Grooming in progress, courtesy of the Quintessential Gentleman, captured during our bridal photo session at the Hotel Monaco.
The long-standing tradition of pre-wedding pampering for the bride and her attendants continues to live strong. Alas, I have to ask, what about the grooms' pampering needs for the Big Day? After taking a tour of The Quintessential Gentleman, winner of three 2008 Best of Baltimore awards, I wonder why we so often leave a trail of dust as we dash off to have our hair, makeup and skin attended to on a weekly bais without as much as weekly straight razor shave and manicure appointments for the deserving gentlemen in our lives.
Recently, Vivian, our Special Events Director, decided she wanted to check out just how open her "manly man" was to grooming and pampering of this sort. She innocently laid the groundwork with a gift certificate in her husband's Christmas stocking offering a trip to Quintessential Gentleman, an ode to the old fashioned gentlemen’s barber shop of the past. She then booked the appointment online and sent him to Charles Street in the hopes that the manicure would remain on his service list. He returned home sans manicure but with the most amazing Quintessential Shave ($40), featuring a hot lather shave (once with the grain and once again, against it) and completed with an extended face massage. In Vivian's opinion, her husband's face had never been smoother and his mood, never more upbeat and confident. After this experience, she's positive he'll attempt a manicure and pedicure appointment next time.
Out of curiosity and in the name of research on behalf of our clients, Vivian met with Craig Martin, the gentile, dapper proprietor of Quintessential Gentleman for a tour of the Baltimore barber shop. Craig cordially greets every client upon entering, a trait that sets the tone and makes the entire experience unique. Whether popping in midday for a business manicure or attending a standing appointment for a straight razor shave and sports massage, the QG creates a relaxed atmosphere complete with LCD tvs at each barber station, leather arm chairs for the manicure and facial stations, a billiard room, putting area and space for Nintendo Wii. In addition to complimentary coffee, tea and espresso, clients are also encouraged to store their favorite bottle behind the bar for availability and enjoyment during appointments.
For a proper Valentine's Day gift (one that could certainly lead to a very addictive habit), I suggest a gift certificate for a straight razor shave paired with a smart pair of cufflinks. Craig will be pleased to walk you through the cuff link selection as well as the ties, shaving products and cigars. In addition to a long list of grooming services, your gentleman could also choose from grooming products and style accessories from internationally acclaimed brands such as The Art of Shaving, Barc, Baxter of California, Bosca, Concord, Jack Black, Muhle, Namiki, Southern Proper, Stewart /Stand, Truefitt & Hill, Visconti, Wurkin Stiffs and David Hart & Co.
To order a gift certificate online, or to make an appointment for barber or spa services, please visit:
Quintessential Gentleman
31 South Calvert Street
Baltimore, MD
Hours:
Mon- Fri: 9am – 7:30pm
Sat: 9am- 4pm
Closed Sundays
Tel: 410.685.7428
Monday, February 8, 2010 at 7:00AM 
Everything is illuminated with these gorgeous gems from Sumaris, as seen here on models Barbie (left) and Katie (below) and in our latest designer slideshow.
