By Jim Breslin
Arriving at the G&G Cigar’s Happy Hour at the Desmond Hotel in Malvern, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I walked through the hotel lobby and stepped onto the stunning back deck, nestled in the woods. Through the trees, the sun set and the evening air was cool and crisp – a perfect night for lighting up a stogie and meeting new friends.
Stopping first at the cigar table, the G&G representative handed me two cigars – a Montecristo Vintage 1999 and a Macanudo Cru Royale. He explained what to expect with each smoke, describing the Montecristo as a mild cigar and the Macanudo as robust and bold.
The open bar featured a choice of ice chilled bottles of Victory Beers’ Prima Pils or Hop Devil ale.
After collecting a beer and cigars, I stopped at a table and introduced myself to two cigar aficionados – Alex Curtis and Tim Freese. The were lighting up and pouring their beers into the complimentary pilsner glasses. Alex informed me he had won two passes to the happy hour after his wife Leslie entered the contest at Main Line Dish. “It’s a lovely night out. Good beer and good cigars. My wife is the greatest!” He raised his glass for a toast.
While we chatted and smoked, a friendly waitress continually made the rounds with a variety of impressive hors d’oeuvres. We feasted on venison with drizzled port wine sauce, salmon served on a gourmet potato chips, sesame chicken with a maple glaze and sliced duck. Tim noted, “they really have a hospitable staff here, the service has been top notch.”
Nearby, a table of six was conversing and laughing as though they were old friends. I joined them only to realize the group of men and women had just met that night. Within minutes, I’d learned everyone’s name and was laughing along with them. People swapped stories about their favorite stogies and taverns. The vibe at this event was excellent. There is something about sharing a cigar and a beer that enables strangers to let their guard down and relax and share some laughs.
For more information on the Desmond Hotel’s future events and happy hours, click here.
