Stake Your Claim

Perhaps the only irony circling the new-ish Landmark Saloon is that you could miss it walking by. But once you get a sampling of its super indoor vibe or its generous outdoor seating area, you’ll be marking its place in your memory.

This saloon may not have a post to tie your ride to, but it’s got everything else a tired cowpoke might want (okay—ouch). Check out the neat fainting couch between what may be the cleanest restrooms in SE. Size up an impressive assortment of whiskeys, drafts, and canned beer. Cocktails include the zombie-rific Corpse Reviver and our favorite, the Honey Old Fashioned, one of the best we’ve imbibed this side of Madison Avenue. The victuals menu isn’t bad either—we recommend the artichoke dip with chips, a tasty grilled panini sandwich, or a haystack (think nachos with chili and fixins’).

Beyond the gate sits a delightful patio area, with posted smoking and non-smoking sections for breathers of either formulation of air. And we couldn’t get our hands off of the Landmark’s back-corner bags (for a game of Cornhole, Beanbags, Bag-Toss, or whatevs-ya-call-it).

Landmark Saloon
4847 SE Division St.
Portland, OR 97215
503.894.8132

Smoke Signals

Around this time of year, all it takes is a clear, sunny day and the sweet smell of smoked meat in the air to lift us off our feet like a Looney Tunes character, and draw us to the nearest roadside barbecue cart.

If you live or work in the Pearl, however, you’ve probably found that the true down, dirty and delicious barbecue spots have been squeezed out by the more upscale dining destinations that call this neighborhood home—until now, that is. Enter Irving St. Kitchen, which recently moved into the expansive space that used to house the ill-fated Bay 13. By night, Irving St. serves up Southern-inspired New American fare; but by day, it’s nothing short of hog heaven.

On weekdays from 11:30–2 p.m., chef Sarah Schafer cranks up the smoker and opens the patio, cooking up tender and flavorful St. Louis-style ribs ($7), succulent and spicy pulled-pork sandwiches ($6) and spectacular house-made chicken or pastrami sausages ($6) along with a variety of sides ($2–3). Great barbecue in the Pearl? Now that’s something we can all get fired up about.

Irving St. Kitchen
701 NW 13th Ave.
Portland, OR 97209
503.343.9440
www.irvingstreetkitchen.com

Go to the Guru

He’s been called the “Denim Guru of Portland,” and unless you’ve been living under a rock the last few years, you’ve heard someone talking about that pair of jeans from Blake that changed their lives. So yeah, he shut down his shop on 23rd—but he’s reopened in a huge new place, packed full of denim from around the world, in styles that flatter the man-mountains we are.

The space is decked out with vintage furniture, and for some reason, there’s a way under-calibrated scale near the dressing rooms. (Our partners will feel much better about waiting for us knowing they weigh only 62 pounds!) And btw: all the furniture is provided by Aurora Vintage, and is for sale if you see something you can’t live without. Antique wood bleachers from the University of Oregon support the brand new fall lines from Engineered Garments, Cheap Monday, and Obey, among many others.

Superfly Distilling’s Potato Vodka

Superfly is one of the new kids on the Oregon distillery scene, and they’re dedicated to the tradition of potato vodka. Besides love, there’s almost 10 pounds of Russet potatoes packed into each bottle, and everything is done by hand. The result is an exceptionally clean vodka that pairs well with any smoked fish. We reached the ninth cloud by sipping a neat shot—fresh from the freezer—with smoked salmon on unsalted crackers. Get some.

www.superflybooze.com

On the Rocks—Literally

Imagine sitting at home after a long day at the office, when the light bulb goes off. It’s a perfect time to break into that bottle of whiskey. The phone rings while you’re pouring the spirit, and frustration sets in when you return to a two-layered glass—water on top and whiskey on bottom.

Teraforma’s Whiskey Lover Set makes this a thing of the past. Using natural soapstone (no ice!), the beverage chills yet maintains its flavor as it slowly returns to room temperature. (Available at Tilde, btw.)

Whiskey Lover Set

A Giant Leap for Mankind

If Han Solo was herding TIE fighters into the sun, these are the shades (in black, of course) that would get the job done. When rocking these jet-set-meets-RoboCop specs, it might look like you’re watching your own 3D movie… and your suggestive smile will make them wonder what the flick’s all about.

Nooka’s Mercury shades come in six colors, so you’ll have your eyewear covered when space suits become fall’s next big thing.

Mercury Shades

I’ll Take Surprises for 400, Alex

This item is bomb-proof, futuristic, hand-crafted, made from stainless steel, and has a rubber band on the front that can be used as a money/card clip. No—it’s not our partner’s overhauled little black book; it’s a Portland-made protective case for Apple’s most recent iPhone 4.

The case is thoughtfully designed, and gives us easy access to all of the necessary outlets while providing serious protection. Good design and functionality? Time for Double Jeopardy. (Available at REDUX, btw.)

iPhone Case

Free Week of Kettlebell Boot Camp

The first time we worked out with kettlebells, we felt all the muscles that get missed while using boring old weights absolutely singing the next day. Fulcrum Fitness offers a 4-week kettlebell boot camp that will work those deep, hard-to-reach core stabilizers, as well as everything else. By the end of the four weeks, you’ll feel like you could use walls instead of doors. Mention PPFM for your free trial week to give it a shot—starting Aug. 30!

What: Fulcrum Fitness’ Kettlebell Boot Camp 
Where: 3934 NE MLK (1 block N of Shaver)
When: Sept. 8–Oct. 1, 6:30 am, M/W/F; free week starts Aug. 30
Call: 503.960.2271

Cost: $150—use discount code PFFM for $25 off!
Visit: www.fulcrumfitness.com/kettlebell

Bikes for Breakfast

Cycling is more than a philosophy here in the Rose City; for a lot of us, it’s how we get around. By donating our gently used bicycles and bike parts, we help someone in need of a roadworthy bike and also have free breakfast on Bob’s Red Mill! Go through your garage and come on down!

What: Bob’s Red Mill Bike Drive
When: Saturday, Aug. 28, 9 am–1 pm
Where: 5000 SE International Way, Milwaukie
Call: 503.607.6455
Visit: www.bobsredmill.com

Get Hip This Weekend

Hip Furniture is having a sale with 20–70% off their warehouse stock! This is a four-leaf clover kind of sale, so we’re bringing our friends and a truck. Or they can deliver if we had a big gym day. Bonus—score 10% off a regularly priced item with the purchase of a sale item.

What: Huge Warehouse Sale at Hip Furniture
When: Friday–Sunday
Where: 1829 NW 25th Ave.
Call: 503.225.5017
Visit: www.ubhip.com

This Only Happens Once a Year!

Salty’s on the Columbia welcomes top Oregon Pinot Noir producers for the Panoramic Pinot Noir Celebration. It’s a remarkable opportunity to taste Oregon’s pinots, meet the producers, and get huge discounts on bottles. You’ll also enjoy hors d’oeuvres like Grilled Scallops with Garlic Tart & Crispy Prosciutto, Gruyere & Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms, and more. Tasty.

What: Panoramic Pinot Noir Celebration
When: Thursday, Sept. 9, 6 pm
Where: Salty’s on the Columbia
Cost: $29
Visit: www.saltys.com/portland

Get Down & Dirty at Blues, Brews & BBQ

Getting our hands dirty while taking in local blues? Hello, Blues, Brews & BBQ at the Oregon State Fair, where 35 professional barbecue teams will be vying for gustatory triumph. Guaranteed to blow your mind. You’ll need to wash it all down with a beer, and six amazing Oregon microbreweries will be there to help you out.  

What: Blues, Brews & BBQ
When: Aug. 27, 28 & 29, 5–10:30 pm
Where: The Spirit of Oregon stage & the Picnic Grove
Visit: www.oregonstatefair.org