The Lodge at Torrey Pines

We love our home state of California. What is there not to love: beautiful women, amazing weather, great food. If we had one complaint, it would be the fascist smoking laws we've passed that has made it illegal in some cities to even light up outdoors. Many of our favorite cigar joints have either gone out of business or have actually been banned from allowing their patrons from smoking in their facilities. That's like banning your average fat bastard from scarfing down a Big Mac at a McDonald's. Fuck the health Nazis.

That's why we're thrilled anytime we find a cigar-friendly joint, especially at a luxury resort like The Lodge at Torrey Pines. Located just a short walk from the stunning Torrey Pines golf course in La Jolla (San Diego), The Lodge is a five-diamond, Craftsman-style resort boasting 170 spacious rooms and suites along with a 9,500 square foot spa and two restaurants, including A.R. Valentien (yes, that's the correct spelling) which is the hotel's signature restaurant.

A couple nights ago, we had a closing dinner at A.R. Valentien to celebrate a merger we completed earlier this year. I was initially disappointed at the restaurant selection because I pictured a stodgy place with a bunch of old pretentious types. And it was. However, the food was delicious. I ordered the pork loin with pork belly and while most places tend to over-cook the pork to death, mine was perfectly juicy. The scrumptious slab of pork belly (think thick bacon) had the perfect amount of fat and crunch. Dinner ended up being a multi-course event with a perfectly balanced prosciutto and melon appetizer to start things off and little goodies, including a fennel-laced sorbet, interlaced throughout the dinner. They had a good wine selection at reasonable prices (considering the venue).

However, the best part of the restaurant is the outdoor patio situated just above the pool. As we walked through the bar towards the patio, we noticed a waft of tobacco smoke that only comes from a fine cigar. Could it be? Cigar smoking in a California resort? The answer my friends, is yes. Located on the patio alongside the dinner tables were a number of outdoor couches and chairs occupied by content patrons enjoying their after-dinner drinks and cigars. This was heaven I tell you.

Not expecting a cigar-friendly environment, I didn't bring my cigars to dinner. But no worries, the restaurant had a selection of cigars for sale including a Partagas S Perfecto which I decided was going to be my smoke for the night. Our friendly waitress expertly cut my cigar and I spent the rest of the evening enjoying a wonderful smoke and a glass of Fonseca Tawney with my friends. This is how you should spend every glorious summer evening in Southern California.

So next time you're in San Diego, make sure to swing by The Lodge. You can book your stay at lodgetorreypines.com.