From the desk of Don Rigo

Don Rigo/Biaggio Cigars; 1/15/08
For those of you who have not tried a really great cigar lately prepare yourself for a tasty treat. Biaggio Cigars, a division of the well known Don Rigo Cigars, has once more released a consignment for its valued customers that meets and exceeds its best vintage releases. Biaggio with all the rich and flavorful taste it is so appreciated is offering a limited quantity of cigars. The people at Don Rigo insist on using only the highest quality aged Dominican Republic tobaccos and imported wrappers. This stubborn insistence on quality control therefore makes Biaggio a rare but delightful smoke well worth the wait.
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Don Rigo, one of the small, high quality cigar manufacturers has enough stock on hand to finally release a limited quantity of trulyremarkable cigars. The Maduros are in stock and ready to be shipped. A cigar with a taste between full-bodied and moderate with a satisfying aftertaste that makes a great evening smoke (especially with a good brandy or perhaps a cognac Don Rigo likes to remind us). The Maduros are a proud product of a high quality control concept that is personally supervised by Don Rigo himself to assure that our friends receive a great cigar at a reasonable price. Try a handful or two of these cigars and we believe you will agree.
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The Connecticut wrappers are back. Though difficult nearly to the point of impossibility, the beautiful and flavorful Connecticut wrappers on Don Rigo cigars have returned. At least as good if not better than the 2004 Christmas rolling the new Connecticut wrapped cigars with the famous Don Rigo Cubano piloto and Dominican Republic fillers has arrived once more. After a long and careful search Don Rigo has found enough quality tobaccos to reprise a real winner of an offering. A personal and much anticipated favorite of many knowledgeable smokers has returned. Don't miss a chance to restock on these rare offerings

Matsumi Max and her cigar

My favorite fetish and pinup model, Matsumi Max

Anastacia Pierce

The artist, Sandra Knuyt

Where did my Myspace picture come from? Sandra Knuyt is like this hidden secret. Her art is bold, colorful and voicestrous. Her paintings consist of sexy and remarkable women, most who may be holding a cigar in her mouth. Her paintings speak of power, control, self confidence and beauty in women. Visit her site online and her work.

www.sandraknuyt.com

Maduro Woman's Myspace

Smoking Spots

Sometimes I like getting out and having a chocolate martini or a glass of merlot with my cigar. That is like the ultimate for me. So if you are like me and would like to have a nice drink with your cigar then I have a couple spots for your enjoyment. I am aware of two spots in Chicago where we can still enjoy cigars and drinks. There is a list of several other smoking spots below. Some serve alcohol, some allow cigarettes, some allow cigars. Please call ahead.

1. I have frequented Nar Hookah in the downtown area. Nar Hookah is located at 806 W Randolph. Nar Hookah is a hookah lounge of course where drinks are served. An assortment of martinis are on the menu. Enjoy a cigar or hookah with your drink!
2. While I have not been to Fizz Bar and Grill, it has the heated out door patio for those who would like to smoke. There is a picture of the tented area if you scroll down on the cover of the website. Fizz Bar and Grill serves drinks and food. It's located at 3220 N Lincoln Ave in Chicago. Visit the website for more information. http://www.fizzchicago.com/
   

If you are aware of more spots in other cities, please shoot me an email at info@madurowoman.com . I would love to share that with other readers!

Ok here are smoking spots in Chicago courtesy of Metromix.com, I am not sure if all of these places allow drinks or serve liquor.

Caganchos

2413 W. North Ave.Chicago, IL

(773) 772-4106

Hours: closed Sunday

Call it the little taqueria that could, Caganchos is here to play. Mario's Taco House stuffed its last burrito in November, then swiftly transformed into the bane of the ban's existence: a tobacco shop. A walk-in humidor occupies the space where the kitchen once was; cigars take the place of carne asadas, and specialty cigarettes and loose tobacco reign supreme. In compliance with the new state law, which states that tobacco retailers cannot carry food or liquor licenses, Caganchos will offer drip coffee and espresso only.

Marshall McGearty Tobacco Lounge
1553 N. Milwaukee Ave.Chicago, IL 60622

(773) 772-8410
http://www.mmsmokes.com
Hours: open afternoon until late-night daily
One side effect of this ban is that cigarettes – for so long sucked down, used up, underappreciated – might finally garner a little respect. The tobacco connoisseurs at Marshall McGearty Tobacco Lounge are already working with the finest blends from all corners, which they will happily hand-roll into cigarettes with slightly fewer additives than the pre-packaged stuff. Bonus? McGearty's super fancy filtration system makes the air relatively breathable – at least when compared to the billowed dives most Chicagoans are accustomed to. Owned by RJ Reynolds, this Wicker Park lounge will no longer be serving food or liquor, but tobacco enthusiasts will still be able to get their fancy sot-weed.

Up Down Cigar
1550 N. Wells St.Chicago, IL 60610

(312) 337-8025
http://www.updowncigar.com
Hours: open daily

Walk inside this decades-old smoke shop and appreciate the intriguing aromas of pipe tobacco and cigars wafting through your nostrils among masterful cabinetry. Admire the architectural sculpture made from pounded and welded aluminum to emulate flames (it took two years to create). You can buy the sought-after Opus X and Pedron, or rely on the encyclopedic knowledge of the employees for suggestions. Look out for one of their parties in the rear smoking garden, like the previous Merschaum pipe trunk sale.

Fizz Bar and Grill
3220 N. Lincoln Ave.Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 348-600
http://www.fizzchicago.com
Hours: lunch, dinner-late night daily
Not willing to trade in the cocktail for the Camels? Sure, smoking indoors has a certain "damn the man" romanticism about it, but what about the booze? If you're longing for more than a latte, and unwilling to concede defeat, hightail it over to Fizz. This lofty Lakeview spot has an obscenely large beer garden, one that they've had the foresight to winter-proof. Tented, heated and complete with a liquor license – not to mention a fountain – the space will no doubt boost Fizz's popularity before spring's arrival.


Stone Lotus
873 N. OrleansChicago, IL 60610
(312) 440-9680
http://www.stonelotuslounge.com
Chicago's first liquor spa replaces manis and pedis with sweeter-tasting "treatments." And now you can burn a butt without freezing your own off, with a new heated outdoor smoking section, sponsored by (who else?) Camel.

Sound Bar

226 W. Ontario St.Chicago, IL (312) 787-4480

http://www.sound-bar.com

Sound Bar now has a heated sidewalk smoking section, a welcome addition for those clubbers who haven't yet gotten the nicotine monkey off their back. You must get a wristband if you want to get back in the club after your cigarette, though. But that sure beats the embarrassment of getting kicked out of your VIP room for lighting up inside.

NV Penthouse Lounge

116 W. Hubbard St.Chicago, IL

(312) 329-9960

The best part of this swanky River North bar/club that feels vaguely like a rich kid's house party is the terrace outside the eighth-floor lounge. And now it's even better for puffers, as smoking is allowed on the terrace. So you can enjoy one of the better views in the city while still getting your nic-fix. But be careful who you bum a smoke to – we don't want any amateurs getting woozy off a tobacoo buzz and falling over the edge.

Dhuwan Hookah Lounge

1219 W. Devon Ave.Chicago, IL

(773) 764-5525

http://www.dhuwan.com

Hours: open daily

Chicagoland's hookah lounges are sure to surge in popularity during the ban's weaning period, but Dhuwan's coming to the table with a game plan. In addition to having a stellar supply of flavored tobacco on hand for the water pipes, the four Dhuwan locations will also allow cigarette and cigar smoking. Because smokers are also habitual multi-taskers, pre-packaged food and beverages will be sold, and delivery from neighboring restaurants will be allowed as well.

House of Hookah

607 W. Belmont Ave.Chicago, IL

(773) 348-1550

http://www.chicagohookah.com

If you're one to sit Indian-style, or overjoyed to go barefoot while puffing on the pipe, you'll find House of Hookah quite accommodating. The Lakeview smoke session palace features a worthy attempt at Middle Eastern aesthetics – hookah tables, plush purple carpeting and cushy futon pillows – backed by sitar-infused electronica. Smokers will delight in the try-before-you-buy principle as well as a five-minute buffer zone in which you can switch your flavor for free during your first five minutes of smoking if it doesn't suit your palate. Topped off with a BYOB policy and free wi-fi, the place offers a super cheap good time. There's also a full menu of caffeinated beverages available, including nearly as many types of tea as there are shisha flavors.

Sigara: A Hookah Cafe

2013 W. Division St.Chicago, IL

(773) 292-9190

http://www.sigaralounge.com

Bright and spacious and filled with ultra-comfortable couches and beautiful artwork, Sigara offers up a cool BYOB place to smoke a hookah along with wireless internet (it's $4.95 per hour). The staff pleasantly and patiently introduces novices to hookah culture. Available shisha (hookah flavors) include Black Licorice, Jasmine, Orange, and Mint. Friday through Sunday there are live performances, including belly dancing and tribal dancing.

Smoke, The Experience

3027 English Rows, Ste 115 in Naperville

It is right on Rt. 59 just past 103rd St.

630-470-9829

http://www.smoketheexperience.com/ (coming soon)

We have 3 distinct rooms. As you enter, there is the retail store with a beautiful walk-in humidor that is covered in stone with glass french doors. It is truly a premium cigar boutique. We specialize in unique cigars and ones that you don't find in this area. Of course we have a great line of accessories and table top humidors. If you walk through another set of glass french doors, there is a large public lounge that is beautifully decorated with soothing designer colors. Of course there is a large plasma TV, theater seating, Golden Tee machine and much more. But the best room is the huge private lounge. This is the best lounge I have seen in the Chicago area anywhere. It has the standard plasma and theater seats but there are also plush couches and a great carved, wooden fireplace. We have a bar area and a beautiful wooden table that turns into a poker table and the members can rent out the room for private parties .

Events taking place--

Graycliff complete with a master roller and full spread of food and beverages on February 27 from 6-10 pm.

Ladies Night every 3rd Thursday of each month. The first one is happening on February 21st with Kristoff from 6-8 pm. It is exclusively for Ladies only from those hours.

If you are in another city, feel free to send me info on places to smoke! email me at info@madurowoman.com

Ultimate Cigars in Villa Park, IL

This is my frequent spot. When you walk in there is a cigar humidor on your right and shelves of other tobacco related products on your left. The bottom line is, if you are a tobacco smoker, you can lounge here. In the rear is the cigar/hookah lounge. The cigar/hookah lounge consists of private booth seating for couples or groups, flat screens, pool tables and more. It's decor consist of plush leather seats, artsy puffs and ottomans. Order a hookah or sit back and lounge with your cigar and some Arabian coffee. BYOB with your favorite drink. Play pool, listen to your favorite music, watch a movie or the game. Or stop by on a Friday or Saturday night for a little party feel. Whatever floats your boat, you will love to lounge here.

Click on the link below to print out a coupon for Ultimate Cigars

http://www.madurowoman.com/print_coupon.html

In response to the Illinois smoking ban- Part one

Article by Anthony M

In response to the Illinois smoking ban- Part one

I am saddened by the new smoking ban that has gone into effect in Illinois. By no means am I upset over the non - smokers wanting not to inhale second hand smoke when they go to a restaurant or when they visit and night club. What’s troubling me are those that do not want smokers to have a place of their own to enjoy the nightlife.

I am not a cigarette smoker but I do enjoy an occasional cigar and for the law to prohibit cigar lounges from serving a nice drink while I smoke my cigar is wrong. What’s worse is the new law will not allow a private cigar club the right to a liquor license or a license for the members to smoke in the lounges is absurd.

If I understand, what’s happening is that the owners of the same restaurants and bars would like for me to continue coming and to enjoy myself. But if I want to smoke, I would have to go outside. Hm mm, it’s funny they did not seem to mind when I was spending my money there prior to the new law. They did not raise a fuss over my rights then. But now the bar owners would like for me to just say OK , frequent their spot and still spend my money there.

Well if that’s the case, some free drinks should be provided for my inconvenience. So in response to the new law I will not go or spend my money there. I can buy my own food, my own liquor and my own music and I will frequent my favorite cigar lounges. If the law can not be changed to allow smokers to have an establishment, I will only spend my money at cigar/and other tobacco lounges. What has happen to us as a country?

Anthony M , owner of http://www.thevipcircle.com/