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Weekly Scoop (June 24-30) - Sip and Smoke at Casablanca Cigar Bar


Casablanca Cigar Bar in Biltmore Village

Great atmosphere, drinks and the best cigars in town.

You might think the name Casablanca Cigar Bar is taken from a classic movie title, but in fact, it’s derived from the story of the owner of this local haunt, Sam Souhail.

Sam followed his American dream to the states in 2005 all the way from Casablanca, Morocco with sheer persistence and a true love for connection with people.
 
“I saw quality cigars as a beautiful vehicle for making that connection,” Sam explained.
 
He married the love of his life, Brooke, in 2008, who grew up in North Carolina and went to college in Asheville where she earned her degree in culinary arts. But she became not only his wife but also his business partner.
 
“Fortunately for me,” Sam said, “Brooke eats red tape for breakfast, legal documents for lunch and then still has time to prepare dinner for our growing family.”
 
With Sam's passion for cigars, humidors and the other nuances cigar aficionados hold in the highest regard, inspiration struck during a trip to the Biltmore Village area.


“I was struck with a vision of a luxurious cigar bar that could cater to tourists and locals alike,” Sam explained. “We decided to take a chance and bring that niche concept to the Asheville area.”


Soon after, Casablanca Cigar Bar opened its doors at 18 Lodge Street in Biltmore Village in January of 2017 and has been going strong as a local favorite ever since. It boasts the largest walk-in humidor in Asheville and the most luxurious environment to enjoy it in complete with leather couches, a gas fireplace and more than 150 whiskeys to choose from.


Sam said his biggest pleasure from owning Casablanca is having the ability to provide his patrons with a glorious reprieve from their daily grind.


“Casablanca isn’t just about delicious craft cocktails and fine cigars,” Sam said, “it’s about community.” 


Learn more about the community around fine cigars by taking a trip to Casablanca Cigar Bar the next time you’re in the Biltmore Village area. And don’t forget to check out their Dig Local page where you can find all their events, specials and more, like $2 off whiskey all day on Tuesday.

Below you will find one locally curated Scoop chosen for each day this week — but make sure to check out all the Scoops this week on our Dig Local Scoop Calendar.

Monday, June 24

Negroni Week
From June 24-30, celebrate the classic Negroni at some of your favorite local Asheville bars and restaurants, including Sovereign Remedies, Post 70, Rhubarb , Antidote, and Posana.  Monday at 8 PM, join The Urban Gastronome at Antidote for the Battle of the Negroni Kickoff Party. No cover charge, live music, and locally crafted Negroni. What a great way to start the week!
More details.
More to do Monday

Tuesday, June 25

Women & Wine: A Networking Event
at Rustic Grape Wine Bar
Come mingle, meet other fabulous women in the community, network, learn, be inspired.... and of course drink wine!
More details.
More to do Tuesday

Wednesday, June 26

IFPA IN Asheville
at Asheville Retrocade

Enjoy an evening of fun, friends and pinball at the only pinball tournament in WNC!
More details.

More to do Wednesday

Thursday, June 27

Wines Dinner with Finca Decero
at Rhubarb

Enjoy the incredible hand-hewn wines of Finca Decero, whose winery is nestled in the foothills of Argentina's Andes Mountains, while dining out.
More details.

More to do Thursday

Friday, June 28

JJ Grey & Mofro with Travers Brothership 
at Pisgah Brewing
JJ Grey remains an unfettered, blissful performer, singing with a blue-collared spirit over the bone-deep grooves of his compositions. Grab tickets.
More details.
More to do Friday

Saturday, June 29

Uncommon Market
at WNC Agricultural Center

Visit Asheville's largest market for the old, the bold, the creative and the unexpected on either Saturday, June 29 or Sunday, June 30.
More details.
More to do Saturday

Sunday, June 30

Local BARK Market
at pleb urban winery
Every last Sunday of the month means adoptable dogs from Woof Meow Rescue, creative vendors and delicious wine are all up for grabs at pleb urban winery.
More details.
More to do Sunday
For all of this week’s Scoops and more, visit DigLocal.com or download the Dig Local AppKeep digging local!