Issue 1, Vol. 1   News from the Hut By James M. Weil Habana Hut is more than just a cigar lounge; it’s a place where diverse groups of people, passionate about fine cigars, congregate to enjoy the comfortable atmosphere and staggering array of the finest cigars available. The clientele consists of seasoned aficionados to neophytes curious about the lure of a good smoke. Everyone’s welcome. Habana Hut’s proprietors, Steve Catalanatto, David Feller, and Bill Mooney are old friends who have shared cigars together for more than twenty years. The threesome got together and created “The Hut” for the sheer joy of smoking, and to fill a need not currently served in Bayside—an upscale smoking lounge that fosters camaraderie and friendship among those who come to relax and enjoy their favorite smoke. The owners, who can be seen regularly at The Hut, are true aficionados themselves, which is immediately apparent when walking into the gorgeous glass-wall humidor. Every cigar in stock is carefully chosen based on its quality, construction and price. Cigars range from $5.00 to $40.00 a stick. And because they are wholesale distributors, their prices are more than competitive. Whether you are looking to tantalize your palate with a Padron 1926 Anniversario, or savor the legendary powerhouse Fuente Fuente Opus X, Habana Hut carries them all.Beyond the compulsory stock that any reputable upscale cigar lounge should carry, The Hut also features an interesting line of boutique cigars not normally available in your average cigar store, such as Tatuaje, San Cristobal and Gurkha. The atmosphere is always easy-going and fun, with a little bit of craziness thrown in every once in a while just to keep things interesting. But then again, cigar smokers are an interesting breed themselves. When you are in The Hut, your background and social status doesn’t matter; everyone is on equal footing, and each individual is appreciated for who they are. Unlike many cigar stores, Habana Hut has a first class ventilation system, so that on even the most crowded nights, the air is clear and comfortable—a definite plus for those who occasionally bring their significant other with them after enjoying a dinner in one of Bayside’s great restaurants. Habana Hut is like a second home to many, and it’s easy to understand why. The owners are congenial and welcoming, and the lounge comfortable and cozy. If you haven’t been, I highly suggest you stop by to check things out. I’m sure you will be impressed with what the owners have set out to accomplish.

 

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