CONNOISSEUR: A Cigar Weekend in Fusion Style

On August 15, CONNOISSEUR members left the city for what had begun as a spontaneous outing. Hosted by Konstantin Bal and Elena, the afternoon developed into a complete club occasion: cigars, cooking over fire, Cuban music, dominoes, a Russian bathhouse and an unhurried evening on the veranda. It became the club’s fourteenth gathering.

Konstantin and Elena invited the group to spend Saturday at their country residence. Away from the city, everyone settled into a relaxed rhythm with no formal programme — just fresh air, long conversations and time together. The Italian dolce vita mood emerged naturally from the setting and the hosts’ warm welcome.

Konstantin opened his humidor to the guests, selecting cigars that accompanied the gathering throughout the day. The table featured grilled steaks, pizza from a family-run Italian restaurant and a selection of cheeses, paired with Italian wines as part of a shared and informal meal.

Cuban music set the pace for a lively domino tournament joined by almost everyone present. Cuban rum and Scotch whisky accompanied the game and the cigars.

Later, the hosts opened their bathhouse complex to the guests. The meeting’s distinctive fusion took shape in the combination of Italian ease, Cuban rhythm and Russian bathing tradition. A brief summer shower brought a welcome touch of coolness after the heat of the steam room.

As dusk arrived, the group moved to the veranda. The Godfather played on the screen while homemade apple-and-cinnamon charlotte and tea were served. The event ended quietly, with conversation and the warmth of familiar company.

This country outing became CONNOISSEUR’s fourteenth gathering and showed once again how varied club life can be. Our sincere thanks go to Konstantin Bal and Elena for their invitation, care and generous hospitality — and to everyone who joined them for a day that brought many different impressions together.