Les is an avid cigar smoker and a significant part of our day was exploration of the area (Paradise Valley, Mesa, Camelback, etc) tobacconists, an exploration that both Les and I had done some research for.

It had been almost a decade since I’d been in the Phoenix area, and I remembered only one (1) shop - Churchill’s (www.churchillsaz.com). Well, they have grown to a group of five (5) tobacco emporiums, pretty much blanketing the area.

Our impetus being to experience as many places as possible we elected the Scottsdale (10300 N. Scottsdale Road – 480.922.9300) store and dropped in one afternoon around 3:00 PM. I remembered that Bart was the owner, but we were advised that Bart was at the Phoenix store. Be that as it may, Les and I settled into the comfortable little lounge area, where the young lady ‘in charge’ and another customer were chatting.

Les and I both selected something to smoke – which could easily have included a Davidoff, were I inclined to a mild, passive smoke, as they are Authorized Davidoff Merchants. Instead we selected something more likely to give our palates what Emeril Legasse always refers to as “Bam!” Les had a La Flor Dominicana while I indulged in a My Father.

The conversation picked up as we were joined by other clients and the coming and goings of still more. As in every such establishment, the ease of chatting with a total stranger is always aided by the simple question, “What are you smoking.”

We enjoyed the cigars, the conversation and the over all ambiance of this well stocked, nicely laid out shop and lounge and subsequently took our leave to head back to the De Asis hacienda to relax, check e-mails and get ready for dinner. As we drove back to Les’ we were reviewing our options for the next day. This was Thursday, the day of my arrival. Friday was to prove extraordinarily interesting thanks to a tip from my friend Jose Ortega, Vice President of Sales, at Reyes Family Cigars (né Puros Indios).