Since 2003, when New York State banned smoking in restaurants, Tom Cavallo's "Hava Cigar Bar" was the only place you could enjoy a cocktail and the tobacco product of your choice indoors. Since March 1st, that is no longer the case. Noelle Cavallo-Nattress is the owner of Cavallo's and she says that out of the 14 years that the cigar bar has been open 10 of them were really successful. During the past four years, due to the fact that people can buy their own cigars online, plus New York state taxes taking a toll, she was left with only two options. One of those options was to pour more money into an advanced filtration system, or go with a new concept. Much to the chagrin of some customers she decided it was time for a change.

The decision to change the bar came in November of 2013. According to Noelle, "The main thing

The main thing we're trying to focus on is getting a different atmosphere than an average pub, sports bar, [or] martini bar.[/pullquotes] we're trying to focus on is getting a different atmosphere than an average pub, sports bar, [or] martini bar." The concept is very interesting in the sense that it will feature local craft beers and most of the wines will be from vineyards around New York. This is a great idea for such an awesome hometown place like Cavallo's. With the growing popularity of craft beer and wine, I believe Noelle made the right decision.

So what are some of the changes we can expect to the actual space itself? For one thing they have decided to remove the drop down ceiling that was there before, which raises the bar ceiling by 3 1/2 feet to give it a little height. They will also be exposing a brick wall which will add a lot of character. Some of the original wooden beams will be exposed as well to bring out some charm.

Women would come in with their husbands because they would want a cigar, and literally you would smell all the way down to your undergarments

One of the biggest changes of course will be no more smokey smell. "Women would come in with their husbands because they would want a cigar, and literally you would smell all the way down to your undergarments," said Cavallo-Nattress. One of the coolest changes they will be making is exposing some of the older charred wood from a fire 80 years ago to show some of the history of the building.

One of the best points that Noelle made was that she wanted her customers to know if they were spending their money at Cavallo's, she wanted to show that it was being put into making their experience there better. That certainly has been true for the establishment over the years. Just go in and look at all the progress they have made with the deck and the main dining room. Those renovations are truly incredible.

So when can you expect the doors to be open? The soft open date was supposed to be this past Thursday (3/13), with the grand opening the first week in April, however she decided to push it to the second weekend in April instead. After all, great art takes time and I am sure this new place will be absolutely beautiful. "Corked" is a place that I am sure I will be spending a lot of my time.

Noelle is very excited because for the first time ever there will be a ribbon cutting with the chamber. Be watching on the Cavallo's Facebook page for when the official opening date will be announced. 

Here Is My Interview With Noelle About The New "Corked"

Here Are Some Of The Photos Of The Progress They Have Made So Far:

Photo Credit: Russell Nattress used with permission given to TSM and Big Frog 104
Photo Credit: Russell Nattress used with permission given to TSM and Big Frog 104
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Photo Credit: Russell Nattress used with permission given to TSM and Big Frog 104
Photo Credit: Russell Nattress used with permission given to TSM and Big Frog 104
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Photo Credit: Russell Nattress used with permission given to TSM and Big Frog 104
Photo Credit: Russell Nattress used with permission given to TSM and Big Frog 104
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Photo Credit: Russell Nattress used with permission given to TSM and Big Frog 104
Photo Credit: Russell Nattress used with permission given to TSM and Big Frog 104
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Photo Credit: Russell Nattress used with permission given to TSM and Big Frog 104
Photo Credit: Russell Nattress used with permission given to TSM and Big Frog 104
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