It’s not often I go out on a Monday; I was actually dreading it. Monday’s typically the day of the week when I can’t wait to get home and relax. My body needs to recuperate from my busy weekend, and the last thing I think about is a drink. However, when a friend told me about a neat little café in downtown New Haven, I had to check it out for myself. I invited three of my closest girlfriends and we were off to Caffe Bottega (910 Chapel Street; 624-6200).

It struck me as odd when I walked into a room full of women, but it didn’t take long to get used to it. Men are welcome (and some showed up later in the evening) but part of the reason for this night — manicures and massages — may not be their cup of latte.
Instantaneously, I wanted to be part of the groups of women laughing, conversing and enjoying both appetizing and relaxing treats. I was informed that the group has a name — the 4M Club. Caffe Bottega hosts entertainment every night of the week, and Monday nights it offers a manicure or massage, a martini and a movie for $20, $35 for both a manicure and a massage (6-11 p.m.).

So I ordered a Root Beer Float Martini, requested a ticket for a manicure and a massage, and sat back in my chair. I took my pick at a table for four, even though the comfy-looking couches and plush seat cushion chairs were alluring. Outside seating is also available, but I wanted to be inside with all the action.

After chatting with the girls — and trying out the various, fun martinis — we were summoned for our manicures. The nail pampering lasted about a Raspberry Lemonade Martini (each of my additional martinis were $9), and from there we were back at our table, avoiding the temptation to order something from the extensive menu filled with Italian delights.

As the lights dimmed further, the feature movie, “Pretty Woman” began. I was hoping that it wouldn’t turn into a quiet movie-theater type scenario, and thankfully, it didn’t. Some women continued their conversations as others laughed at Julia Roberts’ crazy wig, all the while savoring their drinks and snacks.

The massage was the finale for me. Although I find it a bit awkward to have a stranger kneading my back, the extra $15 was well worth it for my 15 minutes of total relaxation. Dwight C. Johnson, the co-founder and director of Creative Body Therapies Massage and Yoga Center in New Haven was the sole masseur on the premises and continued to work well after 10 p.m.

Just opened in January, according to my manicurist, this corner-windowed coffee bar makes for a great night out and an inviting, cozy atmosphere. A manicure, a massage and three martinis later, I couldn’t get enough of this ingenious establishment. It’s a Monday night event that I could definitely get used to.