Hooray for Hollywood

Recently we were cleared by "the warden" to indulge in cigars down basement-way. And while she can deal with the smell, she prefers we don't retain "musk de tobacco." Conveniently she also loves classic duds, and we found Hollywood Vintage while searching for an old-school smoking jacket.
 
The space was larger than we could have anticipated from the outside, and it was wall to wall with men's stuff we would like to purchase (or at the very least look at). Beyond the extensive array of vintage jackets, shirts, and trousers, we were delighted to find all manner of arbitrarily selected vintage items. From Stumptown's best selection of vintage eyewear and cookoo Rat Pack-era ice buckets to bookends with style and 30-year-old Playboys, the store demands you look at everything, whether you are apt to buy or not.
 
Like a kid in a toy store we wanted to take home considerably more than we had intended. And we think that mimicking a Toys-R-Us experience from when you were ten years old is the sign of a great shop.
 
Hollywood Vintage
2800 NE Sandy Blvd.
Portland, OR 97232
503.233.1890

Forget 420, it's 820
 
Men tend to be creatures of habit. This is because when we find something we like, we don't want to take a chance on anything sub par. For this reason we drink the same drinks over and over again.  Don't get us wrong, we love a great brew, a nice single-malt or a dry martini, but sometimes we gotta change things up! Luckily, we have the solution: 820.
 
820 boasts one of the best and most extensive house cocktail menus we have encountered. Each of the 41 unique, delicious concoctions is the creation of Lucy Brennan, who literally wrote the book on drink-making (see future PPFM for more info on that). Some of our favorites include the Irish Stout Sangria (Irish stout with Ruby Port), and the oddly delicious Avocado Daiquiri. 
 
If you still don't want to get off your ass and head to 820, we have one word for you: women. We don't know about you, but the majority of women we prefer do not wanna chug beers or down shots; they want a classy, tasty, mixed drink. Take your next date here and you're sure to earn points.
 
820
816 N. Russell St.
Portland, OR 97227
503.284.5528
www.mintand820.com

That's a Spicy Meatball
 
When you find yourself cruising around town looking for a great meatball sandwich, you need venture no further, oh meat lover, than an inconspicuous food cart at the intersections of SE 13th and SE Lexington in the Sellwood neighborhood. Garden State hails all the way from New Jersey, and we firmly believe it’s the best thing ever to come from that state.
 
The meatball hero ($5), made with mozzarella and Highland Oak Farm beef, is but one of several sandwiches that will draw you from all parts Portland for a taste of Jersey. We also got our fill not too long ago of the Sicilian fried snacks known as Sicilian Frittelles ($5). Damn, they were good! The food here is targeted toward local, organic and seasonal ingredients, and we think that makes all the difference.

Hang on a summer day and have a meatball hero at the picnic table adjacent to the cart. You can take the food to go if you want, but what's the point? It's street food—so eat it standing while talking to owner Kevin Sandri. Now that's Italian!
 
Garden State
SE 13th and SE Lexington
Sellwood
503.705.5273

Courtesy of Cathie's Lingerie
www.cathiesportland.com

Spin, Spun … Span?
 
First it was 8-tracks, then cassettes. After that, most moved into the digital age and CDs. In the new millennium, many threw away their CDs and moved on to MP3s or whatever it is that makes iPods work. However, some of us held on to the original and best-sounding medium: records.
 
Now, not only can we have the best-sounding recordings, we can be modern too with these hip turntables. (And we won't be throwing ours away anytime soon.)
 
www.sumikoaudio.net

The Short List

You've got lots of shorts companies to choose from for your summer wear, provided we ever see temperatures above 60 degrees again. To celebrate that day, consider these moisture-managing Omni-Dry Silver Ridge Cargo Shorts from local clothing outfitter Columbia Sportswear.

These offer great UPF protection via durable fabric. You can pack a bunch of gear into the pockets or pack the shorts themselves into a built-in compartment for easier traveling. Just don't wear 'em to a golf tournament.

www.Columbia.com

Original Gangsters

Here's an offer you definitely can't refuse: Four of the best gangster films in recent memory together in one nine-disc DVD collection. Gangsters: The Ultimate Film Collection brings together American Gangster, Scarface, Casino and Carlito's Way for your guilty viewing pleasures.
 
Included with Gangsters is the national booklet from the extended American Gangster DVD release. We think this is a package that Tony would be happy to let you have.
 
www.Amazon.com

Ultimate Open House™

Ultimate Open House™ is back! Walk through nearly 100 new condos, townhomes and custom-designed homes crafted by the area's top builders—38 of them showcasing green building practices. If you’re not in the market to buy a new home, it’s still a great way to pick up ideas about the latest trends in décor, home appliances and creative uses of space. Click here for their map so you can get started on your own tour!

What: Ultimate Open House
When: April 25-27
Admission: Free!
Visit: www.ultimateopenhouse.net

Hooray for Oregon

The 40 artisan producers selected for the 2008 Portland Indie Wine Festival represent the heart and soul of Oregon’s world-class wine industry. Experience them at the Grand Tasting, where the actual producers will pour them for you. (Sweet.) Nibble on small plates, take home a commemorative tasting glass, and purchase the 2006 vintages not found in stores.

What: Indie Wine Festival Grand Tasting
When: Saturday and Sunday, May 3 and 4, 3–6 pm
Where: Held between Urban Wineworks and Chown Garage, at NW 16th & 17th between NW Flanders and Everett
Tickets: $60 per day or $100 for two days
Visit: www.indiewinefestival.com

Wear Your Derby Duds
 
North 45 is great at transporting you—making you forget you're in rainy ol' Portland. In keeping, there will be no better place to watch the big race next Saturday. They'll be serving mint juleps (done right) all afternoon on the patio, and giving away a prize for best-dressed attendee.
 
What: Kentucky Derby Party at North 45 Pub
When: Saturday, May 3, noon–3 pm
Where: 517 NW 21st Ave.
Call: 503.248.6317
Visit: www.north45pub.com

Improve Your Smile

Rejuvenate yourself for spring—and we don't just mean with new golf clubs. It's time to do something you've always wanted—update your grill. And right now DaCosta Dental is offering smile-makeover specials at $500 off, as well as specials on Invisalign. Flash those pearly whites at business meetings, at happy hour, at your high-school reunion…

What: Spring specials at DaCosta Dental
When: Happening now
Where: 11995 SW Pacific Highway, Tigard
Call: 503.639.6900
Visit: www.dacostadental.com