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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
May 26 - June 1, 2009
Origins Cigars store offers convenience for cigar lovers BY LINDA RODRIGUEZ BERNFELD As more and more laws push smokers outside to enjoy their cigarettes, cigar smokers are finding more choices for where to go to enjoy their smoke in a comfortable environment. One of the newer cigar stores is Origins Cigars, located at 18901 SW 106 Ave., Unit 128, in the Center at Cutler Bay. It is just across the street from BJ’s. Origins is owned by Karel Martinez, whose face might be familiar to those who watch Spanish language television. Martinez has been a guest star on Spanish soap operas that have run on Telemundo and Univision and he had a show called Mi Primer Hogar. Martinez is a native of Cuba and came to the United States by way of Guantanamo. He and his family were on a boat and they braved high seas in their quest to leave the island nation. But when they couldn’t get to shore, Martinez jumped into shark-infested waters in order to get to the U.S. Naval base. The family spent six months living in the Cuban tent city in Guantanamo that was set up in 1994 when there were fears of anoth-
er Mariel boatlift. The Martinez family had applied for a visa but came to believe that the Cuban government was not going to let them leave before Karel would have to remain in the communist country in order to fulfill military obligations. “I’ve always dreamed of this, of having a cigar store, a cigar lounge,” Martinez said. “My two passions are cigars and acting. But if I have to chose, I choose this because I get to spend more time with my family.” His dream came true in March. Although Origins has been open only a short time, customers have discovered the place. One man followed his nose into Origins, saying the aroma drew him. “People are coming here already,” Martinez said. “I have the wine, and I have cigar brands you are only going to find here.” Origins carries cigars in a wide range of prices, starting at $2 a cigar. He even had a special brand that cost $40 a cigar. He did not keep that box in the store but would bring them in at customer’s request. Origins also carries a variety of brands from Gurkars to Arthur Fuentes to all types of premium cigars and wines.
Karel Martinez lights up in his new cigar shop, Origins.
The store not only carries premium cigars, it also carries premium wines. Every Friday they have wine tastings. “I call it Special Fridays,” he said. “We have wines that you will not be able to find in Publix. I have the wine; I have cigar brands you are only going to find here.”
Origins also has a 46-inch television to watch sporting events in the comfort of overstuffed chairs and good company. Store hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Sunday the store is open from noon to 5 p.m. For information, call 305-252-1314.
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