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Cappuccino with a Hookah on the Side
By Janice Davis - Updated 02.01.12

"Three of the oldest ingredients that bring people together to socialize: coffee, tea, and hookah." stated by Michael Pasquini, who owns and operates The Crimson Lion, located at 37 East South Street, Wilkes Barre, Pa. Nestled between King's College and Wilkes University, is a hookah lounge where gathering to socialize, study or even read a book has become the norm for this community. Over 800 square feet, this newer establishment is being renovated and is creating an atmosphere of a different kind.

A hookah is a pipe that is smoked with different flavored tobaccos and is usually shared with up to four persons at a time. A tobacco brand is chosen, Shisha, Star Buzz,(premium flavors) or Nakhla, a traditional middle eastern tobacco. A coal is then placed on top, heating the tobacco and releasing the flavor. Selection of tobaccos come from vendors as far as Georgia, selected by Michael himself for quality, taste, and the most popular of choice. Shisha tobacco flavors include: fruit punch, passion fruit, strawberry, dragon fruit, lemonade apple, key lime pie, almond, and rose. Star Buzz, premium tabacco flavors include; strawberry margarita, peaches & cream, fuzzy lemonade, chocolate strawberry, pomberry pumpkin pie, kiwi strawberry, white grape, caramel apple, blue mist and black grape. Preference of tobacco is chosen and can then be altered simply by adding juice or soda, and/or smoking from a fruit bowl, creating an unique taste.

In addition to the flavored tobacco, this quaint location serves espresso, cappuccinos and mochas, and a speciality, "Ice Cream Affogato," which is an espresso poured over ice cream with chocolate and whipped cream on top! Coffee beans are delivered fresh from, Cafe Fresco, and are ground for the specifications of the customer, french Press, pour over, expresso or the old fashioned brewed. A variety of teas are also available such as black, green, chai, white and iced, including an italian soda, which is sanpellegrino poured over ice with a flavor syrup of choice. Sodas and juices sold here are organic or come from organic origins.

The Crimson Lion hosts live events featuring local bands and performers as well as comedians, hosting open mic every Thursday evening. Local crafters and artists display their products for sale and contribute to the ambience of the The Crimson Lion Hookah Lounge. The Crimson Lion offers a yearly memembership at $25.00, giving members weekly specials or promotions through email and advertising on tabacco purchases and other products. Although, you must be 18 to enjoy the taste of the hookah inside the establishment, drinks, coffee and tea are always available "to go".

Michael Pasquini also owns and operates "The Crimson Lion" 37 Main Street, Bloomsburg, Pa. This location has been open since August 2011 and is quickly growing in the Bloomsburg area. The Crimson Lion is opened Monday through Friday from 10 A.M. to 1:00 A.M. and Saturday from 6:00 P.M. to 1:00 A.M. Closed on Sundays.

Whether you are looking to enjoy the flavors from a hookah or just relax with an espresso, the moderately priced Crimson Lion Hookah Lounge is sure to cater to your cultured taste. Check them out on Facebook!



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