June 8, 2007

Southern Comfort

Julep Nail Salon

You laughed (at the tickly pumice). You cried (when clumsy nicked your cuticle). You hurled obscenities (when everything chipped in less than 24 hours).

Add a Southern accent, and your last mani-pedi could have been a scene from Steel Magnolias. (Minus the gooey female bonding and Dolly Parton’s rack.)

Time for a more genteel experience. Like the one you’ll find at Julep, a cozy new nail salon in the U District. (Of all places.)

The spacious spot has a flickering fireplace, warm wood accents, and modern decor. But it’s the extras that seal the deal: hospital-grade sterilizing equipment, paraben-free lotions, and reflexology with every treatment.

Owner Jane Park wants Julep to be a gathering place (shocker: she’s a former Starbucks exec). So she custom-designed rearrangeable furniture (making groups and bridal parties a snap) and commissioned nontoxic polishes (which means no nasty smells).

Thank you, ma’am, you’ll have another.

Julep, 5001 25th Avenue Northeast, across from University Village (206-985-6644 or myjulep.com).