The first of the 1997 "ASC SF Cigar Crawls" was a great success! We had 36+ RSVP's and about 25 "crawlers" showed up. We had fantastic weather and everything went smoothly (Special thanks to Avery for choosing the only evening with good weather in the month of January!).

For those of you that missed it..(or were there and can't remember..)

The "Pre-Crawl Meet" was at Sherlock's Haven from 4:00-5:20 PM.. Thanks for the hospitality Marty! Avery and I joined up with about 10 anxious cigar smokers that were "chomping at the bit" to get the crawl going! It was a great opportunity to meet several loyal a.s.c. members that we have corresponded with for over a year (like the infamous Rick Bolen aka "Bolen13"). About Sherlock's Haven.. what can I say that isn't in the glowing review on the SF Cigar Page? Oh, one thing.. we loved it so much, it will be the begining point for our "SF MINI-CRAWL II" on Friday, March 7th, 1997. Marty's new space is a definite improvement from his old location in the Embarcadero Center. If you haven't been there lately, you need to check it out!

NOB HILL CIGAR SHOP
The official "beginning" of the crawl.We were here from 5:30-6:15 PM. We had about 21 participants make their appearance at this location.. Most of our "crawlers" made selections from the outstanding selection of quality cigars here. All of us reveled in the wonderful atmosphere of this first-rate combination tobacco shop/cigar lounge that features a comfortable, unique and spacious layout. We departed the"Nob Hill Cigar Shop" on-time and meandered over to...

MORTON'S (of Chicago) BAR
We were here from 6:20-7:50 PM. The staff at Morton's welcomed our group of 20+ participants with open arms. We picked up a few latecomers here and basically took up the entire bar! Everyone had an opportunity to enjoy a couple of free steak sandwiches, on the house, of course. Good company, good drinks and great smokes.. isn't that what it's all about? Regretably, at the designated time, we had to "pack up the team" and cleared the bar out in the process! (Is it just me or does their restaurant logo look like a fancy dog bone? --Editor)

FUMÉ CIGARBAR
We were at Fumé Cigarbar from 8:00-9:35. We took up over half of the bar and definately kept the bartender busy! Unfortunately the restaurant/kitchen was closed. This bar was a great place to relax and enjoy the good company in a comfortable 100% "cigar friendly" atmosphere. We gained (Scott Gilliland and others) and lost a few in our group while we were here (but, pretty much maintained our average of 20). It was a great time... with much beer and spirits being passed around! Does anyone still remember what "Old Potrero" is? (can you say smmmooooth?) We left here a bit later than planned because we were having such a darn good time!

LEHR BROTHER'S CIGAR & COGNAC LOUNGE
We were at the Lehr Brothers Cigar Lounge from 9:45-11:30'ish.After an initial (minor) mix up, we were escorted into the cigar lounge. About the lounge.. what can I say? It's fantastic! They feature a well appointed room with comfortable chairs and good ventilation. The owner, Dean Lehr, joined us and passed on his ideas about the future of the "cigar friendly" revolution in the San Francisco Bay Area. Of course, being an avid cigar smoker and wanting to be on the "cutting edge" of things, he hosts the only 24 hour cigar lounge in the Bay Area! Great idea, Mr. Lehr! We completely filled his lounge with thick blue smoke.. and had a great time doing it! (Thanks again for the LGC, S.G.,you're a real Prince! --Editor)

There were many industry folks in attendance..
Laura & Dino from "San Francisco Cigar Lifestyles Magazine", Monica & Eldon from "Cigar Friendly Magazine", Maureen from the "Boston Globe", "Red Howard" (and his lovely wife) from "The Cigar Journal" Web Page, Scott & Rick from the "San Francisco Cigars" Web Page, Roberto, the General Manager of the SF Dunhill shop, John Eckrich from Beverages, & More Stores, and members of "The San Francisco Cigar Society".. (gee.. I hope I didn't leave anyone out!)
The rest of us were loyal a.s.c. readers and some friends. A great bunch of men and women.. if I do say so myself!

Hosted by ASC Ambassadors-at-Large:
-- Mark "Cigarman" HowardCigarman@thePentagon.com
"The SF Bay Area Cigar Page" Editor
and Avery Glasser, the Former Events Editor.