In the Press
 chicagotribune.com
>> Leisure
Be a sport, get your toes done
November 3, 2005
By Glenn Jeffers / Tribune staff reporter
First impressions: Um, excuse me? I'm scheduled for an appointment at
Mens Space. But that awning near the front door says Spa Space. In fact,
the sign here at the reception desk says Spa Space. Wait a minute . .
. this is Spa Space!
OK, so "Mens Space" (www.mensspace.com) is a concept owner Natalie Tessler
is testing out before building a new, guys-only spa. The male-focused
menu offers several treatments--including the just-under-an-hour sports
pedicure--designed to convince even the most spa-phobic guy that hands
and feet need more than a once-over with a washcloth.
Guys like me, for instance. Never had a pedicure. Didn't think I needed
one. Then I go to Mens, I mean, Spa Space ...
Zoning in: Within moments of my arrival, my nail technician leads me
into an olive green room, where a reclining massage chair and a built-in
foot whirlpool await.
I don't remember what hits me first after I sit down: the hot, soothing
bubbles of the whirlpool on my feet or the warm soothing vibrations of
the recliner on my back. A lot of soothing, that much I'm certain. Soon,
I am in muscle-kneading bliss, my fingers dropping the massage chair's
control as they go numb.
After a few minutes, the technician goes to work. She clips my toenails,
scrapes dead skin off my heels and exfoliates my feet with a heavy-duty
peppermint scrub.
My feet spend about five minutes in a hydrating, mint clay mask before
another soak in the whirlpool. Then my technician massages and moisturizes
my feet and calves, leaving them smooth, comfortable and very happy.
As Meat Loaf proclaimed in those weeping, immortal words from "Fight
Club": "We're still men ... " (I hope.)
At your service: Your choice of lemonade or mineral water and more than
enough male-centric magazines to go around. I go with a recent issue of
Esquire and get a glimpse of what goes on inside Bruce Springsteen's head
during a concert.
Buzzkill: So, where's the "sports" in the "sports" pedicure? According
to the folks at Spa Space, the heavy-duty scrub and the clay mask are
specifically made for the sports pedicure. But there is no discussion
about my athletic activities, the condition of my feet or any advice about
home care. I'm not asking for a questionnaire to fill out, but even the
mechanic at the oil-change place tells when I have to rotate the tires.
Soothing Extras: For runners and other athletes who depend on their feet,
technicians can preserve the callus you've built on your feet while filing
down other rough areas. Price: $50
Sports Pedicure at Mens Space (Spa Space)
(3 suns)
161 N. Canal St., 312-466-9585, www.mensspace.com
Hours: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday; noon-8 p.m.
Tuesday; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday.
Credit cards: A, D, M, V
Ratings key: 4 suns, body bliss; 3 suns, one of the best; 2 suns, very
good; 1 sun, good
Reviews are based on anonymous visits by Tribune staff members; treatments
are paid for by the Tribune.
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