Cigar Zin

[Randy Caparoso]

Quite a quandry, Nancy. Now I'll tell you something personal: Back in 1988 I took some examinations towards finals given by the Court of Master Sommeliers. Unfortunately, I was completely turned off by their aggressive promotion of cigars, and the requirement of firsthand knowledge and experience of cigar service. Specifically because of that, I have not pursued that title any further. It's a sacrifice, because so many of my colleagues believe strongly in it; in fact, revel in it. I won't insult anyone by telling them what I really think. But what does being a sommelier have to do with a tobacco product? I truly wish I knew.

Needless to say, we do not run "cigar friendly" restaurants. Boy-oh-boy, have we we suffered some barbs (from so-called connoisseurs of the "good life") for that! But if someone wants to light up around a Roy's, we politely ask them to step outside.

Perhaps you can pass this comment onto your new boss.