Written By: Teresa Greco
From the moment guests stepped inside, it was clear this would be an evening shaped by intention. Preferred Magazine’s exclusive cigar affair at Black Dragon brought together accomplished individuals who value experiences built around quality, connection, and the quiet confidence of being in the right place at the right time.
Hidden behind its discreet entrance, Black Dragon once again proved why it is one of the GTA’s most compelling private spaces. Its warm lighting, refined finishes, and intimate layout immediately drew guests into a world that felt tailored, elegant, and removed from the noise outside.
An Arrival with Intention
Guests were welcomed into a setting that felt less like an event and more like being granted access. Conversation sparked almost instantly as leaders from business, finance, real estate, and entrepreneurship greeted one another with ease. The evening unfolded in deliberate stages, each experience guiding guests deeper into the night.
The Tequila Encounter
The first stop was a premium tequila tasting hosted by Cottonwood Wine and Spirit Agency. Guests were introduced to a standout lineup including Azulejos Skelly Tequila in Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo, alongside Casa Maestri’s Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo expressions.
Master mixologist Manny Contreras Palma anchored the station with a balance of education and elegance. Between guided tastes, he crafted tequila-forward cocktails tailored to the room: smooth, complex, and perfectly calibrated to start the night. Guests lingered, comparing notes and favourites as conversation flowed as easily as the pours.
A Culinary Interlude by Chef Luciano
From there, guests moved into the culinary experience curated by Chef Luciano Schipano of Boccaccio Ristorante and CLS Hospitality Group. His approach was generous, refined, and unmistakably Italian. Guests enjoyed a lavish spread beginning with artisanal cheeses, cured meats, and savory spreads paired with diverse crackers and breads. Complementing the charcuterie were hot favorites, including crisp rice balls, creamy mushroom risotto, and beef sliders. The meal concluded with espresso and traditional cannoli—a perfect, polished finish true to his hospitality style.
The buffet became a natural gathering point, inviting guests to pause, refill, and continue conversations sparked during the tasting.
Cigars, Conversation, and the Lounge Experience
The heart of the evening unfolded in Black Dragon’s main lounge, where each guest received a premium hand-selected cigar. The atmosphere elevated the experience: oversized leather chairs arranged in conversational circles, high-top tables that encouraged lingering, and a bar that quickly became one of the liveliest hubs of the night.
Groups formed organically. Some guests settled into the leather chairs for extended discussions, while others gravitated to the bar, where conversation stayed animated throughout the evening. The space encouraged movement, interaction, and the effortless social flow that defines a well-curated night.
A live jazz ensemble added the final layer. Smooth, modern rhythms drifted through the lounge, giving the evening a refined, unforced pace.
Grooming as a Signature Touch
Within the lounge, guests could visit the Goldwyn & Sons grooming station for a classic hot-towel shave. It introduced a traditional element to the night, offering a brief moment of indulgence before guests returned to the conversations unfolding around them.
A Night Not to Be Missed Twice
The success of the evening wasn’t defined by any single component, but by how each one created space for genuine exchange. Preferred curated a guest list that made every introduction worthwhile, and Black Dragon provided an environment where conversation, connection, and atmosphere came together seamlessly.
For those who attended, the night delivered what every discerning guest values most – meaningful conversation in the right company. Preferred’s next gentleman’s affair is already on the horizon, and it won’t be the kind of evening you hear about afterward. It will be the one you make sure not to miss.
