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Fine Tea Plus a Treat for Your Feet

Patrons of Portland, Maine-based Soakology can enjoy a gourmet lunch followed by a foot massage, leaving them blissfully relaxed.

By Fred Minnick

Tuesday, July 01, 2008

Have you ever wished you could eat a gourmet lunch with exquisite teas and then have somebody thoroughly massage every single inch of your sore, tired feet?

What kind of question is that, you ask; everybody would love to have the knots worked out of the arch after enjoying a premium meal, but that's just wishful thinking.

Until a recent trip to Portland, Maine, I never thought such a fantasy could come true. But there is such a place, giving everybody who enters an experience of true bliss and when they leave, their feet feel like they're walking on air.

This heavenly place is called Soakology, and it is reason enough to travel to this lovely New England town. Employing highly trained massage therapists in reflexology techniques, Soakology boosts the human spirit by providing treats and making your feet feel like a million bucks.

Deliciousness on a plate and in a cup
The Soakology adventure begins with 70 teas from all over the world and fine foods that could bring about world peace if everybody just had a chance to enjoy them.

Chef Angela Franklin, a young, up-and-coming chef, fuses Mediterranean and Asian tastes with Maine's traditional fare. I recommend starting with a nice soup. I enjoyed the Salmon Brandy Bisque and Roasted Red Pepper Gouda—both zinged with tangier flavor than expected and left me wanting more. I followed with cheese.

Presented in a bento box, the Tuscan Cheese and Fruit Plate covers the foodie basis: an assortment of fine cheese, seasonal fruit, fruit spread, dark chocolate—so sweet and creamy it's a chill sender—and a baguette with dipping oil.

And the prize of this dining experience was the savory pita pizza of the day, which instead of tomato paste it was slathered in tamarind and topped with feta cheese, olives and pine nuts. I admit, this slice of pizza may not be for you, but if you're an olive lover or like bitter tastes, this dish is a dream come true.

As for the teas, not many teahouses have this kind of rare or organic tea selection. I had the Ginger Cranberry and it paired nicely with everything, especially the pita pizza. Did I mention that was good?

Foot Soak & Rub: Oh My!
With more than 30 foot soaks available, Soakology makes it difficult to choose a nourishing treatment. I selected Herbal Healing, which smells like fresh-picked daisies and softens the foot for your skilled therapist.

In the Foot Sanctuary, you sit in a giant, cushy chair as soothing music plays and your feet rest in a giant bowl filled with hot soak. One foot at a time, the therapist props your feet on a table and slowly rubs oil.

You can choose a regular foot rub or full massage, but you're money is best spent with reflexology. Reflexology is massaging and squeezing the feet—or sometimes the hands and ears—with the goal of encouraging a beneficial effect elsewhere on the body. Although many in the medical community combat its benefits, this technique worked for me.

With pinpoint accuracy, my therapist was rubbing out a large hunk of nastiness just below my big toe, when suddenly a constant stomachache went away. Turns out, she was hitting my "stomach point." She proceeded to dig out unwanted knots and bumps like a meat tenderizer.

While I think there is merit to reflexology healing the body, I am by no means saying it's time to replace the doctor. But reflexology—at least what I experienced—not only made my feet feel great, it made my whole body feel good.

But I chalk up a lot of this positive experience to Soakology and not necessarily the ancient form of massaging.

Indeed, Soakology is a special experience. Great tea. Premium food. Non-stop foot rubbing. Talk about heaven.

Visit Soakology.com for more information.

View photos of Portland, Maine.

–Fred Minnick is a professional writer & photographer based in Louisville, Ky. View his work at FredWrite.com.

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