Hartford Sports A Downtown Cigar Smoking Lounge

Source from:  Hartford Courant 12/17/2014

In an era of macrobiotic kale cleanses and oxygen diamond-dust facials, some degree of surprise is justified whenever the time-honored vice of tobacco surfaces. Yet the aroma of fine cigars still wafts through the air in downtown Hartford at The Tobacco Shop. Founded in 1920 by brothers Gus and Adolf Steinmeyer, the enterprise was purchased by Leo DeLisle in 1958. Son Jim took over in the 1970s. Generations of aficionados frequented the Asylum Street locale. Four years ago, the landlord raised the rent, and Jim chose to close shop and retire. Enter Krish Naraine and Gerry Grade. Longtime customers of The Tobacco Shop, the two friends decided to buy it and to move it to 89 Pratt St.

"Our intention was always to maintain the integrity of the business," says Grade.

In this expanded 2,000-square-foot location, Naraine and Grade continue the offerings of fine imported cigars, pipes and accessories. The Tobacco Shop remains one of three authorized Davidoff distributors in Connecticut and also carries brands such as Ashton, Padron and Fuente. Jim DeLisle maintains a hand in the trade to provide expertise and his proprietary blend of three pipe tobaccos. "We enhanced the experience toward what people want today in a tobacco shop," says Grade.

A significant enhancement manifests in the DeLisle Lounge, its name a reverential nod. The lounge provides an oasis of genteel calm amid the Capital City bustle. Sequestered behind a frosted door at the rear of The Tobacco Shop, the lounge beckons members. Naraine laughingly calls it a "surrogate man cave" (which welcomes women and counts a healthy handful among its rolls). The lounge channels Alsop's Georgetown, a sophisticated political salon where conversations glide from municipal intrigue to the attributes of pyramide versus corona. The walls show revolving artwork from local talent.

The Tobacco Shop welcomes applications for membership in the lounge, and all are vetted by Naraine and Grade. The two intend to create a convivial atmosphere respectful of tobacco appreciation and also of intelligent repartee.

"We like to think of ourselves as Southern hospitality in the North," quips Naraine.

"We are selective because we want members to be comfortable with each other," adds Grade.

The DeLisle Lounge includes WiFi and workstations; many find in it the perfect environment to have a quiet pause. State-of-the-art humidified cigar lockers - for those lucky to have surpassed the two-year waiting list - preserve personal property for private enjoyment. Enditem