Brick City Boxing!

Saturday Feb. 6th at 7pm Tomasz Adamek vs. Jason Estrada will take place at The Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. Adamek(37-1, 27 KO) is a 33 year old resident of Jersey City who recently beat former heavyweight champ Andrew Golota by knockout in the fifth round. Estrada (16-2, 4KO's) is 29 and from Providence, R.I. These guys are former Olympians and belt holders. Tickets are $39-$253 ringside. http://www.prucenter.com/





Ok I know this isn't exactly Mayweather vs. Mosely, but the night is what you make it. A night in Newark at the Prudential Center a.k.a. "The Rock" has always been eventful for me. The Prudential Center restaurant has room for 350 guests and arena view seats so you eat & drink comfortably while you watch your event. Don't think about sipping water in an arena view seat. These seats are for minimum spending of at least $75(not bad at all). Buy the cheapest ticket and sit here. The menu is a la carte and the custom built wine cabinet boasts over 500 bottles. Expect normal major sporting & concert event prices such as $7 beer & $9 burgers.




A major plus is the Rock is cigar friendly. If for some reason you leave home without at least one smoke stop by the Jimenez Tobacco booth. Just look for the enticing young ladies luring you in with cigars in hand. Here skilled rollers roll fresh Jimenez only quality blends right in front of you. I prefer to be prepared and have my own Rocky Patel's or Barrister "Closing Arguments" but this will do in emergencies.





No smoking inside the Rock, but the outside smoking area is a nice gathering place. Located main floor level so no need to go back down escalators. Cigar smokers flock to one area & cigarette smokers to their corners. Its funny to me every time. Best in the spring, summer or fall being that it is outdoors. Well lit security guarded area a few stories above street level. There are a few flat screens on the wall which I have never actually seen turned on. Enjoy your smoke,your friends and a great view of what Downtown Newark has become. Luxe should be where ever "you" are.

Pics from the Rock outdoor smoking area during intermission at an Alicia Keys concert I attended...






Mayweather vs. Mosley Vegas May 1st.....Luxe

Lifestyle: Step away from the cigar!

Disclaimer: U may disagree with what I'm about to say... if you're on the "wrong" side of things.

On a recent trip with friends to Azucar Cuban Restaurant in Jersey City, NJ. I began to notice differences amongst the crowd of its upstairs cigar lounge. These differences got me to thinking about what it is to be passionate about cigars vs. simply smoking them. I've concluded that there are many types of cigar smokers, but only one type of cigar aficionado. Which are you?

The Good, the Bad, The Ugly:

The Good = THE AFICIONADO

A cigar aficionado is one who savors ALL facets of cigar smoking; from the selection & cut, to the pre-light aroma and taste, to the lighting and smoking of the cigar. For them, the process is intellectual, a learning experience always... requiring a pre-knowledge gained from literature, other aficionados, or, most importantly, experience. Their primary concern is NOT the price of the smoke (whether high or low enough), but the relaxing pleasure to be gained from the taste and aroma of it... its Luxe.

For the aficionado a cigar is NEVER a prop. It is not smoked to denote stature... social, economic, or otherwise. An aficionado will never say "I only smoke [insert brand/appellation here]."

Finally, the cigar aficionado is NOT wholly defined by his relationship with cigars. He/she appreciates a good smoke and the finer points of tobacconalia, but NEVER needs a smoke. Addiction is CERTAINLY NOT a characteristic of the cigar aficionado.

The Bad = THE SMOKERS**** -

A cigar smoker, on the other hand, gains pleasure from the mere act of smoking. There is no delaying this pleasure, so he selects, cuts, lights, & even smokes with haste. He does not contemplate each puff, but simply chases one with another.

A mere cigar smoker will rarely, if ever, explore. This concerns other price ranges or types/producers. This type of smoker might never venture higher or lower than their usual price range, for them the expense defines the experience. Similarly, the "smoker" might only smoke one brand/type of cigar. (Wake up! Nothing happens in a vacuum!)

A social cigar smoker is one who wouldn't know his elbow from his knee, so to speak, when it came to cigars. For them, smoking a cigar is solely a social act done with disinterest for the cigar smoked; their concern is fitting-in and/or looking cool.

Then there are cigar dependants. For this type of smoker, cigars are an escape from some misery. Smoking passes time and numbs their minds... like watching a washing machine. (Hey, sometimes we all need to get away, but don't bring your misery to the cigar lounge... go fix it.)

****If any/all of these characterisations define your cigar lifestyle, STEP AWAY FROM THE CIGAR!!!

The Ugly =

From Left to Right: SeriousBok, Carlton, A.S.R - Undeniably Cigar Aficionados.

:)

[full stop]

Lets Catch a Movie...The Luxe Way

Going to movies will never go out of style. I don't care how big your flat screen is its not bigger than AMC's. Your Bose surround sound cant compare to the IMAX. Being in a room with 100 strangers who all had the same idea on the same night at the same time is always interesting. Normally for that first date the movies was the way to go. But lately Ive been hearing from people ,"I don't wanna take her to a movie everybody does that" or "We cant even talk in the theater". My response is if everyone is doing it then do it better. I'm going to share some simple tips on how to make an average movie night into a great first impression. The Luxe way.





First of all going out begins before you get to your location. Whether it be the movies, restaurant or lounge get gas before you pick her up. She doesn't want to see you get $10 regular. Make sure you have at least a half tank. You never know where you'll end up. As a matter of fact the woman should never be subject to pulling into a gas station. They will notice your tank always full, believe me I know.




Next,most of the time going to the movies is premeditated. You know what your going to see and what time. So go early and get the tickets ahead of time. Later when you enter the theater and proceed past those long ticket lines she'll ask,"Aren't you gonna get the tickets?" Explain you got them already and head to the concession stand. Now here its up to you and your pockets. Some people go to the movies and get cheeseburgers & chicken strips. Do what you do.




The major perk to getting to the movie early is getting the seat you want. And also to get your talk time in. Normally you can get into the theaters 15 minutes before previews start and talking low is still cool during previews. Going to the movies may seem like a quiet evening but your actions speak & make a great impression. This is a timeless pastime that only get repetitive if you do. Be a gentleman,open doors, go the extra yards & be Luxe.




These may seem like miniscule tidbits to some. But the truth is some of you women are satisfied with Applebess, a free movie and some damn popcorn. That's whats offered so you take it and complain. And do it again. Step your standards up!






Speaking of Luxe Movies, Thursday Jan. 28th @7pm at the Blue Door Cigar Lounge its movie night! 90 inch screen surround sound. BYOB,bring your own food & buy a cigar. Come laugh, talk and have a cigar while watching the movie. Next weeks feature presentation will be.....Black Dynamite! Hope to see you.

Bronald Oil & Gas LLC

The first bbm I get this morning is from a friend telling me to checkout this new company, Bronald Oil & Gas. So after my morning red tea I click the link. First I notice the words, "focused" and "long term strategy". Put together usually mean start up and not profitable (yet.) Ok ok why am I reading all this? Now I just want to know the ticker symbol so I can see share price & what matters.



I look to see the Board of Directors and read the names Ronald Williams & Bryan Williams. I click B.O.D. bios and sure enough Bryan "Birdman" Williams of Cash Money Records has begun the beginning faze of his own oil drilling company. Bryan and his brother Roland whose names combined to form Bronald want to explore and develop oil in Oklahoma,Texas,Louisiana & Florida.

This is really a big deal. Its a great vision and really outside the box from music,clothing,cologne & energy drinks. But I'm not to excited yet. I googled Bronald for press releases but nothing from Reuters or AP. Only press from hip hop news sites appeared. Nothing wrong with that but investors don't do research on Miss Info website. Also I would like to ask the Birdman why not go green? Solar panels,wind farms or compost fertilizers? He would probably tell me what I already know,"Oil is where the money at whodie!" These guys have an excellent track record of success & I am certain they have a powerhouse partner and will be profitable.

Stay thinking outside the box people. Anything is possible. Luxe

**My friend learned of this first at http://www.missinfo.tv/ **

Dinner with Barrister & CAO

I have really enjoyed myself this week. So much that at one point I didn't even realize what day it was. That's how you know your really having fun or very busy. The highlight of my week was the private dinner hosted by Dave of Barrister Cigars & Steve of CAO Cigars. When these two get together its always sure to be a good time.


So a select few gentlemen were invited to Harry's Lobster House in Sea Bright, N.J. The restaurant was closed to the public just for us for the evening. Normally I do my Zagat research on an establishment before hand ,but this time that would not be necessary. When you are in the company of a certain caliber their word is good enough. If Dave & Steve say Harry's is up to par then it is. Upon entering we each received four of the best CAO cigars. The Vision,MX2,Soprano & La Latraviata. Harry's has old school decor family dining with fireplace and a large bar. It is comfortable and calm. What Harry's lacks in Crapplebees interior design(hockey sticks,Elvis jackets,rowing oars?) they make up for in excellent service and food.


That night we feasted on portobello mushrooms with lump crab meat(not imitation either). Filet mignon,lobster tails ,garlic herb oils& potato. Libations,desserts,espressos & coffee. And of course the ultimate gentleman's pastime and great conversation. There was a raffle and many many prizes were won. No one left empty handed! This could just be passed off as some sort of customer appreciation but it was much more.

Thank you Dave,Steve,Luxe, and all the guys who made it a fun evening.

(I will try and post pics soon. If anyone who attended has pics they would like to share just let me know)

Luxe Fashion: The Incomparable Bow-tie

The bow tie is a garment that is usually worn with formal attire or more commonly with suits. Bow ties may vary in fabric such as silk, cotton, polyester, or even the less common wool. This writer prefers the silk fabric because of the ease of handling when tying.

For those of you that do not know the art of tying a bow tie it also comes in ready to wear clip-ons and wrap around styles. The truly Luxe learn how to tie a bow because it provides you with a cleaner and classic look. I have noticed lately that the young and hip are wearing the bow tie with jeans and sports jackets giving it a fresher and more fashionable look. As always learn Luxe and live Luxe.

An Unwritten Signature: Hermes "Terre d'Hermes"

Every man must have a signature scent.

Until recently, mine was Chanel Pour Monsieur, a scent described by the young sales woman as "for old men." Yes, & no. This relatively rare Chanel scent is more complex and earth-toned than most colognes made for men these days. Its for a more mature male whose goal is not to smell of sweet flowers and talc, but rather to express a delicate yet hard edged persona.

I recently decided to change my signature cologne when perusing the men's furnishings department at Nordstrom. I'd found that the Pour Monsieur was reformulated as an Eau de Toilet, instead of its prior, more fragrant incarnation as Eau de Parfum. Dismayed, I decided to try a new men's fragrance by Hermes: Terre d'Hermes.

This scent is similar to the Chanel Pour Monsieur, but with more floral, rosy notes as opposed to a powdery profile. The Terre d'Hermes envelops the floral scents in earthy notes of patchouli and vetiver, with a base of cedary earthiness. To get an idea: imagine standing in a humid, hardwood forest while nosing a bouquet of roses. The earth notes complement the floral aromas, denoting a refined masculinity.

As opposed to the Eau de Toilet, I opted for the Parfum version of the cologne, which is ever more fragrant and concentrated, presenting an undiluted strength and masculinity, fitting its wearer. Though pricier, the 2.5oz Parfum is well worth the $112 asked.

Whichever scent you chose to make your signature, do not seek to merely attract others nor to simply smell pleasant to all. Instead, select a cologne that is reflective of your personality. Preferably one that is rare, adding to your memorable character.

[full stop]

Crown Ent. Presents:Pre MLK Party

Sunday Jan 17th, 2010 @Club Marlos 702 Lyons Ave, Irvington N.J. hosted by Crown Entertainment!

More than "leather bottoms"

So while I'm at the poker table, getting cold-decked... "Lemmeshoyasumthin!!!" (A la Fire Marshall Bill)

A gift to myself: the Allen Edmonds Bel Air.

While fashionable style is laudable, I have a more traditional sensibility. I prefer timeless styles, especially when it comes to spending the big bucks (big for me at least).

These burnished walnut wing-tips are slightly updated versions of a timeless classic. With an attenuated, slightly geometrically sculpted toe, they are endlessly versatile. Paired with dark, well-fitted jeans or a tailored suit, they elevate your outfit to a stature worthy of Luxe Kultur.

But, for me, its never just about appearances. All Allen Edmonds shoes are made the same way they were in the 30's. Painstakingly cobbled by hand, these are the pinnacle of the shoemaker's craft. Such craftsmanship not only appealed to me, but also to Prada S.p.A, which recently acquired the American company.

Another thing, if after years of service your threads have gone from beautiful to... umm busted. Just send/bring 'em in to Allen Edmonds. For $95, they'll re-sole, re-work...basically reincarnate the shoe.

Visit Allen Edmonds online for more info. And if all that's not reason enough to pick up a pair... you're beyond help.[full stop]

Hennessy Pure White

Respect to my man D.P. ,a Luxe international traveler. Here he shares with us a few bottles of that sweet nectar we call,"White Henny". This is the only Hennessy I will drink. Its nothing new. I'm sure many have heard of it. But only few have tasted it. Pure White Henny is not available in the U.S. This is the smoothest of smooth Henny has to offer. This is a libation worth some rocks. Henny Black cant compare. D.P. much respect.

Follow D.P. on twitter http://twitter.com/bk2qb2jerz

Drink Rocks:Teroforma Whiskey Stones

Usually when drinking premium Whiskey I like it neat(no ice) in a proper glass. I have nothing against ice if that's how you like it but I usually sit and relax with my spirit. Just the right amount of ice will bring your drink to a perfect temperature of whatever you enjoy. But the ice now puts you against the clock. Sip to long and your whiskey is watered down and ruined.



Teroforma made these cool cubes out of soap stone from Mountains of Vermont. The stones will maintain a 50degree temperature for your whiskey without dilution. 50 degrees is said to be the ideal temp. Just a few hours in the freezer,2-3 stones per glass and enjoy.



I think these are Luxe and great conversation starters. Guaranteed not to see these any and everywhere. Mostly because they are in high demand and Sold Out!


Everyone has ice. Serve your drinks on the rocks.(get it?......)Luxe
http://www.teroforma.com/The-Whisk-e-y-Lover.html

Silent night... De Dolle Brouwerij "Stille Nacht"

Take a hike Duvel. Yes, I said it. Those that matter know that the basis of my luxe is an interest in haut craftsmanship. So it follows that my passion for beer lies with the smaller, passionate producers of Belgium.

On a blistery cold night like tonight, there's little better than a winter ale like De Dolle Brouwerij's Stille Nacht. Extremely limited in production, Stille Nacht is a full-bodied, abbey styled ale.

With elegant notes of nutmeg, malt, subtle hops, and molasses, the rich, amber-coloured brew staves off the cold with an abv of 12%. On the finish, a floral hue lingers as you anticipate the next sip.

[full stop.]

Crooks x Castles "El Presidente" Timepiece

Check out this classic design timepiece by Crooks & Castles. Now available in stainless steel silver or matte black. 10 diamond chips, Japanese movement, date and day of week displayed. Also when you pick this one up check the engraving on the face. Retails for $450 and only available at special select retailers such as http://www.syndicatedclothing.com/





Of course I have mine.....Luxe.

Back By Popular Demand!

I would like to thank everyone who supported Luxe Kultur through out 2009. Its now 2010, but this blog is still not a year old yet. We've come a long way in a short period of time. Networked with lots of great people and made Lux a word of appreciation for the finer things we all enjoy.

In '09 we introduced many to the Ed Hardy wine selection ,Crystal Head Vodka and Assaying Wine Appearance. Also Max Benjamin cigar bar, works of art from some of your favorite hip hop artists, fashion,cigar & restaurant reviews like Tao and Azukar. Even advice from our own personal experiences with car service & splitting the bill.

Ive seen plenty of you with that Ed Hardy and Crystal Head! And that Max Benjamin bag has made alcohol in a paper bag unacceptable. Even converted some non bill splitters & non tippers into Luxeness. Still there is a lot of work to be done. Luxe Kultur will continue the mission into 2010. If you see something you like or don't please comment so we know whats up to. Our Luxe may not be yours.

"Yall should grow the f*** up, come here let me coach you" Jay Z