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JONATHAN MILTONThe Difference is Tampa's first men-only pamper palace geared toward clients who aren't afraid to look their best.
It was like a grand opening of an art gallery.
More than 200 people toured the different rooms as they sipped on cocktails of their choice. Hip-hop music beat softly in the background as people in designer clothes stood around a table of food featuring a fountain flowing with milk chocolate. An ice sculpture of Michelangelo's David stood 3 feet tall.
They came to attend the Oct. 8 pre-opening party of the Difference, Tampa's first all-male spa. The spa, which opened to clients on Tuesday, caters to men who care about their looks and aren't afraid to show their feminine side.
VIPs from as far as Miami came to support the new spa at 4029 Henderson Blvd. Employees led local celebrities and prominent business people - such as Bucs defensive end Simeon Rice, Bucs executive vice president Bryan Glazer, Lightning player Vincent Lecavalier and 13 Ugly Men co-founder Lee Mezrah - on tours of the treatment areas for pedicures, manicures, massages and facials.
Owner Tait Kmentt greeted guests and sought their input.
"I like the style. It's not feminine," said Robert Chabrier of Tampa. "It makes me want to come back."
Many of the women were equally impressed. Kerri Kinsora of Tampa started a list of her male friends and relatives she wanted to buy gift certificates for.
The club aims to serve "metrosexuals" - the buzz term for men who like shopping, pampering and women. Only female aestheticians work on the clients.
Steven Carde, a University of Tampa student, said his physical appearance ranks six in importance on a scale of one to 10. He looked forward to getting the spa's full body treatment.
"When you want to look good, you have to look good from your head to your toes," he said.
Diane Levesque of Tampa gushed over the black leather pedicure stations, plasma TVs and lengthy menu of services. She also liked the handsome clientele.
"It should be unisex," she said. "If they made this place unisex, they would definitely get my business."
No way, said the men.
"Women can't have everything," said Robert Vurgos of Fort Lauderdale.
- For information, call the Difference at 282-8260.