"Your feet are disgusting, and we're going on vacation," my wife will often nudge me before a trip. Typically, my visits to the mani-pedi salon have been preceded by such complaints. So I wasn't necessarily a foot- and hand-filing virgin when I visited the luxe, Asian-inspired Chuan Spa at Chicago's Langham Hotel for a Of the Orient Caviar and Pearl waterless pedicure ($135) and Caviar and Pearl manicure ($95). Still, being splayed on a horizontal "zero gravity" chair with pedicurist Lizzette at my feet was a first.
She explained how this rarely used treatment, which involves rubbing caviar-infused ointment on my calves so as to reduce the presence of varicose veins (who knew?), is more sanitary than your typical feet-in-jets therapy. And I must say, having my toes wrapped in hot towels was nothing if not sheer relaxation.
The Caviar and Pearl manicure, which I was surprised to learn is quite common for men these days, was more by the books: fingernails filed, that nasty cuticle stuff plucked out. And yes, even several days later, my nails are still shiny like a finely buffed hot rod. I consider that a win.
After the deeds were done, my wife was pleased. Considering she has previously told me "there's nothing worse than scratchy fingers and toenails when you're getting your love on," I was definitely date ready.
