The 1994 Dinner of the Century

[CaptainQuintero]

I was just wondering what the story us behind this event. I know it was in Paris and there were cigars specially made for the event but beyond that I don't really know anything!

Did anyone here attend or know anyone who did?

[Puros Y Vino]

Don't know a lot about it myself but a local tobacconist here did attend and scored himself a box of the Cohiba Torpedoes. He even had his picture taken of himself with the box and Fidel. The photo should be still up in the store. (Thomas Hinds). No idea if the cigars were enjoyed in private, sold off. The gentlemen passed away several years ago. It would have been great to talk to him.

[tmac77]

Dinner was held on oct 22,1994. Hosted by Marvin Shanken

Featured cigars were first ever Trinidad (Laquito #1, premier of the Cohiba torpedo and Cohiba A

Boxes of these cigars were also available

[CaptainQuintero]

I didn't realise Fidel was there, I guess it was around the time he stopped smoking?

So far I have it was a dinner, Fidel was there. Lots of special cigars were made for the dinner, plus there was an auction of some of the special cigars.

I wonder if there is a copy of the menu, attendees and cigars from the night.

[CaptainQuintero]

1994, so the Trinidads would probably have been the original 38rg laguito especial if the modern 40rf laguito T was launched in 1997?

[tmac77]

I do not think Fidel was there. There is no mention of his attendance in min Ron nee's book and the boxes auctioned off were signed. On oct 10th and not on the 22nd. The location was Restaurant Laurent,41 avenue gabriel

[Smallclub]

Don't know a lot about it myself but a local tobacconist here did attend and scored himself a box of the Cohiba Torpedoes. He even had his picture taken of himself with the box and Fidel.

That's an achievement, since Fidel didn't attend this dinner!

[Puros Y Vino]

That's an achievement, since Fidel didn't attend this dinner!

Ok smart guy. I'm going from memory. There was probably a few photos I'm thinking of. Definitely remember the box photo. Ill see if I can pass by and take a few pics.

[ErikB]

I believe there's an entry about it in Min Ron Nee's encyclopedia

[CaptainQuintero]

Just read this in Anwer Bati's third edition:

"There were 164 guests at Marvin Shanken's Paris Dinner of the Century in October 1994. The one and only Trinidad size, a laguito No.1 was served as the first cigar. With a wrapper darker than you would find on any Cohiba, and with a rich earthy flavour, there were those present who felt it might have been better suited to the end of the meal.

Mystery now surrounds this cigar. Non smoking Fidel Castro has been credited with its creation as an exclusive gift for heads of state to replace Cohiba after it went public. However in his interview with Cigar Aficionado Summer 1994 Castro virtually denied any knowledge of its exist. He was happy to continue offering Cohibas to cigar enthusiasts of his acquaintance.

So who's idea was it to ask the El Laguito factory to make Trinidad? As of yet, outside of official Cuban government channels no one knows"

I thought this also tied in with the recent Cohiba, Trinidad, Dunhill, Davidoff thread