Steve Chioda
Contributor / Cigar Enthusiast.
Steve has been enjoying cigars for over 20 years. He enjoys a vast variety of cigars from around the world. Having visited Cuba and Philippines on several occasions, as well as his experience currently working at La Casa del Habano Montreal, Steve has amassed an impressive and varied cigar experience, for which his clients have come to trust his knowledge. Always ready to take cigar lovers off the beaten path. Not just a cigar smoker, but an aficionado of the cigar culture.
He’s go to cigars are Hoyo De Monterrey Epicure No. 2 and Ramon Allones Superiores LCDH Edition.
Amazing text Steve!
I feel so much of what you said and I wish we could have our last good byes in a proper way enjoying a nice scotch and cigar.
I had that one cigar that Tony gave to me on one of my first shifts at casa that I kept untill my last shift was uppon me but it was cut short.
My wish was to smoke it with my former colleagues.
Fortunately enough I still have this Rafael Gonzalez waiting till the day we can all enjoy a cigar again together.
Miss you all very much and hope you are all doing well.
We will smoke together again
While travelling to Montreal, I had the opportunity to visit a few times over the past few years, and it was as the author states, a sanctuary where all patrons could briefly forget the world outside and immerse themselves in the wonderful world of fine cigars, while enjoying a refreshing beverage and enjoyable conversation with other like minded cigar-loving folks. It’s unfortunate that the LCDH is now just a fond memory for the many patrons that had the opportunity to enjoy it over its 23 year tenure. I hope the wonderful experiences the LCDH boutique offered its patrons will not be a thing of the past for cigar lovers today or tomorrow.
Matthew, thank you for the nice words. We also miss it very much. Next time you are in Montreal, please do let us know. We’ll introduce you to Whisky Cafe, which has a nice cigar lounge. Appreciate you visiting the shop.
Hi Steve – many thanks for your bittersweet essay on LCDH. I’m sorry that you (nor I, for that matter!) didn’t get to say a proper goodbye. It was a great place that I got to know over many trips to Montreal from the US for the Grand Prix. My friends and I invariably found our time at the lounge to be one of the highlights of our weekend.
It will be missed.
Best regards and good luck to you.
Bryan, many thanks for your kind words. Though we mourn the past, we look to the present and future. Next time you’re in Montreal come see us at Whisky Cafe. not in the downtown core but well worth the trip up Saint Laurent Boulevard. A great place with a separate cigar lounge and more whisky’s that you can ever imagine. stay well and hope to see you in the future
I was an occasional visiter to Casa as I called it. I just read that it had closed in 2020. I was planning to bring some folks there on June 18th but sad to learn it was done. That place was a real cigar haven much like you might find 50 to 100 years ago. I did love going there and only a couple of blocks from my place in Montreal, walking distance summer or winter. Looks like I will have to endure the young turks at Stogies instead..
I was an occasional visiter to Casa as I called it. I just read that it had closed in 2020. I was planning to bring some folks there on June 18th but sad to learn it was done. That place was a real cigar haven much like you might find 50 to 100 years ago. I did love going there and only a couple of blocks from my place in Montreal, walking distance summer or winter. Looks like I will have to endure the young turks at Stogies instead..
Hello Lou. Try Whisky Cafe in Montreal. Nice lounge and great bar. Cigar selection is not like La Casa, but well, there are no other shops in Montreal (or Canada) with that selection. Antonio and Geoff from La Casa are at Whisky Cafe so you might see some familiar faces.