HAPPY FEET
As you may already know, the San Gabriel Valley is full of $15-20, one hour foot massage places. There are so many places that it’s hard to figure out where to go. This article covers a few spots. I’ve recently visited, two times, a place with the unfortunate name of Exotic Spa, but I was happy with the service. On my first visit, I got a 30 minute chair massage ($20) and this time I got the one hour foot massage including a 20-minute upper body massage ($20). They also do a $15/hour foot masage and foot soaking (no upper body). And finally there’s the combo of combos: a 20 minute chair massage, 30 minute foot massage, and a 10 minute foot soaking for $30, all of which they somehow fit into a one hour time span.
The place tries hard to be serene and spa-like with a big sign that reads Quiet in both English and Chinese. The huge flat screen TV played nature shows in mute. In other foot spas, the TV shows Chinese movies/TV with some volume. The multicolored Christmas lights are a little distracting but still it’s a nice peaceful environment and I felt comfy, cozy, sleepy there. The first masseuse I had was a man and he had great hands. This time was a woman whose little fingers were precise and strong, but the man was better. Too bad I didn’t get their names. I definitely will go back again. I liked how clean the place was, and I liked how they kept piling warm towels on me. Parking is easy in the back. There are two scales in there to weigh yourself, which I found funny. I ate a tootsie roll on the way out. They give you a tea as well. The crowd was more non-Asian than Asian. Tip - make an appointment and get one of their frequent visitor cards.
Exotic Spa
702 W Las Tunas Drive
San Gabriel, CA 91776
(626) 281-1730 or (626) 905-0611
While there, you might also want to eat at the delcious Luscious Dumplings or Vietnam House (7 courses of beef dinner - very good). I also pick up odds and ends at the bargain store there, which surprisingly often has what I need.
A blogger NEVER leaves home without their camera!
Comment by militant angeleno — September 22, 2008 @ 11:12 pm
But this blogger cannot even load pics up on her site bc of an old computer. Sigh.
Comment by UnHip LA — September 23, 2008 @ 4:15 am
Ahhhh, you are so right that there is a huge difference in the ambience from shop to shop. One salon I went to was playing The Price is Right. while noisy clients carried on conversations in three languages.
I also like the place on Las Tunas and always make time to go to Golden Deli while I’m in the area.
Comment by susan c — September 23, 2008 @ 11:16 pm
I’ve been to several, and Exotic definitely has the best ambience. Don’t forget the all you can drink jasmine tea.
I always combine my massage with a visit to Golden Deli for their Vietnamese egg rolls and French pressed coffee.
Comment by susan c — September 23, 2008 @ 11:35 pm
Hi Susan,
Thanks for the comment! Golden Deli is a great idea too.
Comment by UnHip LA — September 24, 2008 @ 2:39 am
Sorry my comments came through multiple times. I kept getting messages that I hadn’t entered the verification numbers correctly and kept retrying!
Comment by susan c — September 24, 2008 @ 1:43 pm
No problem, Susan. I appreciate your efforts!
Comment by UnHip LA — September 25, 2008 @ 1:35 am