Vanessa...there are two good shops in BA. One is a LCDH listed on the Habanos website. The other is called Tabac Inglesia or something like that. They are 2-3 blocks apart. I've been to both and they are both fine. Someone has suggested another that can get good boxes. Do a search for more info as we have discussed it before on the forum. Weather should be awesome in April. Go to San Telmo Square for the Sunday flea market, Boca for tango, and Recoleta for people watching. Evita's tomb is a must see. Great restaraunts in Palermo and the port. Don't take street taxis as BA is still hurting from colossal economic mismanagement. Enjoy!
The risk of kicking butt is you get some crap on your shoe
I actually have a friend who lives there but he doesn't smoke. But I plan to borrow his car while he's at work so taxis will be out most of the time anyway.
Posts: 188 | Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina | Registered: December 11, 2003
I was there over Christmas and you will have a most wonderful time. Great city, with great culture, unbelievable architecture, city parks, etc. As one of the earlier posters mentioned, your best bet is to stop by the LCDH in town, which is a block or two away from the Gallerias Pacifica outdoor mall. The selection is decent, but not spectacular. They also seem to supply some of the better restaurants and bars in the area. A couple of must places include Cabana Las Lilas in the Puerto Madero section. Unbelievable steaks (this coming from an ex-New Yorker who divides steak houses into Peter Luger and all others). Be sure to ask for Eduardo Rodriguez--he is the bar manager who will bring out a well stocked humidor (from LCDH), and he might even offer you a complimentary glass of Havana Club 7 year old rum. Another great place to enjoy a cigar is the lobby bar at the immaculate Alvear Palace Hotel. Very classy ambience and a fairly decently stocked humidor. Finally, you should give Sucre a try--outstanding, nouvelle cuisine with amazing ambience in the Belgrano section of town. When in BsAs, do try and hit the Palermo (Palermo Viejo, Palermo Soho) area of town. It's already an up and coming eclectic suburb with phenomenal restaurants and chic boutiques and clothing stores (along the lines of Greenwich Village)...the "hippie fair" and Avenida Gurruchaga would be good starting points.
Posts: 787 | Location: Miramar, La Habana, Cuba | Registered: May 07, 2002
I was in BA in Nov & was glad I brought my own smokes. Went to the LCDH. Lots of Cohibas, but slim pickings if you want anything else. For example, the only Bolivars available were Royal Coronas. AND prices are very high. The duty free shop at the airport actually has a better selection & beter price- and excellent storage conditions.
O Man nailed it with the gelato. I lived there for 7 years. There is a heladeria (chain of ice cream stores) called "Piave" that is unreal. Since it will be very warm still, that will be a must see!
C4S Club Member #003
Posts: 1430 | Location: Miami, FL, USA | Registered: July 29, 2003
I wanted to make sure to update this thread for all who go to BA in the near future.
I visited LCDH which is on Calle Reconquista in the microcentro. I don't have any experience with other LCDH's around the world; this one was "okay", but hardly a showcase for the brands and special smokes of Cuba. There was one humidor at the back of the store that measured about 15 feet long by about 4 feet wide. Most brands were represented, but not in abundance at all. There were some that could be purchased as singles and others that would only be sold as boxes. The smokes I purchased were corona size or petite coronas which seemed to be the preferred sizes.
Later on, I discovered the Davidoff of Geneva store on Calle Maipu. They had as much of a selection of Cubans as the LCDH had, and they had the one thing that the former lacked: someone who really was INTO cigars behind the counter. In the LCDH there were 2 cute young girls working there, but neither was an aficionado. In the Davidoff locale, there was much more "cigar culture" - as well as an interesting selection of Padrons, JDN's, Davidoffs, AVO's and Griffins among other NC's. I had the honor of meeting the owner of the Davidoff locale later on in the week - Sr. Gabriel Estrada - and he was both helpful and OBVIOUSLY enthusiastic about cigars.
Summary: Check out the LCDH, but stop on in to the Davidoff store for as many Cubans, more NC's AND the chance to enjoy the fellowship of people who love cigars as much as you do.
C4S Club Member #003
Posts: 1430 | Location: Miami, FL, USA | Registered: July 29, 2003
Again to update, the BA LCDH has only a fair selection & is expensive. The largest selection & best prices I found were at the BA international airport duty free shop.
Absolutely BMan, Thanks for the reminder. The duty -free had GREAT prices compared to the LCDH. For example, a box of RASS or Choix Supremes was $177 at the Duty Free. Thanks again, Andy
C4S Club Member #003
Posts: 1430 | Location: Miami, FL, USA | Registered: July 29, 2003
Whats the cross street for the Davidoff store on Maipu? I was walking down there today and did not see it. I havent smoked that much since I been here, only once a week about. It is so freaking cold! Not at all like Los Angeles weather. Been smoking now when I walk the dogs, but wish to enjoy a full cigar, not 15 minutes of one. I just got an apartment two days ago!
Posts: 188 | Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina | Registered: December 11, 2003
Hey V, I am so glad to hear that you had a great experience there. And that humi sounds amazing. I am glad you are enjoying the city - and don't worry, the temps will rise!
Can't wait to hear what you think about "Hondo"! Andy
C4S Club Member #003
Posts: 1430 | Location: Miami, FL, USA | Registered: July 29, 2003
Brought little clothes but all my cashmere sweaters (in L.A. not needed but in Las Vegas it does get cold).
As for Hondo, waiting for a special occasion. We ate out for a month straight EVERY meal so we been cooking alot at home. Heard of a Vietnamese place, plan to go tomorrow.
We just found dill weed in Disco; that was exciting.
I cant wait for it to warm so I can smoke on the balcony and people-watch (have been mostly smoking petits while walking the dogs but would love a Churchill or DC).
Posts: 188 | Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina | Registered: December 11, 2003
I would expect there to be another great fireworks show in the Puerto Madero section of town....if I were you, I would make a dinner reservation at Cabana Las Lilas (one of the best steaks I have ever had) on their outside patio overlooking the water.
Posts: 787 | Location: Miramar, La Habana, Cuba | Registered: May 07, 2002
Oh yeah Roy, If I had to pick one spot to hang on my next trip, it would be in Puerto Madero... Don't forget to go hang and smoke a nice CC at "Hondo"! Andy
C4S Club Member #003
Posts: 1430 | Location: Miami, FL, USA | Registered: July 29, 2003
Where's "Hondo"?.....BTW, have you been to Bobo Hotel in Palermo area?--thinking of going back down next year and this looks like a real, cool boutique hotel...appreciate any feedback.
Posts: 787 | Location: Miramar, La Habana, Cuba | Registered: May 07, 2002
Found Hondo, will go next week when my brother is in town. Figured I save it for a special occasion. Dont go out much for food and when I do it is usually Piola, Filo, Campo Di Fiore or Indian food.
Posts: 188 | Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina | Registered: December 11, 2003
