Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/709503
The Humidor Creates a Gathering Place for Cigar Lover s B Y L A R R Y H A R L A N D T hose who enjoy a good cigar are a roman- tic lot. They describe the experience in reverential tones, and lament how increasingly difficult it's become to find places to gather with friends, relax and ruminate as that aromatic blue- tinged smoke chases away life's ills. David Wilcox has the answer : his 3,500- square-foot cigar emporium and private lounge on Cannery Row called The Humidor. He describes it as "the only business on the Monterey Peninsula [for customers] to appreci- ate a cigar indoors." The Silicon Valley escapee has long sought to foster a community of folks who revel in the cigar culture; who believe you don't smoke a cigar, you enjoy a cigar. Wilcox, 56, calls himself a tobacconist and he will sell premium cigars stored in walk-in humidors, and provide a pub- lic smoking lounge. It's his membership that's raising eyebrows among cigar aficionados. Joining the Peninsula Club affords members discount prices on cigars and access to "a cigar sanctuary" complete with leather chairs, massive TVs, music, dining areas, and personal humidor lockers. Above the Whaling Station steakhouse, the space includes a state-of-the-art ventilation sys- tem, and the ability to order food from downstairs. "It's perfect synergy," Wilcox says. "It's a place for friends to gather. Men, women, cigar lovers, anyone. It's beyond the ordinary and mundane." The Humidor is located above the Whaling Station at 765 Wave St., Monterey. 831/375-7833 or visit www.thehumidorlounge.com. SHORTCUTS BUSINESS David Wilcox recently opened The Humidor, a 3,500-square-foot premium cigar emporium and private lounge on Cannery Row's Wave Street above the Whaling Station steakhouse. 98 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S U M M E R / F A L L 2 0 1 6 Photo: Kelli Uldall