Today's ads cigar ezine free Article
Metropolitan Cigars - Ybor City

Metropolitan Cigars on 7th Avenue, in the historic Ybor City section of Tampa, Florida features one of the world's largest walk-in humidors with a history dating back to the turn of the 20th century. Two wonderful discoveries in cigars were made on the recommendation of owner Sam Capitano.

Metropolitan Cigars has quite an interesting history that follows the development of Ybor City into the cigar capitol of the world in the early 1900's. The atmosphere of Ybor City demands attention. Brick lined streets overlooked by black wrought iron balconies, shops featuring hand made treasures, and cuisine of Cuban and Italian decent topped off with Cuban coffee and caf? con leche are everywhere.

At the turning of the 20th Century, Ybor City's population was made up of mostly Spanish, Cuban, and Italian immigrants. Tampa was no more than a mosquito-ridden fishing village of some 700 people when Vicente Martinez Ybor, a cigar manufacturer and Cuban exile, came to Tampa to establish his factory.

Before long, the population of immigrants swelled to 30,000 and contributed to making Tampa the cigar capital of the world. Francisco Capitano and Company were famous manufacturers of "high grade Havana cigars" in the early years. Events leading to the Spanish-American War in 1898 led to increased world attention on this growing metropolis.

The cigar workers of Ybor City responded to Jose Marti's plea for men, money, and arms for the insurgents who opposed Spain's rule over Cuba. In 1898, thousands of U.S. troops arrived in the Tampa staging area as Teddy Roosevelt's Rough Riders prepared for military operations in the Spanish-American war. At the culmination of the war, the population of Tampa once again thrived.

After numerous successful years in the tobacco business, James Capitano, son of Francisco, decided to take the family in a different direction. In 1933 he opened the Metropolitan Pharmacy--named in honor of the $900 loan taken out of his Metropolitan Life insurance policy. The present Metropolitan Cigar Shop grew directly from the Metropolitan Pharmacy. The shop prospered during the era of World War II when the shipyards at the Port of Tampa operated 24 hours a day.

James Capitano's success was based in part by the expansion of the pharmacy's stock to include lunch boxes for the shipyard workers, whisky and alarm clocks - along with an extensive selection of fine local cigars.

Sam "Sonny" Capitano, Owner - Metropolitan Cigars

After thriving for half a century, the cigar industry abruptly fell victim to the automated machine-made cigar. Many of the big Ybor City cigar factories closed and only a few small operators kept the art of hand rolling cigars alive. A centuries old craft was nearly lost. However, the Metropolitan Pharmacy remained.

This isn't the end of Metropolitan's story. Fast forward to the 21st century and discover a newly vibrant Ybor City - a renaissance based on its designation as a Historical District. The festive atmosphere of restaurants and clubs attract diners and dancers every evening. Cigars have made their way from the back room in this century too. Sonny Capitano closed the doors of the Metropolitan Pharmacy in 1992 to open a successful cigar shop inside the historic Columbia Restaurant. Five years later, Sonny found himself establishing another shop - the Metropolitan Cigar Shop of today on Seventh Avenue.

I asked Sam for a couple of cigar recommendations. My first request was for an inexpensive bundled smoke of medium body. He directed me to a bundle of 20 - "Cuban Leaf, Rare Connecticut Habano Torpedos" for $24. That's $1.20 per stick! I have to admit, I was skeptical at that low a price that they would be any good, but I bought them anyway. What a pleasant surprise! They were a steal. He then directed me to his own brand of "Don Capitano Maduro Torpedos" for $7.00. They were excellent!

If you are going to be in Tampa, be sure to visit Metropolitan Cigars, 2014 East 7th Avenue, Tampa, FL 33605. 813-248-3304 or 800-607-3304, and tell them Kevin from Cigar review sent you. Visit their web site at http://www.metropolitancigars.com.

Find more information about premium cigars on http://www.cigar-review.com

About the Author

Kevin Godbee is the editor and publisher of http://www.cigar-review.com, a web site dedicated to cigars and all the things that go along with them including fine food and drink as well as the gorgeous women who smoke cigars.

Thoughts about ads cigar ezine free
Savoy Bubinga 150 Count Humidor

These Savoy humidors are beautifully crafted, economical, and hold 150 cigars. A humidification unit and hygrometer are included with each humidor. These humidors, by Ashton, use excellent Bubinga wood veneer finish and are lined with spanish cedar. The 150 cigar capacity humidors come with a lock, key and shelf. Dimensions: 16 L x 12 W x 8 H.

Price: 210.00

Colibri Classic Flint Wellington Lighter Black/Silver

Side roller bar ignition. Metal case. Description: black lacquer and engine-turned silver.

Price: 55.00

Xikar Leather Envoy 3 Finger Cigar Case - Black

Because the finest cigar in the world is worthless after being crushed in your pocket, XIKAR now ensures you can protect your investment in full style! The Envoy holds three cigars up to 54-ring gauge each, keeping any smoke safe with a modern style all its own. With top-grain, armada leather, the piece has a well-dressed appearance and a soft feel. Contrast stitching secures the leather, giving it a contemporary look. The inner lining of the crush-proof case, crafted with genuine Spanish cedar, holds the ambient humidity of the cigar and projects the fresh cedar smell of a humidor on every opening. Stylish metal caps cover each end, reinforcing the strength of the case. Stitching: Black stitching on red leather, tan on cognac and white on black leather.

Price: 39.99

Recommended ads cigar ezine free Items
Cigar Aficionado Mens Cologne 1.7 oz 50 ml Cologne eau de cologne Spray

Cigar Aficionado Mens Cologne 1.7 oz 50 ml Cologne eau de cologne Spray

THIS IS A 100% AUTHENTIC, BRAND NEW IN-BOX ITEM

NOT one of those Testers, Imposters, or concentrated versions that many others are selling.

Cigar Aficionado Mens Cologne 1.7 oz 50 ml Cologne eau de cologne Spray

Remy Latour introduced Cigar in 1997. This fine fragrance contains basil, lavender, coriander and is accented with tonka, sage and musk. Cigar is recommended for casual use.

Why pay the department store retail price of over $40 plus sales tax, time, and hassles, when you can have the same item for only $22.99 and have it delivered to your doorstep FAST.

Asphalt Cigar

Asphalt Cigar
Clyde Barrow's last daydream suggests a different finale; a reanimated Nietzsche contemplates Hitler's checked trousers; a dream about fast food reveals the secret life of a supermodel; Christopher Columbus plays the ship's lounge with singing radio. In this surreal, whimsical, and darkly ironic first collection, Connolly agilely navigates the more devious turns of the contemporary psyche.

REMY LATOUR CIGAR 2 PIECE SET

REMY LATOUR CIGAR 2 PIECE SET
Remy Latour Cigar 2 Piece Set Includes: 3.3 oz. Eau de Toilette Spray+ 6.6 oz. Deodorant Spray Cigar cologne by Remy Latour, launched by the design house of Remy Latour in 1996. Cigar is classified as a sharp, Oriental, woody fragrance. This masculine sce