Posted on 12/31/2002 8:02:52 AM PST by 1riot1ranger
Where there's smoke, there's usually politics.
Downing Street cigar bar attracts an official crowd
By RACHEL GRAVES Copyright 2002 Houston Chronicle
Surely there are those who think meetings are best conducted in an office.
Many Houston politicians prefer to do business over a single-malt scotch and an imported stogie.
The place of choice? Downing Street, a River Oaks cigar bar.
Walk in on any given weeknight, and a cadre of elected officials and political operatives is packed into the lavish mahogany and leather booths.
"Politicians gravitate toward smoke-filled rooms," said political consultant Dave Walden, who used to be a regular. "That place has more smoke than any place in town."
No one ever said politics was for the faint of heart -- or lung.
One recent night, the city agenda director and her assistant hovered in a booth. Two state senators held court at a nearby table. A former chief of staff to Mayor Lee Brown -- also a potential City Council candidate -- popped in later.
Another night the same two state senators, Mario Gallegos and John Whitmire, both Democrats from Houston, sat at a table with a large group that included two of the city's most powerful behind-the-scenes players, Walden and Jordy Tollett, a special assistant to the mayor.
"Beats the hell out of going to City Hall," said Whitmire, a frequent customer. "I've actually held meetings here."
Downing Street has become a political institution, a little piece of Austin or Washington in the Bayou City. It features cozy furniture and lighting, a dazzling array of expensive liquor and a humidor complete with cigar lockers that customers can rent for about $400 a year.
Despite its political name -- No. 10 Downing Street is the residence of the British prime minister -- owner Lawrence Daniel said the founders never intended to seek a political crowd, just those who appreciated a discreet bar full of the finer things in life.
Toss a contention-filled bunch of politicos into an alcohol-steeped situation, though, and trouble is almost certain.
Walden cut back his visits to Downing Street last year after he and City Councilman Carroll Robinson got into a heated argument there that led to a police investigation.
During a disagreement about a city issue, Robinson said Walden poked him in the chest and threatened to kill Robinson and his family. Walden agrees there was a dispute but denies threatening Robinson. Robinson reported the incident to the Houston Police Department, which is still investigating.
"I've never been to Downing Street in my life," Walden joked in a recent interview. "That's what I told the cops. That was not me. That was my evil twin."
Tollett, who was also there for the Walden-Robinson incident, no longer frequents Downing Street either.
Both say they are striving for less of the "drinking and late-night escapades," in Walden's words, for which they used to be famous.
Tollett, charged with drunken driving twice in the past two years, says he has stopped drinking altogether and does not like Downing Street's selection of non-alcoholic beer.
The publicity over the Walden-Robinson fracas was not good for business, Daniel said.
"It's because of the media coverage," he said. "If you think you're being watched in a particular place, you will choose to go elsewhere."
Tollett and Walden may have scaled back their visits, but plenty of other political candidates, City Council members, political consultants and lobbyists still brave the acrid cigar smoke that trails toward the parking lot.
Political reporters are also a common sight, there to get the "real dirt," in the words of KHOU reporter Doug Miller, rather than the polished version of the news that comes across at public meetings.
"You've got mahogany, brass, expensive booze and politicians. What could be more intoxicating?" he said. "Downing Street is one of the places where you can find the people cutting the deals."
The English decor at Downing Street is apparently a bit much for some politicians, though.
A bust of former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill inspired one elected official to ask "who this Winston Churchill fellow is and what the hell he's doing in an American bar," Walden said.
He would not identify the Anglophobe.
"Where there's smoke, there's Muslims"
Sounds like either wishful thinking or she is a good fortune teller! On second thought though, this has been entirely too accurate concerning terrorists.
Enjoy! I heard Cigar Dave talking about these on his radio show recently. I try to help out comrade Castro on my frequent travels, my preference is for Bolivars.
I've heard Cigar Dave once or twice, but never seem to remember he's on.
That's putting it mildly, if you ask me!!!!!
Thanks for the ping, Max. I'm playing ketchup!
Happy New Year!! dear FRiend
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