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March 30th, 2008
We are once again in the midst of playoff basketball, and though we're not fans of any of the remaining teams (we mean you, Spurs), we are not completely indifferent to the outcome. Who can't get behind a Lakers-Celtics championship series? One of the best parts of the mid-1980s was watching those two juggernauts face off. In fact, the last time they met was 1987, and the playoffs might have been the best part of that year, as it was a year full of the following cultural abortions/signs of the apocalypse: Fatal Attraction ruined the prospect of adultery for many men (and also explains why a movie with a baby and three men might have done so well), Tom Cruise took his first shot at marrying a woman, and Hilary Duff was shat upon the Earth. On second thought…Go Pistons! |
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Portland Picks for Men: |
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| 1 | Where's the Beef? We feel that red meat has been getting a (pardon the pun) raw deal. Sure, in excess it can be bad for your health and has a lot fat but there's something else it has high amount of flavor. That's why, on the occasions we allow ourselves to indulge, we do so at Ringside Steakhouse. We could talk at length about Ringside's nice dimly lit brick dining room, or its tuxedoed service. We could dazzle you with its numerous and delicious starters, sides, seafood and desserts, but we'd rather get to what is most important: the meat. The steaks, which are made from top-grade, corn-fed beef, are not only world-class (and they have numerous awards to prove it), they are big. The filet mignon, fittingly the baby of their house specials, is 18 ounces, and the big daddy is the 24-ounce Porterhouse. If, however, you're not in the mood for beef, we suggest the roasted rack of lamb or the pork loin chop. So indulge the carnivore inside you and head to the hands-down best steakhouse in Stumptown. Trust us, your stomach will thank you. Ringside Steakhouse2165 W. Burnside St. Portland, OR 97210 503.223.1513 www.ringsidesteakhouse.com |
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| 2 | Knick Knack Paddy Whack Knick knacks, objects, keepsakes. No matter what you call them, having items in the various rooms of your home and office is important in creating a sense of familiar comfort for you to enjoy. After all, when one periodically redecorates to keep up with changing trends and motifs, it is these items that give a sense of continuity throughout the years. Small touches also help to give guests a sense of your own personal style. Shortly upon entering Canoe, you realize you've found a place to find such pieces. The concept is simple: Offer a curated collection of simple, beautiful, and functional objects that can be used and enjoyed for a lifetime. They offer distinctive products with a lasting aesthetic that transcends short-lived trends. From cedar sake cup sets to Tavoli desktop radios to beautiful walnut magazine tables that can be turned to double as laptop stands, anything you walk out of here with will be with you forever and coveted by all. It is no surprise that we've featured a few in the Mandatory Gear section of this publication. Stop in, and tell them PPFM sent you. Canoe |
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| 3 | Mix It Up A Little News flash, fellas: the chicks aren't down with your hole-in-the-wall tavern and its shoddy liquor selection. So the next time you ask a girl out on a date, take her somewhere cozy, intimate, and well stocked with booze. We recommend Bartini. It offers the ideal atmosphere for kicking the evening off. They've got a ten-page menu of mixed drinks prepared with gins, vodkas, tequilas, and bourbons, just to name a few. The sheer volume guarantees that even the most devout beer drinker is destined to find something he can enjoy. Plus, tasty dishes like grilled goat-cheese polenta cakes topped with local forest mushrooms, and salt-and-pepper seared Ahi tuna with cucumber noodles will have her eating out of the palm of your hand—literally! Get there early to snag the comfy purple couches or the outside seating, and take full advantage of the happy hour pricing (drinks are half off during happy hour). Just don't order anything more colorful than what the lady's having. We have to maintain some sense of dignity here, alright? Bartini |
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Mandatory Gear: |
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The Importance of Sending the Right Message We have a bit of a cufflink addiction. There's the compulsion to find a pair to match every shirt/tie/suit combo in our wardrobe. Then we are further sucked in with the prospect of having a pair for every occasion (we even have some that hold pills for our wedding day). Well, someone has strategically put these two scrabble tiles together, making for the perfect links to wear to an exit interview, or better yet … a tax audit. |
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| 2 | Fire in the Hole Ever been at the office and had to drop a deuce? How about at a date's house on the night you might get lucky? Which one is worse? Or how about when you've had a falafel lunch and an Indian dinner and there is an eminent reckoning? Enter Just a Drop. A discreet little bottle filled with a powerful plant extract, this product will eliminate 98% of personal odors with just a drop in the bowl before the deed is done. Like it never happened. |
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| 3 | Combat Fatigue By now, you all know the importance of a daily SPF. Without it, you are doomed to look like Robert Redford. It's either that or get a dozen facelifts like Michael Douglas whose face, at this point, looks like dried iguana pelt stretched over a rock. "What about the damage that I've already done," you ask? Our pick is the Anti-Wrinkle Cream by Kiehl's. Formulated especially for men, this stuff actually works (and feels great too). |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Summer Sale—Just for Youse Guys We regard polos as a summer staple, but want something a bit more interesting than a little man on a horse. So head to Eclectic Clothing for more interesting fare. They also have great messenger bags, and if you're anything like us, you get your winter duds on the cheap in May. Mention PPFM for 20% off. What: Eclectic clothing sale for PPFM readers |
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| 2 | Run for a Cause! Nike 5K for Kids It’s time for the Nike 5K for Kids. Do the 5K course or the “Let Me Play” one-mile route, and 100% of the entry fee will be donated to Greater Portland-area schools’ physical education, play and athletic programs. You choose the school. Register online at www.nike5kforkids.com by May 30 or in person at NIKETOWN until June 6. What: Nike 5K for Kids |
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| 3 | Just in Time for Father's Day Grill-loving dads can submit their favorite grill recipe for a chance to win a Weber Grill, and have their recipe featured at the McCormick's Fish House through Father's Day. Fill out entry forms at any of the Portland-area McCormick & Schmick's restaurants or Joe's stores, or go online to enter the "King of the Grill" competition. What: McCormick & Schmick's Grill Off |
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| 4 | Derby 3.0 It'll be hard to top North 45's Kentucky Derby Party, but since Big Brown is in contention to be the first Triple Crown winner in thirty years, they felt they would be remiss in not throwing a Belmont Stakes bash. The party will start at noon on their excellent patio and they'll have drink specials on (what else?) Crown Royal. What: Triple Crown Party at North45 |
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| 5 | Benefit for Burma Get down to The Monkey and the Rat on Saturday night for a glimpse of Burmese culture. There will be dancers, an art exhibit and sale, and of course, food and drink. The best part is that any donation you make at the door ($5 suggested) will go to provide direct aid to the victims of the cyclone. What: Benefit for Burma |
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