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November 16th, 2007
So a few months back, a certain cave-dwelling terrorist released his new tape. We were curious, after all here was the (debatably) most hunted man in the world addressing us, the citizens of these United States. So we put on our most earnest demeanor and sat down to a major news network’s coverage of the lead story, and we were bewildered to find them obsessing not about his message but about the fact that he had apparently dyed that infamous beard. We switched to a couple more channels and checked the Web before coming to three stark, inescapable realizations:
Since appearance is the only one we have any control over, we’ve included some great places to help you with yours. Read on. |
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Portland Picks: |
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| 1 | Man Up Men, somewhere in the last century, we have collectively lost our edge. The old man would knock us upside the head if he knew how much time we spent in places called boutiques and salons. He would wonder what happened to the places where a guy could go, watch a good fight on the tube and hang out with his pals. Haberdashers is just the place. In addition to the two large, comfortable chairs parked right in front of the massive flat-screen showing non-stop ESPN, you will find some nice looking threads. Modern, European inspired style is the specialty at Haberdashers. With labels like Ben Sherman, Lacoste and French Connection you’ll find the right fit for your next meeting or a night at the clubs. They also specialize in top quality denim from Citizens of Humanity, Joes and more. You’ll feel like a man here. It’s a lot like one of those old-school barbershops where you can watch the game, shoot the breeze, talk a little trash and leave looking damn good. Haberdashers |
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| 2 | New Friend, Old Favorite This is exactly what we were looking for when a couple of native Portlanders in their sixties directed us to Caro Amico’s Italian restaurant. We all know the restaurants in Stumptown and their proclivity to be uber-creative, and don’t get us wrong, we love that. But man cannot live by creative chef’s vision alone. We needed “staple Italian.” A simple red sauce joint with a good atmosphere. We found it. Caro Amico’s has been around for a few generations now, and while this kind of established reputation can often cause complacency, they still seem to be firing on most cylinders. Their thin-crust pizzas are a favorite with the PSU student body and neighborhood regulars, and just about everything else was good, standard, Italian-American fare. They save the creative whimsies for their nightly specials—as it should be. Don’t get us wrong, you could find better back east, but this about as good as it gets for the Rose City. We were also glad to see a few TVs in their cozy non-smoking bar. Because sometimes you need to "go to the restroom" a lot during college bowl season. Caro Amico |
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| 3 | A New Standard Most nights it's nice to revel in the familiar, go to the usual bar and order the usual drink. It's nice for a while, but inevitably we always get that itch to explore, try something new and get out of our nightly "comfort zone." However, we've learned that getting out of that zone doesn't mean we have to be uncomfortable. Enter The Standard. This new hangout boasts a bunch of long tables to accommodate all of your buddies, as well as shuffleboard, pool and a few pinball games to round out the mix. The classic décor is largely vintage beer paraphernalia, the bar's top is made of smashed up CDs and the cracked-to-hell mirror on the back wall is, well, just cool. Did we mention spectacularly strong drinks? Yeah, they've got plenty of those too—and for cheap. The night we went it was filled with other curious customers checking the place out. We snuggled into a cozy, high-backed booth, had some generous helpings of Jager, and proceeded to be distracted by a few bar games …we were home. Though we'll surely be back real soon, we can't wait to try out the front, picnic table-laden courtyard when spring rolls around. The Standard |
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| 4 | Where Demons Fear to Tread Just 30 minutes east of Portland, you'll find Angels Rest/Devils Rest Loop, a rewarding 8-mile hike overlooking the Columbia River Gorge that will reinvigorate your natural biped instincts. This loop offers the right mix of give and take as it gains about 2600 feet, detouring most weekenders to the no-effort-needed Multnomah Falls. You'll need a bit of grit and fuel for this strenuous hike, but the vistas overlooking the Columbia are well worth a blister and some chapped lips. Angels Rest/Devils Rest |
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| 5 | Not Your Father's Office What happens when two design professionals open an office supply store? Well, for one thing, an inspired array of products that will help keep you the cutting-edge guy at work. Everything, it appears, is the perfect blend of style, form, and function. Innovative design products from the world over (as well as some great local fare) are offered alongside eye-catching vintage objects. Their selection of laptop bags can only be described as bad ass. And that's just the beginning. You'll find stationery, presentation tools, travel goods, design books and (read: awesome) desk accessories. All of it seemingly chosen to elevate even the most boring desk job—or at least the desk itself—into something somehow more interesting. If you happen to be in the design industry yourself, check out their free design education events, or the resources section on their website complete with links to all things design in Portland, and downloadable PDFs on how to create a killer portfolio. And because this is Portland, you'll also find original works by NW artists strewn about a store that can aptly be called a gallery of function. OFFICE PDX |
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| Cocktail of the Month: | |||
Yes, guys, this is a colorful drink with a floral garnish but let the taste speak for itself. After the initial hit of sweet/tart passion fruit and raspberry, the Thai chili comes in with just the right spice. This is a great winter drink—you can pretend you’re sipping it in a tropical paradise (the heat of the chili makes the Northwest weather a bit more bearable). Kickboxer 1 ½ oz House-infused thai chili vodka Combine ingredients, and served in large highball glass, over ice. Finish with ½ oz raspberry puree. Saucebox |
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| Necessities: | |||
| 1 | Buckle Down Belt shopping is hit-and-miss. The leather is perfect, but the buckle is flawed. Plus there’s the hassle of breaking one in until it looks just right. Steel Toe Studios is the answer. First, choose your hand patinaed, painted and distressed leather. Next, choose your hand-forged buckle. Even pick up a spare—these belts are designed with a snap attachment to fit interchangeably with different buckles. They make great gifts, too. Think third (leather) or sixth (iron) anniversary! |
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| 2 | Buy This for Your Girl Tired of your girl wearing knee socks and T-shirts to bed? Stop that nonsense right now—and rightfully earn the title “Best Boyfriend/Husband Ever”—with the gift of this Hanky Panky camisole. It’s sexy for you, comfy for her, and it won’t tax the budget. Top it off with a pair of wide-band boyshorts. (Trust us.) And don’t let us catch you trying this stuff on. |
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| 3 | Look at That Punim A poor shaving ritual can be the difference between looking like Clooney or a Tolkien Character. Our routine? A must to keep the blade from making actual contact with your skin is a pre-shave oil. Couple that with a moisturizing shave cream. Apply both with a quality brush (to lift the hairs). Shave during or after a shower and follow with a moisturizer. We recommend going top-shelf with this gift set by the aptly named Rituals Skin Care. They provide the most effective products with natural and organic ingredients. |
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| 4 | We Don’t Need No Stinking Frames You know your friend who goes on vacation and sends you a link to 200 digital images online? This is for that guy. Take matters into your own hands and send one of his favorite photos to Plywerk—they’ll turn his handiwork into a very cool piece of art. It’s deceptively simple—they place the photo on plywood so you can hang it on your wall—but it’s also highly graphic and really eye catching. Genius. |
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| 5 | (Grand) Father Time We love throwing old-school accessories into our wardrobe. We're not talking socks with braces or anything. More like a car boy cap or a classic tie clip. A consistent bet is a vintage watch from Girards. The best stuff came out around WWII, and most of these pieces have a natural patina and loads of character. With dozens of choices, you’re sure to find one to enhance your style. Because including a touchstone to the past in your look is, in itself, timeless. |
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| Book of the Month | |||
The (Literary) Jerk? Sometimes we want one more summer read after the sun has gone and we’re in the thick of autumn. And a great choice this month is Steve Martin’s memoir of his early days in comedy, “Born Standing Up.” Entertaining whether you’re a fan or not, the book was recently described by Jerry Seinfeld as “absolutely magnificent.” Which is big, since it’s the first phrase he’s uttered in months that didn’t include “BEE Movie.” |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Juxtaposition—Man vs. Movie Sip a Manhattan in the Hotel deLuxe while viewing a free screening of "Iraq: The Untold Stories." Filmmaker/journalist Mike Shiley will be on hand to answer questions after the film. An Old Fashioned and those swanky forties digs may help you remember a simpler time. Bonus: The first five people to RSVP and mention PPFM will receive two free cocktails. What: Movie Night at the Hotel deLuxe: “Inside Iraq” |
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| 2 | Pre-Holiday Sale at Garnish As the holidays approach, it’s time to do right by the ladies on your list. With help from the gals at Garnish, you (yes, even you) can’t go wrong buying jewelry, accessories or clothing for your sweetie, daughter or mom. Eliminate the guesswork by heading to this 20% off sale, and mention PPFM for an additional 5% off! What: Pre-Holiday Sale at Garnish |
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| 3 | Dress Up the Pad at Albea Iris Furniture Do you still rock the “first apartment” furniture? Is your wife/girlfriend a freak for shabby chic? Check out Albea Iris Furniture—they specialize in high-end contemporary pieces at factory-direct prices, and right now they’re holding an Early Clearance Sale Event. It’s a great opportunity to class up the abode. Go forth and shop. |
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| 4 | Menswear on Sale at Greenloop |
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| 5 | Wine Dinner at Vino Paradiso Sommelier and Pink Martini band member Timothy Nishimoto presents a 6-course German Wine Dinner & evening at Vino Paradiso with Ewald Moseler, Oregon's premier importer of German wines. The wines will be cleverly paired with Chef Ian Duncan's modern approach to the German menu. Should be good stuff. Cost is $70, not including gratuity. What: Wine Dinner at Vino Paradiso |
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| 7 | Say Hello to Halo 3 Do you Halo? Inflatable Kingdom is kicking off the first Halo 3 party the day after Thanksgiving. You have nothing else to do that night and slots are limited, so reserve yours now! They’ll have a mechanical bull set up, bouncy boxing, inflatable joust, pool table, air hockey, foosball and ping pong, too. |
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| 8 | Boots & Belts Sale at TAGG Need a good pair of boots this season? We’re on the lookout for some Chelseas, ourselves. Our first stop is TAGG shoes—and right now they’re holding a storewide sale—all boots and belts are 30% off, plus take 15% off all regular-priced items. TAGG has what you need, so tell them Portland Picks for Men sent you. What: 15% off everything at TAGG |
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Here's some good news: PPFM will be coming at you bi-weekly, starting Dec. 14! Look for us in your inbox on the 2nd and 4th Friday of each month. Have you told your friends about PPFM? The more who know, the more we grow. Help us spread the word by using the “Forward to a Friend” button at the top of the page. Click the button, enter your buddies’ email addresses, and voila, now you’re all in the know. |
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