On Sunday, I had the pleasure of discovering a new barber. Now, going to a new barber is a non-trivial event in a man's life. You have to break up with the old one and go to a new one. If the old place you got your haircuts at was some faceless place in the mall, you're in for a relatively guilt-free new-barber experience. Luckily, this was just the case for me. I didn't have to break up with my old barber, I used to get my hair cuts at Magic Cuts in the mall.
In New Westminster, at the corner of Columbia and Sherbrooke, I espied a sign that said "Manny's Barbershop". The sign resembled something out of Forrest Gump. Intrigued, I memorized the number and called it a few days later. Manny answered the phone and when I aske dhim how much he charged for a haircut, told me "$2.50". I couldn't believe my ears and asked him to repeat himself, thinking I might have misheard him. "$2.50", he repeated again over the bustle of shears and conversation and hung up.
I showed up a few hours later and on walking in, Manny greeted me and asked if I was the gentleman who'd called. I nodded and he pointed at the sign that said "$12.50 - Men's haircut" and told me, "See how much I charge for a haircut?". Relieved that the price was more realistic, I sat down and solved a crossword as I waited.
My turn came and I got in the chair. Manny told me that telling new callers the absurdly low price of $2.50 was a ruse he employed to keep stingy people out. The inference was clear: tip or else! He kept up a steady stream of conversation, punctuated by remarks of a very politically incorrect nature from time to time. But let's face it, the audience there was composed of bricklayers, carpenters, a tile man and a welder. Hurly-burly tradesmen who probably relished the occasional blue joke and raunchy discussion. I'm personally not easily offended at all, but I'd recommend staying away from there if you're the sensitive type.
The haircut ended, Manny brushed off the keratinous detritus. I inspected the new do from all angles and was satisfied. A job well done and at $12.50, a real steal. Manny was friendly, courteous and professional. If you're looking for a new barber in the New Westminster area, you could do worse.
