat lounge king sofas. This long array of lavishly red sofas and accompanying moon-grey pillows gave me an inviting and modern atmosphere that spoke comfort, décor and contemporary elegance at its finest essence. Upon sitting in the sensually curved and softly cushioned sofa, I was immediately told that it would withstand the length and intensity and seriousness of my laid back lounging experience for hours to come. The seated portion of my lounging experience was outrageous and in fact…out of hand.

I must also mention the underlying display of various compassionate Buddha’s within this local hot spot. Such Compassionate “Dhyana Mudra” Buddhas which are known for their deep meditation, purity and inner transformation are elements to which I believe Equator hopes its customers can achieve from their ambient and enjoyable experience alone or with friends alike.

Music

Equator’s musical scene provided me with a juxtaposition of continuous up-down beat tempos consisting of congruent rhythmic sound effects, sweet female vocals and beautiful undertones of drum and bass lines that simply made me smile and laugh out loud out of pure appreciation. Equator provides a Jazzy contemporary vibe that resonated deep within my heart and soul. If you are into the relaxing and ambient down-beat genre of music, this place will impress you.

Cuisine

After looking at their large assortment of Black, Green and Herbal Teas which are poured into traditional heavy weight Japanese tea pots, I shared a refillable pot of Furmosa Silvertip Oolong Green Tea with a friend for only $3.00. The Furmosa I enjoyed was one of the best I have tried yet. Coming from Taiwan, the honey colored Furmosa provided me with a lasting Oolong Aroma that was rich in earthed-toned nuances. It was rave and rich; smooth and complex. It is an exclusive tea rich in aroma and flavor which I can only describe as being an enlightening orchestra of herbal delight, sweetened by the kisses of the sun. The warm rich flavor of the Oolong was so complex and welcoming that it made me first want to understand before being understood. Their teas of light and happiness lead to the path to the Buddha Zen.

Following our complex and rewarding Oolong, I then enjoyed the “Zen Roll” appetizer which consisted of Blue Fin Tuna, Cucumbers, Basil and Yama gobo. It was the Zen Roll of wars past - a feat in itself. The topped basil guided me to some wild darling that breathed a life of flavor into me. The fine wasabi combined with the precisely cut tuna closed the door of ignorance and opened up the window of festivity. When it was all over, the teas and music compete - but there is no winner.

Recommendations

For those seeking to find an Ambient Asian Fusion lounge hot spot with traditional roots to South East Asian cuisine, Equator is your remedy to ultimate lounging with beautiful people and a peaceful setting. Personally, I believe Equator is the type of restaurant and bar where I can bring my closest friends to and feel confident that their experience will be enjoyable, relaxing and deeply reflective. For me, Equator is a place where I can unwind after a long day’s work or for a time to enjoy a nice pot of traditional Chinese tea. It’s a place of harmony and inner peace, of reflection and meditation. It is a restaurant that does not try to fit in or follow, but rather has faith in its own course of practice and unique method.

Equator
22 Mills Place
Pasadena, CA 91105
(626) 564-8656

Sun-Thu: 8:00am-1:00am
Fri-Sat: 8:00am-2:00am

Each year, two very rare cigars are given to attendees, the Fuente Fuente Opus X and the Diamond Crown MAXIMUS. Each are rare blends which are not available on the open market. For a typical donation of about $50, you can enjoy each of these cigars in a special commemorative cigar coffin packaging.

The Toast Across America will take place throughout the Fall 2008 months (September to December) and is only offered at select cigar retailers, shops and lounges in the United States. All proceeds are donated directly to the Cigar Family Charitable Foundation to provide humanitarian impact to communities in the Dominican Republic. I will be attending my local Toast Across America event on October 25th at Azucar Cigar Lounge in Corona, California.

Visit the events page at the Cigar Family Charitable Foundation website or ask your local retailer for specific Toast Across America dates in your area. Don’t miss out on this special event, two very special cigars and the opportunity to help those in need.

- Thomas Merton

History

First there were bars. Then there was nightclubs. Now, spreading like Southern California Wildfires, there are lounges. NeoMeze is a must visit. Located in Old Town Pasadena, it’s hard to believe from its widespread popularity that NeoMeze Bar and Lounge is a fairly recent addition to the Pasadena community, opening in December of 2006. It’s trendy and harmonious surroundings reflect an attitude of intelligence which is not so uncommon to local Pasadena residents. Much of its success has originated from its complemented blend of inspiring global cooking techniques and ingredients from its husband and wife culinary team of Nick Roberts and Brooke Williamson. [i] Chef Doug Weston has modernized the ancient Mediterranean cuisines-of-the-sun to appeal to a twenty-first-century palate through his creation of new or “neo” Mediterranean style tapas.

Ambiance

After initially walking through the long entrance corridor from Colorado Blvd., I soon realized that the visual elements of design adopted by NeoMeze were entirely unique and appealing to all of my immediate physical senses. After walking in on a Sunday mid-afternoon with a business partner, I could not help but notice the wholesome artistic balance and collision of geometric shapes, earth tone colors and a harmonious use of space. Smoking a Padron 3000 cigar, I requested to sit in the outside lounge where I soon noticed the modern features of a relaxing indoor-outdoor bar that is open year-round. It should be noted, however, that while cigarette smokers are allowed to smoke in the inside bar and lounge, cigar smokers are required to stay outside. All in all, the blended burgundy walls, leather-topped tables, comfortable sofas and richly cushioned plush furnishings allowed me to have the gratifying feelings of warm elegance and peaceful harmony at its highest essence.

Musical Style

Personally, I believe music is one of the most important and rewarding aspects of the overall lounging experience. With different DJs present every day of the week, NeoMeze has its musical composition down to a science. During my time there on a Sunday mid-afternoon, I enjoyed a more ambient, downbeat feel that consisted of jazzy instrumentals, suitable use of noise effects and buildup-breakup chordal electric patterning that made my time all the worthwhile. NeoMeze’s rhythmic laid back musical arrangements are great catalysts of creativity for causal business conversations and ultimate lounging with friends.

Cuisine

NeoMeze provides modern American Cuisine rich in American tradition with global influences in ingredients, techniques and presentation. While there, I did not have the opportunity to try some of the highly recommended Mediterranean tapas or one of the seventy offered wines priced from $6 to $40 per glass or $24 to $160 for bottles, however, upon my next visit, I will certainly allow my senses to entice themselves. From what I have heard from others, the food is excellent. Particularly, I hear that the “Gemelli & Goat Cheese” consisting of Black Currants, Bread Crumbs and Pine Nuts is a house favorite.

Recommendations

NeoMeze is a great place to lounge for anyone looking to have a warm atmosphere with an added sophisticated edge. It’s a perfect meeting place to unwind and relax after a long day’s work or to follow up with deals from clients over appetizer-like Mediterranean tapas. Whether you are interested in the bar scene or not, NeoMeze provides comfortable arrangements allowing for all type of serious loungers to achieve what they desire most—happiness and internal harmony.

[i] “NeoMeze”. October 9 <http://www.neomeze.com/>.

NeoMeze
20 E Colorado Blvd
Pasadena, CA 91105
(626) 793-3010

Pan Dulce fresh from the bakery

Saturday morning’s mild weather was a refreshing sign of the coming season. Crisp cool air prompted me to jump out of bed with the realization that, “life awaits.”

This was the perfect opportunity to share a great cigar with a close friend. We enjoyed Hoyo De Monterey Dark Sumatras as we made our way through downtown Pomona’s 2nd Street Antique Row. It looked as though others got the memo, as we saw numerous people out walking their dogs or just taking a stroll.

Our leisurely morning presented us with El Merendero, a local Mexican bakery. As I walked into the bakery, I was immediately surrounded by the sweet aroma of fresh baked bread. Colorful murals covered the walls and smiling faces could be seen all around.

Pan Dulce, a delicious sweet bread, is one of El Merendero’s specialties. We grabbed a tray and a pair of tongs and went to work. El Merendero has a wall to wall display of Pan Dulce. You can choose from Lima, Bigote, Chilindrina, Ojo de Buey, Polvoron, Picon and Conchas to name a few. At about 50 cents each, you can fill your tray and not go broke. There are no preservatives in Pan Dulce, so you must enjoy them on the same day.

I selected a Bigote con Crema and an Elotito accompanied by coffee with cinnamon to drink. Paying at the counter brings me back-in-time to an old town feel. A light breakfast for about $2.50 was a great start to my day. We selected a table in the dining room next door, the El Merendero Restaurant, which was already filled with regulars enjoying brunch.

Pan Dulce and Café

As I bit into the soft, sweet Bigote I was filled with delight. The Bigote had just enough sweetness to it with its lightly glazed outer layer and its modest amount of sweet cream inside. Next, I dove right into a sugar coated Elotito. It had a sweet flakiness that went great with my coffee with cinnamon. I immediately found the urge to dunk the baked treat into my large cup of coffee, which I did. It was light, sweet and delicious.

In Spanish, El Merendero means “The Picnic” and I definitely felt that sort of ease and comfort you get when you are enjoying a relaxing picnic. They have another location in La Verne just minutes away. I have not yet experienced their array of tacos, burritos and traditional Mexican dishes, but I will make it a priority to revisit soon. The comfort and flavor of the bakery was enough to keep me coming back for more. Pan Dulce and coffee from El Merendero—I highly recommend it.

El Merendero Bakery
240 S Garey Ave
Pomona, CA 91766
(909) 622-2430

Appearance

The CAO Brazilia has definitely been one of my long time favorites. I consider all CAO’s to be a ‘go-to’ cigar for quality, pleasure and price, but the Brazilia definitely takes the top. It comes presented in a dark, oily Brazilian maduro wrapper with a smooth and solid feel that makes you want to carry it around with you all day. The distinctive yellow, green and dark blue band sporting the CAO diamond logo gives it a high-class athletic appeal. You can almost tell that you are in for a treat by just looking at it.

Construction

Cutting the cap of my Brazilia with a sharp Xikar cutter is a pleasure in itself. The clean, crisp snap tells me that I have a great cut that will provide for the start of a great smoke. The thick, shiny wrapper leaf holds well and does not flake or crumble like some cigars. Slowly toasting the foot brings a nice glowing red amber with ease, a sure tell sign of the even burn that is to follow throughout the life of the cigar. An effortless draw and a solid light-gray ash is what you will expect as you enjoy your smoke.

Flavor Profile

CAO Brazilia Gol!

The Brazilia has a sweet grassy aroma at the foot pre-light. The creamy smoke provides a flavorful long finish on the palate that makes you long for your next puff. As I continued with my Brazilia, I was pleasured by the powerful, ample puffs of smoke that are credited to the strong Nicaraguan binder and filler combined with the almost candy-like Brazilian maduro wrapper. Undertones of earth and hay are accompanied by sweet spice and buttery textures. The Brazilia is a great smoke to the finish.

Dislikes

Overall, I give the CAO Brazilia a rave review. However, through my (fortunate) experience smoking many CAO Brazilias, I have found an occasional cigar with draw dilemmas. CAO uses trusted draw testing devices at the factory, but sometimes I find the draw of the Brazilia to be too tight. When this happens, I find myself battling for a substantial puff of smoke, which can ruin the whole experience.

Solid construction and appearance

Over-humidification can also prove to be a misfortune. When overly moist, the Brazilia can plague you with an uneven burn and hot smoke from the steam that is created, possibly contributed to by the oily wrapper. I almost like to leave my Brazilia sitting out of the humidor and out of its cellophane wrapper for 15 minutes before smoking it to be sure that the cigar is dry and ready to smoke.

Conclusion

The CAO Brazilia Gol! is a medium to full-bodied smoking delight. Quality construction and a distinctive and pleasing flavor are apparent to the last drop.  Like all CAO’s, the price is unbeatable for what you are about to experience. Grab a few CAO Brazilias and a few close friends and enjoy the fruits of life—you are in for possibly one of the best cigars you have ever smoked.

The dock at Manhattan Beach

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