Just a thought...

[jmexx]

I was talking with the owner of my local hookah lounge the other day and I thought I'd share some of the thoughts with you guys. We were mentioning the other hookah lounges/cafe's which I've undoubtedly been to and concluded the reasoning behind the reason why they're horrid. I've noticed that in places where the hookahs are mal-prepared, the owners/workers don't even smoke it themselves. They smoke cigarettes or nothing at all. It's like going to a bar where the bartender has never drank any alcohol at all and is never really sure how well-prepared his drinks are or if they're even right at all. Many hookah cafe's here get their ma'assel illegally. They drive down to the states and buy a bunch of boxes of ma'assel. For us Canadians, importing tobacco from the States is a nightmare. The owner of the hookah lounge was telling me for every about 250grams he'll get taxed and have to pay fees to an amount of 35$CND. Considering the box (when bought in bulk) would be close to 20$CND, much of this seems to be ridiculous. He's the only hookah lounge that I've been to (out of about 6-7 in Montreal), that legally purchases his tobacco. He uses Fumari, which we all know to be a premium brand. He loves his flavours and is very passionate about smoking the hookah.So I guess all this to ask, do you guys know of any place that has no passion in this tradition and therefore it reflects on the session? Tangiers seems to really like what he's doing and I'm guessing, from the reviews, that he can make a decent ma'assel and I'm sure properly prepare his hookah.You can continue along with your lives, don't mind me Jon

[jmexx]

Cursed the lack of an edit button... Sorry Jon

[mushrat]

There's always the "preview post" button...
I'd bet you are correct through about the people who don't smoke Hookah's pre-paring hookahs. While I'm sure it is possible to follow simple set up directions whether you smoke or not, being told how to do it, and KNOWING how to do it probably makes a difference.
There is also the possibility that even those who are hookah smokers setting them up in ways that are ok for THEM, but that may not be the optimal way to do it, if you know what I mean. No one says you have to be good at it just because you opened a cafe...
$.02

[al-bab]

What hookah bars in Montreal do you go to?

[Cold493]

Hey Jmexx, theres a spot in mtl if you are looking for cheaper tobacco that sells it for 20 bucks for 250gr, its nakhla I believe but I have never actually been there, I was in a rush on my way through mtl last time and my friend stopped by for me but I know it is neat the guy-concordia subway stop.  I dont live in mtl so am not to sure other than that but I will be able to give you better directions after the new yaer since I am visiting friends in mtl then and will likely stop by the shop and maybe get a new hookah in mtl while I am at it.  If you got any reccommended places tog o I'd like to hear it.

[Sonthert]

Worse still, my friend who knows many of the guys personally says many of the owners of the companies who make hookah tobacco don't smoke it...they smoke cancer sticks. I believe the owners of Al-Amir and Layalena, for two. The mug who owns Starbuzz, too, I think. They still make good product, right? I don't have an issue with their choice of cigarettes (but, why?)...but in Japan it is customary when a company produces a new food item or even a pharmeceutical, that the owners/president/CEO/executives will all stand there in a public ceremony and try one...OK...weird? I like the sentiment though...we're making  it for you and so you trust us, we'll do it...so you know we believe and trust in our product. I'm not Japanese, right, but I kinda follow that line of logic...If I don't smoke it...if its not good enough for me, why would I expect you to smoke it?Come to my lounge and try to find me without a hose in my hand when I'm not working. Most of the places in SD are run by hookah smokers, so I haven't seen it. If you ever have any question why Fumari is so damn good...Maher and Waleed both smoke hookahs. They smoke their own sheesha. That's what I gots to says bouts that.