Davidoff s Dominican cigars sell well. It's like wine. There is a part of the clients which is very knowledgeable, and there is a part of the clients which goes for brand names. Cigar smokers are encouraged to light up in a large lounge, the Jardin d'Hiver, outside the restaurant. In the past, Americans have outranked other clients complaining about a neighbor smoking during the meal, but lately French doctors, lawyers and businessmen have voiced their irritation with smokers.
Most smokers are polite.
The new law about smoke-free space has encouraged even French clients to complain about smoke in the restaurant, something unheard of in the past, says Blanc, who doesn't smoke. In advance of his time, Blanc divided up his restaurant in smoking and nonsmoking areas years ago, and the staff asks which area clients want when they make the reservation. And when a friend comes to see me and offers a cigar, I don't say no. He passed his love for an excellent Havana onto his son, the deceased Jean Troisgros. Now brother Pierre Troisgros continues to provide one of the finest cigar experiences any cigar aficionado may wish for.