Spring into Action

Spring has just about sprung and the warmer weather means one thing: the fairer sex will be wearing far fewer clothes. If you want to catch a lovely lady's eye, you'll want to do some spring cleaning on yourself—a haircut, a shave, some fancy duds. Fortunately, you can get all of that done at Este's.

Este's offers a lot more than just fine clothing. With two therapeutic massage chairs parked in front of a massive flat screen, custom made-to-measure suits and shirts, and complimentary drinks, plus Antonio's full service barbershop, complete with straight-razor shave, Este's offers an entire experience. Think “a day at the spa,” but for a dude. They feature finer labels like St. Croix, Barbour, and Peter Milar, but be sure to check out the quality items from their namesake label as well.

You can kick back with a single malt, watch the game, then leave looking sharper than Antonio's razor. They'll have you set up with everything you need but your opening line. You're on your own with that one, man.

Sometimes it's Good to be Jaded
 
We have a love/hate relationship with dive bars. We love the non-pretentious attitude, the fact that they’re not lit up like a freakin' grocery store, and most of all, the cheap food and drinks. On the other hand, we hate that dives are dirty, smoky, loud and often cater to a less than reputable clientele.
 
The Jade Lounge has all the qualities we love in a dive: it's cozy, has dim, tranquil lighting and definitely lacks the "hipper than thou" vibe. Moreover, it's affordable, offering $4 wells all day, $1 PBRs on Sundays and $2 appetizers on Tuesdays and Thursdays. At the same time, the Jade Lounge serves good, classy drinks including house made Lemoncello and one of the best Manhattans in town. The menu offers great Asian dishes (both vegetarian and meat) made with local, organic produce.
 
When you look around the non-smoking space, there's not a dubious person in sight, and while they have live DJs on most nights, it’s quiet enough to hold a conversation without screaming. On second thought, this may not be a dive bar at all…
 
The Jade Lounge
2342 SE Ankeny St.
Portland, OR 97214
503.236.4998
www.jadeloungepdx.com

When Working Out is Play
 
Have you ever seen the guy-to-girl ratio at yoga studios?  What if we told you there was an easy and affordable way to make like Sting and become a yogini without having to go through the whole painful learning process in front of a room full of hot women? 
 
Enter Recess. They take the time to figure out where you’re at with regard to your fitness, flexibility, and health goals, and implement a dynamic and personalized workout regimen to fit your needs. All of this with instructors that are experienced and genuinely fun.
 
What they lack is the weird gimmicks and equipment, and those slightly crazy trainers who leave you wondering how you're going to "break up with them."  They’ve worked with everyone from athletes to CEOs, and you’ll definitely see results—improved strength and flexibility for biking, running, surfing or snowboarding. Surprisingly affordable, they will actually come to you—at work or at home. Mention PPFM and get either 10% off of an individual package or get a free group session at your workplace.

Recess
1.866.578.7118
Make a request online
www.recesswellness.com

Darwin Would be Proud
 
Of the few local industries Portland boasts, they're among the best. Nike is the king of shoes. Need a multi-purpose tool? Try Leatherman.  And when it comes to the ultimate test of summertime manhood, one only need look to Evo.
 
The aptly named Evo is the evolution of outdoor grilling. The unique round design transforms the grill into a gathering spot. The technological reasons why these grills are king are too extensive to list, but do yourself a favor and check 'em out.
 
www.evoamerica.com

Time to do Our Part
 
Another reason we love our hometown companies is that they have a social conscience. Take EPMartin. The Portland watchmaker was founded by former Nike designers, and produces some of the best athletic luxury watches around.
 
Runner Charlie Engle recently wore their Sahara Expedition Chronograph during his 111-day run through the Sahara in support of H2O Africa—a charity helping Africans gain access to clean water. Buy one of 111 limited edition "Running the Sahara" watches and they'll donate $500 to H2O Africa.
 
www.epmartinusa.com

Put a Lid on It
 
Do you remember Chi Chi Rodriguez and those fantastic straw hats he used to wear on the golf course? He always won the style contest (which wasn't super hard to do on a 1980s golf course).
 
Well, those lids are making a comeback, which is great because nothing ventilates like straw. And whether you're out on the golf course or just BBQ-ing in the backyard this summer, these actually provide a little shade for your face and neck.
 
www.johnhelmer.com

Do your nails look like the dry, harsh winter weather chewed them up and spit 'em out? Give your hands a break and get them cleaned up. We recommend the Royal Hand Treatment at HairM. Not only do you get a relaxing hand and arm massage but after they clean up those dry, brittle nail beds they'll give them a dip in paraffin wax to finish 'em off. Trust us, it's not girly to have nice-looking hands. Book this month and save $10!
 
HairM
Portland & Beaverton
503.226.6066
www.hairMgrooming.com

Beer Master Dinner with Full Sail Brewery

Join McCormick & Schmick's Harborside at the Marina and Full Sail Brewery for an evening of delicious dishes paired with local brews. The five-course meal will include a cheese plate, a play on surf and turf (seared scallops and steak tartare), duck breast with asparagus and fingerling potatoes, as well as salad and dessert. Each course will be paired with a Full Sail beer.
 
What: Beer Master Dinner at McCormick & Schmick's Harborside
When: Thursday, April 24, 6 pm
Where: 0309 SW Montgomery
RSVP: 503.220.1865
Cost: $45 per person, gratuity not included
Visit: www.mccormickandschmicks.com

Columbia Store Opens Today

No doubt about it—Columbia has great clothes for Northwest weather. Great gear, too, and today’s the grand opening of their downtown store, so we recommend you hit it up and load up on new spring styles. Comfort and wearability = the building blocks of a solid wardrobe.

What: Columbia Store opens today
When: April 11
Where: 911 SW Broadway
Call: 503.226.6800
Visit: www.columbia.com

Get in Touch with Your Grapes

McMenamins Edgefield resort and winery will host winemakers and distributors from the Pacific Northwest, Australia, France and beyond to showcase their best Syrahs throughout the weekend. The event kicks off tonight with a reception and dinner hosted by seven Northwest winemakers. This is a great excuse to get a hotel room. Must be over 21.

What: Seventh Annual Celebration of Syrah
When: Friday and Saturday, April 11 and 12
Where: McMenamins Edgefield
Tickets: Pricing varies by event
RSVP: 503.669.8610
Visit: www.celebrationofsyrah.com and www.mcmenamins.com