New York Pipe Club Monthly Meeting

Club Members enjoying a smoke

How time flies, here were are getting ready for another pipe club meeting when the last one was just around the corner.  As you see from the picture we had a change of venue.  Our usual haunt Florio's was closed, real reason unknown (we think issues with them not being able to renew their liquor license), so we decided to try another smoking friendly location.

It was decided that we would try out a place called Circa Tabac in Tribeca   This blogger had been there some years back and had always kept it on the list as a place where one could eat, drink and enjoy a smoke (cigar, cigarette or pipe).  This place, for you cigarette smokers, boasts the largest variety of cigarettes available (over 150 I believe). 

People arrived between 5:30 - 6:30pm and availed themselves of Circa Tabac's light bite menu and various cocktails that were offered.  The waitress was nice enough to keep everyone's check separate so that no one could complain about what they ordered.  Prices were reasonable for the cocktails food being served.

We had a good turn out for this meeting, what with the day being the 11th anniversary of the World Trade Center bombings.  About 20-30 people were in attendance and we raised a bowl in memory of those folks who lost their lives that fateful morning. People were also, as done at all meetings, showing off new pipes purchased and talking about events that they were at (the Chicago show and others).

A nice time was had by all and those in attendance feel that this venue could be a place where we'd want to host our meetings, in the event that Florio's doesn't reopen.  

Well gotta run to get ready to face the real world, not the virtual one, and before I close here's the link where you can see the pictures from September's meeting.

New York Pipe Club Summer Picnic 2012

50+ Year Old Tin of Escudo

Wow, hard to believe that summer's behind us.  Well it's been a while since I've posted so I thought it's about time I update the blog with the latest happenings.

As you see from the picture above we got to enjoy smoking a bowl from a 50+ year old tin of Escudo (compliments of Romeo Wood).  We enjoyed this at the annual New York Pipe Club Picnic held, this year, at Hank Saatchi's house in East Brunswick New Jersey on Saturday September 8th, 2012.

The usual suspects were in attendance, Lou, Hank, Mike, Allan, Dan, Bill and Les. Of course your truly was in attendance.  Hank was very generous in providing the backyard, the food and even the alcoholic beverages for us to enjoy.  Also in attendance were a few of Hank's cigar buddies and they brought along some hand rolled cigars which were shared by all in attendance.

For those who attending the picnic got to be part of a rare treat.  Bill (aka Romeo Wood) obtained a 50+ year old tin of Escudo which he'd been saving for a special occasion.  What better place to unveil and enjoy this rarity than to do so at the annual New York Pipe Club picnic.  We had the honor of watching Bill crack open the tin and then all of us got to enjoy the aroma before we fully opened the tin.  Afterwards we then completely opened the tin and then took photographs to preserve the contents, for those not in attendance to see.  We then proceeded to load our pipes with this wonderful tobacco and savor the complex flavors of this well aged tobacco.

As is customary with the picnic one doesn't think that it a few hours and done.  We were smoking, eating burgers, steaks, hot dogs and drinking beer till just about the witching hour then finally we were all smoked out and decided to call it a night until next years picnic.

This blogger has to give much props to Todd Platek for the years that he was able to provide his backyard to host the Pipe Club picnic and we have to thank Hank Saatchi for stepping up this year to host it when Todd couldn't accommodate us this year.

As always you can see the pictures here for your enjoyment.  'Till next time happy pipe smoking.