Secret Concierge

A split Legislature in Nebraska is struggling over whether to exempt cigar bars from a statewide smoking ban. The clock is ticking, as it takes effect on June 1. The measure, Legislative Bill 355, would limit smoking to half a dozen bars across the state - specifically, locations that have installed the appropriate humidors and air-handling equipment.

This is not a proposed repeal of the smoking ban. Instead, it's a small exception that would allow adults to consume a legal product ... and it would prevent several businesses from forced closure. In today's economic environment, common sense would dictate that the government doesn't need to put even more pressure on companies that are struggling to survive.

To qualify under the bill, a bar would have to show the State Liquor Control Commission that at least 15 percent of its revenue comes from the sale of tobacco. Few establishments would qualify, according to State Senator Scott Lautenbaugh. Any that tried to skew the results - e.g., by "selling cigars for $15 with a free steak dinner" - would prompt a movement to change the law.

Again, common sense suffers, as it would be tough for a "cigar bar" to stay open if it was giving away expensive meals.

Lose yourself in the maze of Prague's travel-worn cobbled streets and then head to the mineral baths in one of the many spa towns.

Clique Girlz check in from the Baby Bottle Pop photo shoot in this week’s episode of Clique Girlz TV. Tune in to watch the girls pose with the Topps’ product and sing the jingle. Paris, Destinee and Sara also deliver a special presentation this week as they rock out to their own version of Guns N’ Roses’ “Sweet Child O’ Mine.”
Their Incredible EP is available now.

Courtney asks:  Can you recommend a good restaurant for two couples to have dinner on a weeknight?  Something mid price range and somewhat hip?

Oh, so you’re gonna be one of the those couples.  Kidding, kidding.  Just don’t leave behind your single friends too often.  They’re the ones with all the great stories! 

For some reliably delish American fare, try Ulah Bistro in the U Street neighborhood.  A bottle of wine and their signature pizza (crab meat, cherry tomatos, basil, cheese) and you won’t be diasppointed!   For something a bit more adventurous, head up to Cleveland Park and enjoy the New Indian cuisine of Indique.  Finally, for if you haven’t been already, you should definitely try Central in Penn Quarter!  It’s the more casual restaurant of famous chef Michel Richard (of Citronelle).

The actress has apparently asked Stephen and Daniel Baldwin for help to stay sober. A source said this about Lindsay Lohan’s predicament: “Lindsay is still able to go to work and meetings and do normal things, but she wants to remove the negative influences in her life.” Also, Daniel Baldwin who has supposedly battled addiction to cocaine since 1989 had this to say about helping Lindsay Lohan: “Lindsay’s doing great, her sobriety is the most important thing to her. She is taking all the necessary measures and actions for her continued health.” I wouldn’t have pecked Lindsay Lohan for such a heavy drinker. Maybe the arrest warrant from last week wasn’t that “unexplainable” after all. It seems there will be no more spending long, meaningful nights with Mr. Daniels for Lindsay Lohan anymore.

Sports bars are not my core expertise so I approached a soccer addict (although he probably prefers “expert”) for the best bars to watch soccer in DC.  Apparently its almost always soccer season between England playing Aug-May and European Cups and World Cups alternating years.  Who knew? 

So his first choice was Lucky Bar.  They do some great authentic English breakfasts (like beans and toast) since international games tend to be at weird hours.  His other insider tip - try to sneak in some Starbucks  if you need a caffeine fix because their coffee can be a bit subpar.  

Next runner up would be Capitol Lounge on the Hill.  

The actress has recently admitted to having a great fondness for Guiness. Penelope Cruize said this about the Irish drink: “I really like Guinness. I always drink it straight from the bottle. I have a lot of Irish friends and they introduced me to it. Although I like it if I have one I’m drunk!” Of course Penelope Cruz likes an Irish drink… everybody likes an Irish drink, the Irish are most experienced in the manufacture and consumption of fine drinks. However, Penelope Cruz has the advantage over the Irish since it only takes one Guiness to make her happy.

Forget St-Tropez. This is the next Riviera. Find glamour, barefoot chic, and natural beauty along the booming coasts of Turkey, Croatia, and Montenegro.

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