When Bulldogs meet in cigar heaven

Oh, man!

Fantastic night, great company, awesome place to gather and even a great cigar.

Except …

We’ll get back to that single disclaimer in a bit, but when you have an amazing time with fun people in a place you could stay for hours and never notice, it’s sure worth a story.

On Thursday night, I finally got around to visiting Paul Banducci’s Bulldog Lounge in the Silver Lake Mall.

I’ve been trying to get there, because I’m a lifetime cigar aficionado and, let’s face it, there aren’t many indoor places where you can smoke anything these days.

Some of you may be too young to remember this, but not so long ago, good cigars not only were allowed in the best restaurants, they were part of the unique experience.

We’re talking fine-dining establishments, not seedy bars stashed in some alley.

After a wonderful dinner in a five-star restaurant, brandy was served to put a lovely cap on the evening, and a waiter would walk around your table — with a box of excellent cigars open and displayed for your pleasure.

Ah, the cigar and brandy.

Or perhaps cognac.

That’s how you wrapped up a magnificent dinner — and we’re not talking about a century ago, either.

I’ve enjoyed cigars in that setting, but also on the golf course and just about anywhere.

Just as an aside, I’ve never smoked cigarettes or used any other tobacco products, but good cigars …

Ah, definitely.

Anyhow, my pal Don Bradway suggested we hang out at the Bulldog Thursday evening — just to puff a terrific Guatamalan (or the smoke of your choice), meet new friends, argue every subject we know, trade choices for Chinese restaurants and just have a great time.

WE DID all of that and more, with Paul in the group when he didn’t have to attend to a nicely growing crowd.

What a hoot.

Don was taking a break from all the work he did to help stage Friday night’s Lincoln Day dinner, and visibly sighed with pleasure at this chance to kick back for bit, enjoying a cigar with some lovely dark ale.

Sometimes an evening with friends can be just about perfect, right?

And this one surely was, except …

Remember that disclaimer?

Eventually it was time for tip-off as Gonzaga faced Florida State in the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet Sixteen game, and the place tingled with anticipation.

“This is a really different Zags team than last year,” Paul said, “but they have the talent to beat anyone.”

Unfortunately, it was clear immediately that Florida State wasn’t just anyone.

The Zags struggled from the start, with Paul and I equally puzzled.

“Where is Killian Tillie?” Paul said. “He hasn’t played a single minute.”

Of course, it soon was revealed that Tillie, one of Gonzaga’s key big men and 3-point shooters, had injured himself in practice.

So this year’s run to the Final Four ended with a crash.

Disappointment, big time — but it was a consolation to suffer together in a place with everyone connected.

Paul summed it up: “Come back on another night, when we can all enjoy ourselves without the case of nerves.”

Indeed I will.

You know, there were times when wonderful gathering spots like the Bulldog Lounge were common — pulling together cigar mavens from every slice of society.

Man, I miss them.

But at least we have a great one left.

•••

Steve Cameron is a columnist for The Press.

Email: scameron@cdapress.com.

Facebook: BrandNewDayCDAPress.

Twitter: @BrandNewDayCDA