Good Life Diaries
Quesada 35th Anniversary Premiere @ Madison Avenue
For 35 years, the MATASA factory has made some of the finest cigars in the Dominican Republic. From their flagship "Fonseca" brand, to other well known favorites like Cubita, Casa Blanca, and several others... the name MATASA has always been synonymous with excellence. Manuel Quesada has been the force behind the MATASA factory. Now, his "young ones" are growing up, and becoming more and more involved. With the "young ones" come new ideas, new concepts, and finally new cigars. On June 29, 2009 the entire Quesada family came to New York to premiere their new brand, Quesada, and a commemorative cigar to celebrate and honor their father and uncle, Manolo.
Although it won't be available until late in the summer, about 80 lucky guests got to taste this new cigar, and I was one of them. Now, I'm a little biased since I had the pleasure of being part of the creative process from the beginning on this project, but to finally taste it finished, it its proper format was incredibly exciting... and no doubt once these cigars get the necessary age on them, they'll be showing beautifully.
At 6" x 49, this box pressed toro is "just right", allowing the nuances of the Ecuador-grown Arapiraca seed to shine without being too overwhelming. The binder and one leaf of filler is a relatively young tobacco from the 2008 crop, however it adds a bit of excitement and some up front spiciness that is certainly a departure from most of the cigars made by MATASA. Other ligeros from Dominican Republic and Nicaragua round out the blend.
It was really a special evening, perhaps the most moving when the "young ones" all spoke about the project, and how much it meant to them to create this cigar and honor a man who has meant so much to them.
Below are some highlights.
Although it won't be available until late in the summer, about 80 lucky guests got to taste this new cigar, and I was one of them. Now, I'm a little biased since I had the pleasure of being part of the creative process from the beginning on this project, but to finally taste it finished, it its proper format was incredibly exciting... and no doubt once these cigars get the necessary age on them, they'll be showing beautifully.
At 6" x 49, this box pressed toro is "just right", allowing the nuances of the Ecuador-grown Arapiraca seed to shine without being too overwhelming. The binder and one leaf of filler is a relatively young tobacco from the 2008 crop, however it adds a bit of excitement and some up front spiciness that is certainly a departure from most of the cigars made by MATASA. Other ligeros from Dominican Republic and Nicaragua round out the blend.
It was really a special evening, perhaps the most moving when the "young ones" all spoke about the project, and how much it meant to them to create this cigar and honor a man who has meant so much to them.
Below are some highlights.
Zino Platinum Red Carpet Event at Davidoff Madison Ave
Well, I think I'm going to have to let the pictures speak for themselves on this one, but what an incredible event! Charbay spirits were hand, Rothmann's Steakhouse provided some spectacular hors d'oeurves, we had some great raffle prizes from MI6 Academy, Clo Wine Bar, a trip to Turks and Caicos and a Zino Platinum Humidor.
And of course, Zino Platinum cigars were served all night.
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And of course, Zino Platinum cigars were served all night.
If you're not being kept up to date with our events, be sure you're subscribed to our newsletter at http://www.davidoffnewyork.com/
...... That's all folks!!!!!!
Davidoff's "Evening of the Good Life" @ Bayards June 8, 2009 w/ Henke Kelner
Monday, June 8, 2009 was by all accounts an absolutely fabulous evening!!! Beginning at 6:00pm, Guests arrived at Bayard's in the famous India House in downtown Manhattan. The bar was open and cocktails were flowing. The Davidoff "Grande Reserve" humidor was fully stocked, and remained so throughout the evening allowing everyone to try as many cigars as they liked. Please note "Try"... no souvenirs were provided. :)
At 7:00pm we moved upstairs where the "great room" was set for dinner. Cigars were enjoyed throughout the meal! At the conclusion of the main course, we introduced Peter Banninger, President of Davidoff of Geneva, North America followed by our Master Blender from the Dominican Republic Hendrik "Henke" Kelner". Finally, the moment everyone was waiting for... the Davidoff Limited Edition 2009 "Toro Especial" was served.
The cigar is made in our factory in Villa Gonzalez, right outside Santiago, in the Dominican Republic. The filler tobaccos are all Dominican, 80% of which comes from the plants' higher leaves delivering more strength and flavor. The binder is also Dominican, and the wrapper is a Hybrid seed we developed using 3 different Cuban seeds, and grown in Ecuador.
The cigars are packaged in boxes of 10 and should be available later this summer.
I have to tell you- the cigar was really fabulous. A totally different direction from some of our more recent releases and limited editions. Full bodied, rich, earthy, and complex start to finish!
At the conclusion of dinner, guests purchased boxes and posed for pictures with Mr. Kelner and then retired to the "Blue Bar" to enjoy Davidoff Cognac and their new Limited Edition Cigar.
We were fortunate to have Photographer extraordinaire Darryl Nitke at the event covering it for us. Here are some of my favorite pictures... The FULL range of pictures can be viewed and purchased at Mr. Nitke's website. http://www.darrylnitke.smugmug.com/gallery/8509141_ZuAgu#560118079_WAPS8
At 7:00pm we moved upstairs where the "great room" was set for dinner. Cigars were enjoyed throughout the meal! At the conclusion of the main course, we introduced Peter Banninger, President of Davidoff of Geneva, North America followed by our Master Blender from the Dominican Republic Hendrik "Henke" Kelner". Finally, the moment everyone was waiting for... the Davidoff Limited Edition 2009 "Toro Especial" was served.
The cigar is made in our factory in Villa Gonzalez, right outside Santiago, in the Dominican Republic. The filler tobaccos are all Dominican, 80% of which comes from the plants' higher leaves delivering more strength and flavor. The binder is also Dominican, and the wrapper is a Hybrid seed we developed using 3 different Cuban seeds, and grown in Ecuador.
The cigars are packaged in boxes of 10 and should be available later this summer.
I have to tell you- the cigar was really fabulous. A totally different direction from some of our more recent releases and limited editions. Full bodied, rich, earthy, and complex start to finish!
At the conclusion of dinner, guests purchased boxes and posed for pictures with Mr. Kelner and then retired to the "Blue Bar" to enjoy Davidoff Cognac and their new Limited Edition Cigar.
We were fortunate to have Photographer extraordinaire Darryl Nitke at the event covering it for us. Here are some of my favorite pictures... The FULL range of pictures can be viewed and purchased at Mr. Nitke's website. http://www.darrylnitke.smugmug.com/gallery/8509141_ZuAgu#560118079_WAPS8
AH.................... THE GOOD LIFE!
Camacho Dinner at Columbus Circle
Cigar Dinners are becoming more and more popular... and the concept of the "in-store" dinner is also gaining popularity around the country. Now I don't know for SURE, but I'm pretty damn sure we were among the very first to seat 50 people for dinner inside a cigar shop. It was with Ashton in early January of 2005... and Tony and Manny Ferraro of Ashton were on hand for it. In fact, they came by yesterday and we were reminiscing about that event and how far we've come since then!Of course we always host big dinners... all the time. Whether in the Madison Avenue store, downtown at Bayard's (like we have coming up on the 8th of the month), at Rothmann's Steakhouse... one thing we know how to do is throw a big bash. But, at our Columbus Circle
store, we've gone the other direction and embraced the idea of a more intimate event.
store, we've gone the other direction and embraced the idea of a more intimate event. For our second "Columbus Circle Dinner", last night, we featured Camacho Cigars. We began in the store's lounge with a Camacho 10th Anniversary and Frederic Lornet Cremant du Jura Champagne (a very favorable combination, by the way). We're on the first floor of the Time Warner Center. SO, we made our way up to the fourth floor and were greeted by Porterhouse New York's GM David Kearns who led us to our monserous table in right in the middle of 
the dining room. Wines w
ere poured including a Benessere Sangi
ovese from Napa Valley (that I happen to love). Dinner was extraordinary as always- the trophy being the Rib Steak prepared perfectly by Chef Extraordinaire 
Michael Lomonaco.
the dining room. Wines w
ere poured including a Benessere Sangi
ovese from Napa Valley (that I happen to love). Dinner was extraordinary as always- the trophy being the Rib Steak prepared perfectly by Chef Extraordinaire 
Michael Lomonaco.
At the conclusion of dinner... guests were offered their choice of either a trip to the Emergency Room, or to return to the lounge for an incredible cookie assortment from Porterhouse, Ron Barcelo Imperial Rum, Louis Royer Cognac, and an assortment of Camacho Cigars. Each guest also received a Camacho Cigar Cutter by Xikar, T-Shirt, Cap and other fun Camacho goodies.
The event was a wonderful success and big thanks to Maria Martin from Camacho for being there!!!
There are lots of great events coming up... so I hope to see you at one of them. And if not at an event, at least in one of the stores!
Fifth Annual Birthday Party/Fundraiser raises more than $25,000 for Killingly High School's Learning for Life Fund!!!
I don't know where to begin. It was the fifth year for my annual Birthday Bash/Fundraiser for my old High School... and for the fifth year in a row, the incredible generosity of all my friends blows me away! The event was Monday, May 4, 2009, at The Carnegie Club in New York City to benefit Killingly High School’s Learning for Life Fund. A couple buddies from the Soprano’s cast, Tony Darrow and Arthur Nascarella stopped in to lend a hand, as well as entertainment reporter Bill McCuddy (formerly of Fox News).
We also had on hand visits from The CAO Boys (Huber, Kapp, Faccenda), the ENTIRE Quesada family (MATASA, Fonseca, Cubita, Casa Magna, etc...), CigarTV.com, Keith Park (Prometheus), Peter Banninger (President, Davidoff USA), Karen Lee and Jim Galle (S.T. Dupont), Savona, Mottola and Abrams from Cigar Aficionado, Roberta from Graycliff, the staff from BOTH Davidoff stores and the De La Concha folks... blah blah... the list goes on and on... and it was amazing!!!
We raised money though straight donations, as well as a KILLER raffle and an exciting live auction. All of the products in both the raffle and auction were generously donated!!!
Some of the Auction Highlights were a Cabinet of 50 2006 Davidoff 100th Anniversary Diademas ($3200), a ST Dupont 2008 Limited Edition Vendome Lighter with Ashtray ($2500), and a 2 day experience at Emeril Lagasse’s annual Carnivale du Vin Celebration in Las Vegas including dinner with Chef Lagasse himself ($5,000).
The party even got a mention in The New York Post’s “Page Six” on May 6. Check it out!!!
CIGAR CAUSE
This year brings the five year total amount raised for my dear old alma mater to over $70,000!!! I spoke with Robert Brennan, the coordinator of KHS' Career Pathways program and one incredible guy, yesterday and here's what he had to say!
"We are truly grateful to you, your business associates and friends for their passion, zest, and enthusiasm. Our students continue to reach new levels of career and technical competency. Approximately one year ago, 90 students participated in the Connecticut Career and Technical Education Testing. Killingly High School achieved 1st Place out of 15 high schools in our educational region. Our rank statewide was #11 out of 150 high schools.The scores are a direct result of our Career and Educational Teaching Staff and the monetary resources afforded through the LEARNING FOR LIFE FUND. There isn’t a day that goes by that one of our career pathways doesn't benefit from the funds your party raises each year.”
There's nothing like enjoying great cigars, and having a great time... but when you can raise money for a great cause and help people... it's even better!!!! I get to return to my hometown on May 19th to present and announce the total at the annual "End of Year Career Pathways Luncheon" at Quinnebaug Valley Community College located in Danielson, CT.
I'll keep you all posted! And thanks again!!!!!!
We also had on hand visits from The CAO Boys (Huber, Kapp, Faccenda), the ENTIRE Quesada family (MATASA, Fonseca, Cubita, Casa Magna, etc...), CigarTV.com, Keith Park (Prometheus), Peter Banninger (President, Davidoff USA), Karen Lee and Jim Galle (S.T. Dupont), Savona, Mottola and Abrams from Cigar Aficionado, Roberta from Graycliff, the staff from BOTH Davidoff stores and the De La Concha folks... blah blah... the list goes on and on... and it was amazing!!!
We raised money though straight donations, as well as a KILLER raffle and an exciting live auction. All of the products in both the raffle and auction were generously donated!!!
Some of the Auction Highlights were a Cabinet of 50 2006 Davidoff 100th Anniversary Diademas ($3200), a ST Dupont 2008 Limited Edition Vendome Lighter with Ashtray ($2500), and a 2 day experience at Emeril Lagasse’s annual Carnivale du Vin Celebration in Las Vegas including dinner with Chef Lagasse himself ($5,000).
The party even got a mention in The New York Post’s “Page Six” on May 6. Check it out!!!
CIGAR CAUSE
This year brings the five year total amount raised for my dear old alma mater to over $70,000!!! I spoke with Robert Brennan, the coordinator of KHS' Career Pathways program and one incredible guy, yesterday and here's what he had to say!
"We are truly grateful to you, your business associates and friends for their passion, zest, and enthusiasm. Our students continue to reach new levels of career and technical competency. Approximately one year ago, 90 students participated in the Connecticut Career and Technical Education Testing. Killingly High School achieved 1st Place out of 15 high schools in our educational region. Our rank statewide was #11 out of 150 high schools.The scores are a direct result of our Career and Educational Teaching Staff and the monetary resources afforded through the LEARNING FOR LIFE FUND. There isn’t a day that goes by that one of our career pathways doesn't benefit from the funds your party raises each year.”
There's nothing like enjoying great cigars, and having a great time... but when you can raise money for a great cause and help people... it's even better!!!! I get to return to my hometown on May 19th to present and announce the total at the annual "End of Year Career Pathways Luncheon" at Quinnebaug Valley Community College located in Danielson, CT.
I'll keep you all posted! And thanks again!!!!!!
SPECIAL THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING INDUSTRY DONORS (In no particular order): Miami Cigar, General Cigar, J Fuego, Alec Bradley, Altadis, Zino Platinum, Camacho, De La Concha, Max Benjamin, Ashton, Emeril Lagasse, Xikar, Prometheus, La Flor Dominicana, S.T. Dupont, Ghurka, Fuente, CAO, Graycliff, MATASA, S.A.G. Imports, Cigar Aficionado, Schrader Vineyards, Leroy Hendricks and MLB, Padron, Rebecca Moss, Pilot Pen/Namiki, Cipriani 55 Wall Street, Davidoff of Geneva, Falto, Kristoff, Mitchell Kogan, Drew Estate, Cusano, The Cigar Agency, 601, CigarTV.Com and anyone I missed!!!
Don Fernando Leon, Patriarch of the Leon Family, died.
Don Fernando Leon Asensio, patriarch of the Leon Family, died yesterday afternoon in Santiago, Dominican Republic. The Leon Family are the makers of La Aurora and Leon Jimenes Cigars as well owners of Presidente Beer and a number of other businesses. But, more importantly they're just wonderful people.
I've had the pleasure of spending time with Don Fernando on several occasions, both in New York and in the Dominican Republic.
I remember the first time I met him. Probably 2002 or 2003...
He walked into the Madison Avenue store wearing his classic green fedora w/ a feather in the band (first time I ever saw him) and he was smoking a Leon Jimenes cigar... corona shaped, but with a Cameroon wrapper. I asked if I could help him, having no idea who he was... and he asked "Do you sell this cigar?" I said "No, I'm sorry we don't". He looked surprised and said, "YOU DONT? I thought you carried Leon Jimenes!?" I said, "We do, but you asked if we sell THAT cigar.. and that one we don't sell." He asked "Why not?" I said, "well it looks like that wrapper is Cameroon, and we only sell Leon Jimenes with Connecticut and Maduro wrappers. I think what you're smoking is called a "Don Fernando" but it's not available for sale, it's only made for the Patriarch of the Leon Family (recalling the story from my sales rep). Out of curiosity, how'd you get it?"He smiled and said "I'm Fernando Leon". And we were friends ever since... and shortly after we began selling the Don Fernando as the La Aurora Choix Supreme in cab's 
of 50. SO... today, ... all the staff in both stores will be smoking the La Aurora Choix Supreme... in memory of the great Don Fernando.
of 50. SO... today, ... all the staff in both stores will be smoking the La Aurora Choix Supreme... in memory of the great Don Fernando.click here for Dave Savona's article on Don Fernando at http://www.cigaraficionado.com/Cigar/CA_Features/CA_Feature_Basic_Template/0,2344,2743,00.html
Annual Birthday Party Fundraiser May 4, 2009
So, every yea
r I host a big birthday bash with cigars, raffles, auctions, etc... to help raise money for my old high school. It's a small town public school tha
t's funded by a very limited education budget financed by generous taxpayers on fixed incomes. This past year has been incredibly challenging for them to maintain programs, and even provide adequate resources like computers. They were only able to do so because of the funding my event generates. The Killingly High School "Learning for Life" Fund directly supports the "Career Pathways" program and "School to Career" program that helps in the transition from high school to the next step in these young peoples' lives, whether further education or directly into a trade. http://www.killingly.k12.ct.us/index.php?show=KHS&sub=112&content=86999112
This is my FIFTH one of these!!! We started in 2005 raising $2,500, then about $5,000 in 2006, $8,000 in 2007 and last year just $32,500 thanks to the support of many manufacturers' and many guests' generous donations and participation.
This yea
r's event is Monday May 4 at the Carnegie Club (Located at 156 W. 56th Street between 6th and 7th Avenues in Manhattan). Last year we had about 120 cigar smokers there, and it really was fabulous. Festivities begin at 6:00pmThere'll be raffles, auctions, great smokes and great company!!! There is no admission price however generous donations are requested!!!
r's event is Monday May 4 at the Carnegie Club (Located at 156 W. 56th Street between 6th and 7th Avenues in Manhattan). Last year we had about 120 cigar smokers there, and it really was fabulous. Festivities begin at 6:00pmThere'll be raffles, auctions, great smokes and great company!!! There is no admission price however generous donations are requested!!!
Please feel free to pass along this invitation to any of your generous cigar smoking friends. It's a wonderful opportunity to have a really great time, and do something special for kids at the same time!!!
Here's some video footage from last year's event courtesy of CIGARTV.COM
After a long day...
So yesterday the Columbus Circle store was closed for the day to perform our annual Physical Inventory. (We were closed for an entire weekend at the Madison Avenue store earlier in the month for the same thing). It was a long long day of counting and recounting, organizing, stressing... but finally when it was all over everything came out ok.
As is tradition for us... after a big day, we all stick around to enjoy a celebratory cigar and beverage. Last night was no exception! I had a bottle of Chivas Regal 12 year old that I had received as a gift upon my original appointment to GM of the CC store 
back in May of 2006. We ran down to Whole Foods market for some Bubbly Waters and Crostini to munch on. I left the cigar selection to Kevin Threat, our Assistant Manager. "I got a taste for a Small Batch", Kevin said. Now, the Litto Gomez Small Batch is a monstrous cigar. This was the first "Small Batch", using only tobaccos from 2002. Currently on our shelves is the end of the "Small Batch No. 2's", and apparently the "Small Batch No. 3's" are in the works and on their way.
back in May of 2006. We ran down to Whole Foods market for some Bubbly Waters and Crostini to munch on. I left the cigar selection to Kevin Threat, our Assistant Manager. "I got a taste for a Small Batch", Kevin said. Now, the Litto Gomez Small Batch is a monstrous cigar. This was the first "Small Batch", using only tobaccos from 2002. Currently on our shelves is the end of the "Small Batch No. 2's", and apparently the "Small Batch No. 3's" are in the works and on their way.
Anyway, we all fired up our well aged "Small Batch No. 1" and began chatting. From store issues to new products, to future events... it was a great meeting. But we kept becoming distracted by the cigars. They were incredible! What were once ferociously strong and aggressive, had become a bit more tame. It was balanced, and accessible though still wonderfully full bodied. David Alicea (one of our CC store salesmen) noted some definite chocolate notes. I thought it had a solid core of real "tobacco" flavors; spice, leather, earth... some dark woods, dark ripe fruit... it was a real treat to smoke this great cigar. We all came close to burning our fingertips and lips!!
But, what it reminded me is just how interesting it can be to age cigars. Of course cigars are manufactured to be enjoyed "immediately", meaning as an industry it's not as popular to age your cigars as a general practice the way it is in the Wine Industry for example. But, a well aged cigar can be such a pleasure to smoke. Aging allows the blend of the cigar to really marry, creating more synergy in the flavors and more complexity in the finish. Everything generally becomes "rounder". Mild cigars don't necessarily benefit from aging, but strong cigars certainly do, and the LG Small Batch- though it was certainly very good "new", was a shining example of how great aged cigars can be.
The bad news- they're gone.
The good news- the 3's are on their way!!!
MH
Avo Uvezian's 83rd Birthday Party at Davidoff of Geneva, Madison Avenue
On Monday, March 16, 2009, over sixty cigar enthusiasts joined us at the Madison Avenue store to celebrate Avo Uvezian's 83rd Birthday. In his signature white Brioni Suit and straw hat, Avo was his gracious enthusiastic self, signing boxes of his brand new Avo Companeros and posing for pictures.An incredible dinner was prepared and served by our dear friends and neighbors at Rothmann's Steakhouse and paired with wines selected by Andrew Bell, President of the American Sommelier Association.
This was the very first time the Avo Uvezian 2009 Limited Edition Companeros had been smoked by the general public. More details on the cigar are below!
Here are a few pics from the night:
The Tables are set...
Avo spending time with guests...
The Tables are set...
Avo spending time with guests...
Eddy Simon (Avo Brand Manager), Avo Uvezian, Michael Herklots (General Manager, Davidoff New York City)
Joseph Bollo, Avo Uvezian, Ruth Bollo
Avo Uvezian and Paul Chapman
Ibrahim Amer (Davidoff @ Madison) and Elena Baenninger (Davidoff @ Madison)
Avo dining with guests
... And Dinner is served!
David Savona and Greg Mottola of Cigar Aficionado and guests
Nick Rufino (Rothmann's) and Andrew Bell (American Sommelier Association)
Kevin Threat (Assistant Manager, Davidoff @ Columbus Circle)
Michael Herklots, Geri Corrigan (Public Relations, Davidoff), and Kevin Threat
Robert Seise (Assistant Manager, Davidoff @ Madison Ave)
... And it's time for the speeches...
(charcoal and graphite on wood by Adrian Roman)
Adrian presented his portrait to Avo as a gift.
Avo addressed the audience, thanked them for all their support, and invited everyone back for all the future Birthday Party Celebrations. (He's planning through 99!!!)
Eric Flores (Sales, Davidoff @ Madison Ave)
Everyone left with gift bags filled with a box of the new 2009 Avo Companero and a gorgeous porcelain ashtray.
Avo Companeros
Size: 6" X 54
Packaging: Box of 10 cigars
Price: $160USD per box (plus applicable taxes)
Country of Origin: Domincian Republic
Every year since 2001, the AVO brand has released a limited edition cigar to commemorate Avo's birthday. The 2009 Companeros are made by Davidoff of Geneva in the Dominican Republic (as are all AVO cigars). The past two editions prior to this (Avo 2008 Tesoro and the 2007 LE-07) were much milder in comparison to this one. It's full bodied and rich offering flavors of spice and leather. There's a slight sweetness that to me sort of comes and goes throughout the cigar. But really, I think it's a fabulous smoke that can certainly be enjoyed now and will definitely change with addition aging.
La Flor Dominicana Salomon
I received these babies in several months ago... right around the holidays to be exact but I'm sorry to say I never smoked one. I've looked at them everyday, but just couldn't dedicate the time and attention I thought one of these La Flor Dominicana Salomon's deserved.Well, today was the day. I walked into the Madison Avenue store, and straight into the humidor to grab one. It was dark, oily, and hefty!
I took off my coat, sat down at my desk and clipped the cap. It was packed with tobacco but drew with ease. The pre-light flavor indicated some seriously strong tobaccos. I was questioning my judgement for a moment. Perhaps this was not the best choice for my 9:00am cigar. But, I went for it any way. The first couple puffs were a bit tight, no surprise for this particular shape. The filler tobacco was expanding with the heat. But, a few more puffs opened the cigar up into its full format, and plumes of smoke were spilling out of my mouth.
The cigar began with some very bright flavors... but as it smoked down turned meaty and leathery... almost chewy in fact. About one third of the way down and two espressos, I realized that perhaps a little substance in my stomach was a good idea, so I ran out to the street vendor and grabbed a little something. Upon returning to my cigar, it was still lit and the aroma in my office when I returned was favorable but dense.
All in, it took about 2 hours to smoke (including quick breakfast break). It really was a fabulous cigar. Impressive. I'm looking forward to smoking it again soon... though perhaps later in the day after a meal.
Bio Link
Michael Herklots began his career in the retail Cigar business in Boston in 1998. He relocated to New York in 2002 where he currently works and resides. Michael is currently the General Manager for the Davidoff of Geneva stores in New York City. With education as a focus, he hosts tasting seminars regularly and is a teacher for the American Sommelier Association. Herklots is also a contributing writer for several national publications.
