ELA

Dan -- thank you for the info. That's kind of what I remembered as part of the whole trademark infingement issue. It was a very interesting story, both the Bacardi, Matusalem ide, and some of the cigar stories too. I never did get an good summary of this. Maybe someone can post a link to a good story on this. Thanks. Eric

Anyone going to this event tonight? Eric

I didn't know there was a Costa Rica connection here. I remember hearing the entire story about this rum years ago. The corporate entity is a Miami based commpany, as has already been said. I am not sure if it is made in Miami though. A few importers/distributors told me it was made somewhere else, but I don't remember. As far as the rum, maybe it's my palate, but I remember liking it and not liking it on different occasions. Could be anything though -- food, what cigar I was smoking at the time, and of course, the company, LOL. I still have a bottle somewhere. I remember it being light, and perhaps a bit one dimensional. I thought I remember hearing it had been changed/improved. Was that on an old thread here? I know we had talked about this one before. Enjoy. Eric

Is Seven Star Pizza the one on the corner across the street from the park? Eric

Cigars in the UK are very pricey. My heart feels for you. LOL. Don't worry, here in the states, you'll be fine. Well aged and mature cigars are very easy to come by . . . if you know where to look or if you have the right friends, LOL. Where in the US are you moving to? Eric

Welcome Dan -- as you already know and have already said, this is a great BB. Enjoy. Eric

I think someone's holding a bottle of the 21 for me, LOL. Eric

I say get the Matusalem -- if if you get an extra bottle, I want first shot at it. Thanks. Eric

Is this the one on Bergen Blvd., that is close to Meson Madrid? If it is, it's right down the block from me. I had a strange experience at that place once. LMK and thanks. Eric

I believe that originally, Matusalem was not an export product, simil;ar to the original offering of Havana Club 15. At the beginning, HC15 was not exported. Then, when it gained popularity and notariety, they began to export it -- with two packagings/bottlings. One has a spout-type top which makes refilling the bottle very difficult -- an affort to deter bootlegging/counterfeiting. The other with a regular, non-spout type top. Matusalem did though end up getting exported but I am not sure how. I am still told by various people who are in the know that still say it is not an export item. Perhaps people just buy it and ship it, but I am not sure at all. Eric

Dan -- The Matusalem you refer to, the 12 year old rum, is my all-time favorite. I have heard that it is no longer being produced, but have heard conflicting reports. Havana Club 7 is perhaps my "everyday" rum, with Havana Club 15 being reserved for more special occasions. I tried Caney many years ago (I am not sure which one), and although I don't remember it, I did like it. As far as the non-Cuban rums -- Ron Zacapa Centenario . . . 'nuff said. I have not tried many others of the high-end or rare rums but Ron Z is just fantastic. I have a few from Nicarugua that I am getting ready to try. A freind just brought some back for me. Eric

CJ & Bolivar -- the RyJ Pyramide or Bellicoso is a nice smoke, especially when it has age to it. As you probably know -- the RyJ (Exibi. # 2) Edicion Limitada or Limited Edition is not a pyramide/belli -- it'sa Double Corona. Yes, they need age. If you like to experiment and see how they are progressing, try one at a year, and then try another at 6 month intervals. I've done this with all of the Limited Edition's, including the Hoyo's (called Particulares). The Hoyo that I had, yes, was excellent. From 1994, and I have several boxes. THis one came from a cabinet. The flavors, like the Ron Z, are nice and complex. Enjoy Eric

Well tonight, I am having some Ron Zacapa with a HDM D/C from 94. A well-aged Habanos with some Ron Z . . . maybe I should try some HC15 next. Eric

Welcome. Eric

While Yasuda is without a doubt one of the best, my personal favorite has always been Blue Ribbon Sushi (and, although, I will admit some bias here). The boys always have steered me in the right direction as to what is exceptional. They have also made me some special treats as I had know a couple of them. Top-notch, a lot of fun, creative, and always one of my all-time favorites. Eric

BTW Ruby, I got married at The Waster's Edge (very recently too). We had the ceremony outside on the pier and you could not have asked for more perfect weather. We also had the most beautiful sky ever seen. It sends chills down my spine just thinking about it. Midnight Cruise around Manhattan -- wow, just perfect. Eric

You're right Ruby. Another one is The Terrace -- used to be kind of a sleeper. I also have always thought that La Grenouille was "romantic". There are numerous others too, but "romantic" is always relevant and subject to personal interpretation. Eric

What was said about the addition of the word "Restaurant" on the building is true. I forget the story, however one of my friends know the owners quite well. Apparently they have a history in the business and very good reputation from their other places -- thus a following. When they first opened they were relatively busy from wehat I have heard (by word of mouth and their following alone). Not sure about recently although I was there last week for drinks and the place was full. Eric

I too have a list of these places, although the list is hidden away somewhere, off the top of my head -- One if by Land, Two if by Sea. Barolo -- specifically The Garden, although this time of year ot may not be open. and if you want to laugh -- The Water Club (something about water, LOL). if you want to cross the river as they provide their own ferry boat service to and from -- The Water's Edge, which has an awesome view of NYC. Eric

Welcome Stephan. I am certain you will enjoy your time here. Eric

So I guess it was an export product. I think there was one that was and one that wasn't although my memory escapes me on the details. Similar to the two versions of HC15 -- one for export and one not. Thanks, Eric

This place is one of my regular stops to meet with some friends and clients. I have a number of clients from Hudson County who are Cuban, Dominican, South American, etc. -- and they all like this place very much. I have only had appetizers at the bar, but what I have had has been very good. Eric

JMHO, but I have always liked this place and have had very good experiences whenever I have been there. Eric

I've been there for drinks a few times and have watched the food brought out -- very nice presentation, and the reviews from friends have been very good. One friend of mine in particualr has eaten there several times and just loves it. Eric

So -- does anyone have any info on the recent developments of Matusalem? I have been told by some pretty reliable sources that they are no longer producing this rum. Any truth to this? I have heard stories of re-packaging, re-branding, and of course the old trademark issue(s) discussions -- however I haven't gotten the real scoop. Any help here? Also, was this rum ever exported from Cuba? I didn't think so but I wasn't sure. Thanks. Eric