There’s a new smokin’-hot hotspot in town and cigar aficionados couldn’t be more pleased.
Pairings Cigar Bar is the place to go whether you’re a casual cigar smoker or a seasoned connoisseur. Pairings offers more than 150 cigar options in refrigerated and humidified cabinets, plus a full bar featuring a wide selection of spirits, wine and beer.
The upscale, lounge-like atmosphere and friendly, knowledgeable staff invite guests to relax and enjoy the Pairings experience. That’s the ultimate goal for owners Julie Lanzillo and Debbi Bromley. Longtime friends and co-owners of Pairings, both women are on the Hedgerow Theatre board of directors—Bromley is the president and Lanzillo is the secretary. Lanzillo, who hails from Ridley, is the Program Director and Assistant Professor of Sport Management at Neumann University. Bromley, a Wallingford resident, is Vice President of Human Resources at Genex Services. Friends for 15 years, they recently dreamed up this new venture.
“One cold December night, Debbi and I were sitting at La Belle Epoque talking about how Media really needs a cigar bar. We decided that night, ‘let’s just do it.’ That feeling didn’t go away, so we went for it,” says Lanzillo. “It took us several months to find the perfect spot. We looked all over the area, but always came back to Media.”
“It’s a place people can come, sit, talk and enjoy a cigar. From construction workers to corporate businesspeople, we see it all,” said Bromley.
“We definitely have our regulars,” said Lanzillo. “We have people who’ve been coming every weekend since we opened our doors. We like to have conversations with people to find out what they like, suggest a flavor profile and cigar/cocktail pairings. We want you to relax and have a great glass of wine, a bourbon or a cocktail.”
The Select Cocktail menu features hand-crafted creations like the Moscow Mule, with chilled vodka, ginger beer and fresh lime juice. Tobacco Road is a blend of Mezcal, Cynar, Fino Sherry and Peychaud’s bitters; there’s also a light, refreshing champagne cocktail.
True to its name, the spot features several pairing options. Highlights include the Nub Cafe Macchiato cigar with an Irish Coffee or Cruz Du Connoisseur cigar with Malbec. Cigar offerings come in either a single stick option or the full box. The diverse inventory includes premium cigar blends from industry leaders as well as boutique makers.
The Pairings experience is complete with a light bite for snacking.
“We also offer guests some great food to nibble on. We have fresh, flavorful small plates that complement the drinks,” said Bromley. “Our wings fly out of here. We have four different varieties, which are all very popular.”
The Buffalo sauce is zesty and has a bit of a bite. The cheese and charcuterie board is a delectable mix of Italian boschetto and pecorino calabrese cheeses, aged prosciutto and chorizo Molinar salami, finished with jams, dried fruits and a sweet marinated onion. The cheese-stuffed pretzel rolls are a must-try—pretzels stuffed with muenster, wrapped in prosciutto and served warm.
“The best thing about all of this is that we see people having a good time, and for that, we’re grateful.” said Bromley. “We look forward to every day here.”
For more information, visit Pairings Cigar Bar on Facebook.
Find Pairings Cigar Bar at 12 W. State St. in Media; phone: (610) 565-1895.
- Photos: Lauren Turton
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