Where there’s smoke, there’s nikkos
I have been invited to attend a private “VIP” party at Marshall McGearty Tobacco Artisans, the brand spanking new smoking lounge in Wicker Park, this Thursday night. Located at 1553 N. Milwaukee Ave., the lounge was shrewdly opened this week in order to coincide with the new smoking ban.
The Sun-Times has a good rundown of the pleasures to be had at Marshall McGearty’s, including “WIFI, board games, club chairs, sofas and a 44-foot bar. A staff of tobacconists run a hand-operated machine that rolls fresh filtered cigarettes at $8 a pack from nine ‘superpremium’ blends under the Marshall McGearty name, featuring tobaccos from Zimbabwe, Brazil, the Mediterranean region and North Carolina. The brands have names like ‘The Virginian,’ ‘Muse’ and ‘Oriental Rose.’” They also have a liquor license to serve beer, wine and spirts, as well as coffee, desserts and snacks.
I’ll update you on Friday with some photos of the joint as well as my take on the party and, of course, the smokes.
Nikkos, just how did you rise through the ranks of the Chicago Metbloggers to become a smoking VIP?
I mean, I didn’t know that such a thing as a smoking VIP existed, let alone that I have been in the midst of one. (Did everyone else know? Was it just me? Damn, I feel foolish.)
Do tell.
What, and reveal ALL my secrets? I think not! Ha ha ha!
As for “VIP”- I put it in quotes for a reason!
The smoking lounge makes the front page of the NYT:
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/19/national/19smoke.html?hp&ex=1137733200&en=41629bf6e1ae6cd4&ei=5094&partner=homepage
Well, here in Chicago, there are many places where you can still enjoy food and a smoke, despite the new smoking ban! Many bars serve great food- and you can smoke in bars! Also, any restaurant with a bar area can allow smoking within 15 feet of the bar as well. Also, there are many nearby suburbs that allow smoking. I’ve made a website to help us all record and review our favorite Chicago restaurants and bars where we can smoke and enjoy good food! Check it out!
http://smokefriendlychicagoeats.ning.com