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July 4th, 2008
Happy Independence Day. We know most of you will probably be reading this on Monday cause you're out of town. But for the rest of you, that means one of two things; you're incredibly savvy to avoid the crowds at (insert generic 3-day weekend destination here), or you are one of many Americans that would rather spend your money on kick ass clothes and great meals/beer than take some half-assed road trip. We believe they're calling them "stay-cations." A clever euphemism to describe the horrible plight of too-high gas prices causing folks to stay at home and bbq. Just think though, with food prices on the rise, at least we have one more year left to bbq when we "stay-cation." |
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Portland Picks for Men: |
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| 1 | Hats Off Headwear is perhaps that most functional clothing accessory a man can have; it protects us from the sun on summer days, keeps us warm on cold days and (for some of us) cleverly disguises our ever-receding hairlines. At John Helmer Haberdasher, the headgear is not only practical, it’s extremely stylish. John Helmer has a wide variety of hat choices. If you’re looking for a classic Irish pub cap or stylish Kangol driving cap you’ll find a bevy of great styles. For those of us who are hell bent for leather, nothing beats a smooth calfskin Pork Pie. And to protect yourself from the sun but still look fresh, we suggest a hand-woven straw Panama. However, if you really want to look good (and we mean Sinatra/Bogart good) your only choice is a felt hat, and these are Helmer’s forte. Our favorites are the thirties gangster-style beaver fur Pinnacle, the sleek wool Zoot, and the Clockwork Orange-esque fur felt derby. Do yourself a favor, toss the old college baseball cap in the garbage. Then head to John Helmer and cover your dome in style. John Helmer Haberdasher |
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| 2 | Arrrr, Me Tastys When they’re not attacking shipping vessels or running each other through with cutlasses, pirates are actually damn good cooks. If you don’t believe us, check out Salvador Molly’s, which touts its global mishmash cuisine as pirate cookin’ fit enough to jolly up any Roger. The combinations are unusual but delicious, mixing up cuisines from Ethiopia, Thailand, New Orleans and Jamaica, to name just a few, and all on the same plate. Indian baigan choka is served with African Injera bread, a spongy sourdough that’s perfect for sopping up the spicy dip. Mexican chile rellenos share the same dish as citrusy Hawaiian coleslaw and coconut rice. And Chinese ginger peanut chicken teriyaki snuggles up comfortably with southern-style sweet potatoes. Best of all, whoever’s in the kitchen isn’t letting their eye patch get in the way. The food is fresh and filled with all sorts of divergent flavors that somehow taste great together. And with a menu as deep as Davy Jones’ locker, you’re guaranteed to find a dish that’ll put the swagger back in your peg-leg step. Salvador Molly’s |
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| 3 | Here's To Your Health It seems like every day we here more about the benefits of organic products on physical well being. So, when we feel the need to get a healthy buzz on, we head down to Roots Organic Brewing Company. Roots has many fine organic beers on tap including the traditional German style Lager Roots SUDs, bitter Barley Jules, and Belgian Golden Ale (which has a surprisingly tasty hint of banana and bubblegum). Seasonal ales are offered as well; this summer's is Gruit Kolsch, a spicy, fruity and refreshing unhopped ale. Roots also boosts a wholesome yet tasty menu with such offerings as deli fresh sandwiches (our favorite being the Turkey with Muenster and sprouts on foccaccia), pizzas with organic veggies, vegan burgers and veggie wraps. However, if you want the ultimate salubrious and delicious meal we suggest the Roots Chef salad with avocado, turkey, tomatoes and organic mixed vegetables and dressing. And, since good health begins at home, we recommend picking up a keg on your way out so you can enjoy a nice organic beer anytime. Cheers! Roots Organic Brewing Company |
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| Gratuitous Photo of the Week: | |||
Photo courtesy of Jane’s Vanity |
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Mandatory Gear: |
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| 1 | Let 'er Go If there is one thing we've always wanted and needed, it’s a personal assistant. Now maybe, just maybe, our lives don't warrant full-time help. And our wallets certainly couldn't render it, but with the folks at Ergo Errands, you can have some serious assistance whenever you need it. From housecleaning and packing to shopping, errand-running, thank-you card writing and babysitting, they're affordable and versatile enough to use when you are seriously overloaded. |
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| 2 | Loud 'n Moist During our annual trip to the Rogue River we always crave tunes, but no one quite trusts the dry bags with their iPods. No sweat. The Soundwave by Freestyle Audio is waterproof up to ten feet—not that it will ever get there, this unit is waterproof to ten feet! It comes with waterproof earbuds, and even has a built-in FM tuner. Which will be absolutely useless since we won't be needing any traffic reports. |
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| 3 | Like a Baby's Bottom That's how your face will feel after a week of using Gingi's Collagen Serum Mask. This stuff goes on easy and rinses away clean, and the damndest thing was that our face had an elasticity that we've not experienced since college. This unisex line of products really delivers the quality of more expensive women's lines. Another favorite is the Citrus Sun Care, which is now our go- to sunscreen after the daily application of our SPF-less aftershave. www.gingiskincare.com |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Serious Grilling When we think Fourth of July, two words come to mind: grilled meat. Leave the work to the professionals this weekend and head to clarklewis for a night of serious barbecue, fireworks and live music. You won’t miss the charred Ballpark Franks when you're chowing down on roast pork shoulder, mesquite grilled chicken and all the fixings. Call for reservations. What: 4th of July Outdoor American Dinner & Fireworks Party |
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| 2 | Burn Off That Gut Guys, don’t be shy, Pilates is for you, too. It works your core—so you can take off your t-shirt in the yard. See how it works at NW Pilates—mention Portland Picks and get 1 free when you purchase a package of 10. With a casual studio and the best rates in town, it’s time to check out NW Pilates. What: Buy 10 Get One Free at NW Pilates |
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| 3 | The Stars Are Out Tonight Nobody tugs at the heartstrings quite like Neil Diamond—that fact is indisputable. But many people try. And you can catch a forever-in-blue-jeans-worthy tribute tonight at Tony Starlight’s. Who cares about fireworks when someone is singing “Girl You’ll Be a Woman Soon” ten feet from your cocktail table? What: Neil Diamond Tribute at Tony Starlight’s |
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Check us out on MySpace: www.myspace.com/portlandpicks4men. We know you’re on there anyway. |
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