Here's a post from 1998 on alt.smokers.cigars made by Steve Saka talking about Tony Curtis:
Fellow ASCers,
I enjoyed a magical cigar moment while dining at Emeril's
New Orleans Fish House in the MGM Grand in Las Vegas after
the Boondoggle.
Cyd, my lovely wife, and I were comped a free dinner a
Emeril's by one of the pit bosses for my action at the
table. This was great news because it was one of the
restaurants on our "must eat at" list. So on Sunday we got
all dressed up, and while I was waiting for Cyd to "put on
the finishing touches" I lit a Habana Punch Punch. She was
done in short order, and we arrive at Emeril's in time for
our 8pm reservation. There was a line ahead of us, and I
could hear people asking for a table with the Maitre'd
replying that the restaurant was book solid for dinner for
weeks to come. This made me a bit nervous, and I was hopeful
that our reservations were in order. Finally the moment of
truth came, when I said, "Saka for two at 8?", to which I
received, "Oh yes Mr. Saka, we have been waiting on you!"
with a smile.
The Maitre'd, began to escort us into the dining areas when
I asked, "Is it okay if I keep my cigar?" and again I heard
a sweet reply, "Absolutely Mr. Saka and it smells
fantastic." Whew! This guy so far was two for two and
batting strong. "Mr. Saka you can select any table you
wish..." I noticed two fantastic tables in the back corner
of the Smoking area, one with a reserved sign on it, and I
pointed in that general direction. He led us over to the
open table adding, "Sir if you would like you can have this
reserved table." I replied with a thank you, a tubed Habana
RyJ, and a newly printed Grant as he moved the reserved sign
to the other table and sat us in the primo spot. "I hope you
enjoy your meal and your cigar sir, if you need anything at
all please do not hesitate to ask."
"Was that a great Maitre'd or what? I must be in heaven!",
fills my conscience. Anyhow the menu was so spectacular that
we found it impossible to decide, and with the assistance of
our wait staff we opted for the "Chef's Tasting" which
wasn't on the menu. Basically it was 7 separate small
courses of different specialty items from the menu, and each
course was paired with different wine that compliment the
food. Once the first course hit the table, it never stopped
coming so I had left my half smoked cigar resting in the
ashtray waiting for a lull in the food.
During Course 3, I see this incredible statuesque blond
poured into the tightest of dresses approaching us. She
appears to be about 5'9" plus heels, short cropped sassy
blond hair, and sporting a pair of breasts that easily cost
$10,000 or more in Beverly Hills. All of a sudden from
behind her I see her escort, and it is none other than Tony
Curtis. As the Maitre'd seats them at the newly reserved
table beside us I can't help but wonder exactly how old is
Tony and damn life must be good for him. The wait staff pour
over him, it is obvious he is a semi-regular.
After our fifth course the lull I had been waiting for
occurred, and I relit my half smoked Punch Punch. Damn this
cigar is perfect, and I find myself really relishing in how
its flavors are blending with the spicy cajun feast we are
eating. Of course since everyone in the restaurant is
staring to catch a glimpse of Tony put a shrimp in his mouth
beside us, I witness a few disgruntled looks from those who
disapprove of my cigar. Mentally I begin to brace myself for
one of them to complain. But instead it turns out that Tony
is talking to his waitress first, and I can overhear
snippets of the conversation, "Cigar... bad smell... can he
smoke that in here?", but I can't hear her replies. Before I
know it his entire wait staff is at his table side,
including the wait captain, and the Maitre'd. Their voices
are slightly louder:
Tony: "The cigar smoke is bothering <date's name> and
ruining her meal."
Maitre'd: "I understand Mr. Curtis, please allow us to
reseat you..."
Tony: "Why should I move? Tell him to put that cigar
out."
Maitre'd: "Mr. Curtis we can not do that, he is in the
smoking section and Mr. Saka is very important
to the casino. He is welcome to smoke his
cigar in here..."
Tony: <slight groan>
Maitre'd: "Please Sir, let us move you to a table where
you will feel more comfortable..."
WOW! I can't believe they are going to actually make Tony
Curtis move rather than ask me to put my cigar out! Is this
like the ultimate cigar friendly restaurant or what?!?! And
I was completely dumbfounded by that "Mr. Saka is very
important to the Casino" part, as it was a total lie. I mean
I gambled there a little, but nothing worthy of being
treated so well. Man, this Punch Punch was tasting like you
wouldn't believe!
Anyhow, instantly I leaned over and spoke, "Excuse me
gentlemen, I apologize, but I couldn't help but overhear. I
have no problem whatsoever with putting my cigar out,
honestly, I couldn't enjoy it knowing it bothered you." You
could see the instant relief on both the Maitre'd and Tony's
faces. Of course a series of thank you's and polite banter
followed.
Kudos to Emeril's and the MGM Grand! I promise to return,
and with a far larger bankroll. Never in my life have I ever
exacted such pleasure from putting out a cigar... :>
Steve Saka
http://www.cigarnexus.com
ps: If you ever go you should try the Pan Seared Gulf Red
Snapper with Roasted Garlic Mash Potatoes, Crispy Fried
Parsnip Strips, and a Caramelized Onion Reduction. It was
simply fantastic!
MCS
[Reply]
:-)