Photo: Manos via Flickr
I’m not a fan of cigarettes. Seems inefficient: you get a weak, smelly buzz and also slowly kill yourself. Cigars, though, I’m a Fan (like the Mandarin Oriental ads). They’re classic and robust, and one Robusto a month won’t kill you; it’ll just make you manlier.
I used to smoke them at the Old Ritz before it turned into another finance building, then the Peninsula, then Cohiba Atmosphere, then Lily. Traipse in and see the old guard and swap war stories about work. A velvet jacket and a Glenlivet match best.
But when it’s warm and sunny, the cigar lounge feels like cheating. Have an afternoon wine (I suggest white burgundy) and a Partagas and appreciate the good life. Introducing my top summertime cigar spots:
One-thirtyone
One-thirtyone is a French restaurant in Sai Kung that actually feels like a French restaurant. While the food hits 80 percent of the time, their terrace hits 100 percent — a large spacious green overlooking the ocean, birds chirping, drinks brought sufficiently chilled to your table. Head down for a long Saturday or Sunday afternoon for lunch and lounging as you take slow puffs and watch the sun set. Or the sunset. When I’m this relaxed, verbs and nouns don’t matter that much.
One-thirtyone, 131 Tseung Tau Village, Shap Sze Heung, Sai Kung, (+852) 2791-2684.
Middle Island
Middle Island is one of the three clubhouses for the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, and by far the best one to smoke a cigar at. You’re on the water, you may have exited a boat recently, and if you get there by the later afternoon most of the kids will be gone and it will just be you for some pristine smoking times. I know recommending private clubs to smoke cigars at is kind of douchey, but you guys are connected – call up that friend of a friend who’s in the club and get an invite. Or join yourself: the Yacht Club’s always looking for new rowers.
Middle Island (between Deepwater and Repulse Bay, (+852) 2812-0365.
The Peak Lookout
If you’ve never been to the Peak Lookout, congratulations – you don’t have any friends. Check your rule book, because every tourist is required to go to LKF, the Big Buddha, and the Peak, where you eat at the Peak Lookout. So next time you’re there, take a seat outside and have a cigar. Sometimes, no matter your ethnicity, you have to embrace the Old Colonialism in a 19th century historical building while you look out over Hong Kong. Say: “One day, my boy, this will all be yours” in the most English accent possible. If you’re English, just speak normally. And never try an American accent: you’re embarrassing both us and yourself.
The Peak Lookout, 121 Peak Road, (+852) 2849-1000.
Sailboat
I mean, duh. But I’m not talking about a junk; I’m talking about an actual sailboat. Pumping Reggaeton and slamming Coronas on Jaspas is more conducive to belly flops and poorly executed breakdancing moves than a Romeo y Julieta. Join a race and after that horn blows as you pass the Committee Boat, pull out that cutter and take a long, breezy drag at five to seven knots.
Sevva
I needed a downtown place so I worked my way through Sevva/Blackbird/Azure/Wooloomooloo before going back to Sevva. At this point Sevva’s an institution – yes, the drinks are expensive, yes it’s hard to flag a waiter – but the view is “Oh em gee, guys”. The Terrace is just right for the Friday loosen the tie, take off the jacket, cut the Cohiba thing. A beautiful skyline, an expensive vodka, and a weekend just beginning – what could be more Hong Kong than that?
Sevva, 25/F Prince’s Building, 10 Chater Road, Central, (+852) 2537-1388.
TST Pier
I’m just kidding. This is a terrible idea. What’s wrong with you for believing that even for a second?
Reader Interactions