Simple Pleasure Renewed

When I was a boy, late 50s or early 60s, I remember my folks taking me to a restaurant in downtown Seattle. It's long gone, replaced by Westlake Center and other things. You walked down from street level. A row of shoe shine chairs, a barber shop where guys got haircuts and shaves, a guy in the men's room with towels, and plenty of cigar smoke. The shaves especially are still a strong memory.

Then in my Army years in the 70s I remember getting a shave and haircut in Virginia, Fort Lewis and Vietnam. It was just part of the routine. Even in Vietnam where our base was tiny and wretched, we had a small shop where you could get a shave. I think there was a tiny sauna there, too where you could get a massage...and other stuff. But the shave is what we're talking about here. That was my last shave by another person using a straight razor. Until today.

My son and I were treated on Father's Day to a shave and haircut at The Art of Shaving at Bellevue Square. I didn't even know this place existed. Had totally forgotten the pleasure of a good shave. And David, the guy who shaved us is WAY beyond anything ol' papa-san did. Lavender and lemon scented water and hot and cold towels. And some very nice shaving cream and aftershave. All expertly applied.

I know they still practice this fading art in New York City and elsewhere, but my guess is most guys have never experienced it. My son never had until today. Gentlemen, you owe it to yourself to try it at least once. Ladies, it was a GREAT gift. Certainly a LONG way from 'shave and a haircut, two bits' but well worth the money. More here www.theartofshaving.com