Stogie News: Sneak Peak into New Cigar Lounge
21 Oct 2010
In January, I was lucky enough to get a behind-the-scenes tour of what would become CXIII Rex, a luxurious new cigar lounge planned for Alexandria, Virginia. Construction was just getting underway as I surveyed the unique space in an 18th century building adjacent to the Landini Brothers restaurant.
Noe and Franco Landini, hosts of the restaurant and avid cigar fans, wanted to develop a benchmark cigar club with unique benefits and members-only offerings. Their restaurant had been a haven for Washington-area cigar smokers for 30 years. But when it became clear that Virginia lawmakers would pass a statewide smoking ban, they started to lay plans for a separately ventilated space that promised to be one of the finest cigar venues in the country.
They delivered on that promise. With construction complete and approximately 100 of the 200 membership slots claimed, on Wednesday I got a firsthand look at CXIII Rex as a functioning locale. I was a guest at a special event featuring Padrón Cigars President Jorge Padrón.
CXIII Rex is a multi-level club with a selection of top libations and small-batch wines, ample seating, wireless internet, a state-of-the-art air ventilation system, an access-only elevator, and an all-female wait staff.
The custom-built walk-in humidor is well-stocked by the Old Virginia Tobacco Company, a seven-location retailer with exclusive offerings.
Members are entitled to private humidor lockers, pictured above. When a member swipes his card along the wall, his individual locker opens. Very cool.
The club’s layout is built for privacy, comfort, and flow. While certain areas tend to attract crowds (i.e., the bar), others are more suited to quiet conversation.
At the event on Wednesday, those in attendance received a thick toro from the Padrón 1964 Anniversary Series—a vitola exclusive to Old Virginia Tobacco.
Individual memberships, as you might expect from a club of this caliber, are expensive and going fast. But the club will also depend on the business of guests, who are welcome as long as they are accompanied by a member. I certainly hope I have the opportunity to be an invited guest again soon—maybe at the grand opening, which is slated for November.
photo credits: Stogie Guys
This club looks/sounds amazing. I can't say I've ever seen anything like it. Those who live near it and can afford it are a lucky few indeed.
Memberships are expensive? How much?
From the CXIII Rex website: "It costs $5,000 to join CXIII Rex, a one-time fee. The club will offer exclusive memberships to an initial 200 persons and their guests. Future growth beyond 200 memberships will be considered only after the club's first anniversary. Invitation to join by referral of active members only."
My understanding is that, beyond the one-time fee, there is a monthly charge as well.
"When a member swipes his card along the wall, his individual locker opens."
That is awesome… something out of James Bond.
If I could afford it' I'd be all over this place. Guess I'll have to make friens with a member so I can come as a guest.
Thats where i work.