Contributing Author Suzanne Kreuziger: Cigarant

I am not a smoker, but I love someone who is, and - this may seem like a double standard - although I do not allow him to smoke in our home, we like to patronize restaurants and cafes that will allow him the enjoyment of a leisurely cigarette or two.

Fuel Café in Milwaukee’s Riverwest neighborhood officially declared itself smoke-free on October 1st, 2007.  This came after reducing their late-night hours.  Fuel was our longtime regular haunt.  We courted there.  The new non-smoking rule was a surprise and felt like a slap in the face.  It felt strange to breathe smoke-free air there, particularly with the too-bright fluorescent lights on- it felt like an hour-long “hurry up and leave so I can clean up and lock the door.”