Skittles, Champagne And Cigars: A New Generation Of Flavor Pairings
Cigar sommeliers are becoming increasingly popular in fine restaurants and hotels, pairing the nuanced flavor of tobacco with beverages, and using tart candies like Skittles to cleanse the palate.
Just a couple of decades ago, there might have been an ashtray on your restaurant table, while bartenders with cigarettes hanging out of their mouths poured your cocktails. However, the rise of smoke-free bars and restaurants across the U.S. means that most diners no longer have the scent or taste of tobacco mingling with their grilled salmon or crème brûlée — and many would say that's a good thing. Besides being unhealthy, smoking also appears to mess with taste perception.
You won't find cigarette smokers at , the fine dining restaurant at the Four Seasons Hotel in Washington, D.C. Executive chef Joe Palma says that he wouldn't want diners chain-smoking between courses, possibly affecting the flavors
