History in Little Havana
A Miami landmark turns 35 this month, and you're invited to the party. The remodeled El Credito Cigars Inc., birthplace of the renowned non-Cuban version of La Gloria Cubana and one of few places in America where you can still watch a premium cigar being rolled, will be unveiled on March 28. The party starts at noon.
Prized for their power, beauty and inexpensive prices, La Glorias became one of the hottest cigar brands in America during the early days of the 1990s cigar boom. Owner Ernesto Perez-Carrillo soon found himself out of room for expansion in Miami, so he opened a factory in the Dominican Republic. He never abandoned his roots, however, keeping the building on 1106 SW 8th Street (historic Calle Ocho) where he still has cigar rollers making La Glorias.
The store used to be run down and weathered, like a beat-up but treasured classic car. Now it has been completely refurbished, painted and spruced up, and a large retail space has been added.
Drop by on March 28 and pay a visit to Perez-Carrillo, who still runs the show in Little Havana. Smoke a La Gloria and savor a piece of history.
Wednesday, February 4, 2004