Suit Up
 
Since the beginning of summer we've been wearing lots of polos, tees, jeans and shorts; while we've managed to still look hip, we've been jonesing for fall so that we might suit up and hit the town in style.
 
Well, Winn Perry, which opened last week, is the epitome of fine apparel. They offer an upscale selection of suits—the most exciting of which is Duchess's first and only ready-to-wear collection, naturally vintage-inspired with hand-stitched lapels and silk linings. Add to that standout dress shirts made by Seize Sur Vingt—constructed from Egyptian cotton, no less—and the place is primo. Plus, there is also no shortage of exquisite neckwear like Duncan Quinn's hand-made ties, and to keep your slacks up in style, we suggest a Shane belt (whose straps are hand cut and buckles are hand laid with gold leafing). To add that extra panache, go with a silk handkerchief by R. Hanauer.
 
Summer's coming to an end; so bag the polos and start fall in style with a fine outfit from Winn Perry. Mention PPFM for 10% off your first purchase.
 
Winn Perry
2505 SE 11th Ave, Suite 102
Portland, OR 97202
503.922.1298
www.winnperry.com

The Thai of Your Life

Thai restaurants in Portland are ubiquitous, but finding one worth shelling out dough requires a little hunting. Luckily, you can't miss Thai Peacock and its beautiful bright plumage of authentic Thai dishes, including stir-fries, curries, seafood, and succulent rice and noodle dishes. One bite and you'll recognize that this is a bird of its word.
 
The cuisine bursts with rich flavors and unusual spices, trading hot and sweet across the tongue and dancing across taste buds where imitators can only limp. From the cool creaminess of the coconut curry to the tongue blistering Drunken Noodles, this is that rare Thai restaurant that has mastered the nuance of the cuisine and hasn't skimped on the ingredients.
 
Though it appears small and intimate, the Peacock's wingspan spreads to a second floor upstairs and includes six outdoor tables for those lucky enough to snag one on a nice day. Located on a quiet side street right off Burnside, it's a great spot for a bargain lunch or a dinner feast with friends.

Thai Peacock
219 SW 9th Ave.
Portland, OR 97205
503.228.2310

Put A Cork In It
 
There are probably as many Irish pubs in Oregon as there are in the entire country of Ireland, but how many of them are anything more than a Guinness tap, some Irish Whiskey, and a greasy plate of fish and chips?
 
Like a four-leafed clover in a field of threes and twos, County Cork is the rare exception for us lucky Portlanders. Traditional food courses like peppery corned beef and cabbage or bangers and mash are authentically cooked and bursting with savory flavors. Plus, the draft list is appropriately lengthy with all the usual Irish and English selections, with a few surprises and an inspired assortment of local microbrews. And the atmosphere is so convincing in design and Emerald Isle ambiance, you may find yourself speaking with a bit o' th' ol' brogue. Plus, there's live music most every night, free darts, and, on any night besides St. Pat's, plenty of seating available inside or out, either in front of the pub or behind it in the garden.
 
Follow a leprechaun to this end-of-the-rainbow oasis and you just may forget all about that pot of gold he promised you.
 
County Cork
1329 NE Fremont St.
Portland, OR 97212
503.284.4805

Sonoma Seat
 
From wine country in California comes our favorite (and most functional) piece of furniture of the summer… and green-friendly to boot.
 
Made from 70-gallon wine barrels (with the winery of origin stamped on each piece), these beautiful chairs fold almost completely flat for easy storage. Our favorite part? They look as great indoors for the summer as they do on the deck.
 
Now track down the wine that was once in it and enjoy.
 
www.uncommongoods.com

Dress the Part
 
In the mod, late sixties and early seventies of London, rock & roll fashion was pretty much at its apex (see: The Rolling Stones).
 
It was with this fashion sensibility in mind that Like a Rock Star was born. Churning out an outrageous line of suits (Naughty Behavior being our fave), it encompasses a style that is either long gone or long in the making… depending on how you look at it.
 
www.likearockstar.com

Have a Spa Day—in Your Backyard

Spa Days are, well... we don't want to say just for girls, but let's just say that we reserve our pampering for when we need it… like when we’re hit with a sports injury.

Oregon HotSprings Spas is where to go to outfit the basement with a sauna and the back deck with a hot tub. After all, what is better than soaking the muscles under the stars at night, and then sweatin' the toxins out under the house the next morning?

www.oregonhottub.com

India Pale Ales are characterized by intense hop flavor and aroma accompanied by higher alcohol content. Alaskan's style possesses medium maltiness and body with moderate to very strong citrus flavors. Need another reason to cop your buzz with this one?
 
Alaskan Brewing Co. has committed 1% of all proceeds from Alaskan IPA to support the cleanup and preservation of the Pacific Ocean and its coastlines in an initiative called the Coastal CODE. We give ‘em bonus brew points!
 
www.alaskanbeer.com

Portland Beavers Baseball at PGE Park
 
Don't miss the Beavers next Thursday night at the final home game of the season. Not only is it Miller Lite Thursday, but it is also Fan Appreciation Night. The first 1,903 fans will receive schedule calendars and every fan in attendance will be entered into an in-game super raffle to win special prizes! 
 
What: Miller Lite Thursday & Fan Appreciation Night
When: Thursday, Aug. 28th, 7 pm
Where: PGE Park
Call: 503.553.5555
Visit: www.portlandbeavers.com

Ride the Rails
 
Take off to the great white north. Enjoy 20% off the Best Available Rate at a well-appointed Kimpton hotel when you ride Amtrak between Portland & Seattle (or Seattle & Portland), and present your ticket at check-in. As an added convenience they'll include a return taxi voucher to get you safe and sound back to the train station, valued up to $10 ($14 in Portland).
 
What: Save 20% on a Kimpton hotel rate when you take Amtrak
When: Now through Oct. 31, 2008
Where: Seattle: Alexis, Hotel Monaco, Hotel Vintage Park;
PDX: Hotel Monaco & Hotel Vintage Plaza
Call: 1.800.KIMPTON
Visit: www.kimptonhotels.com

Afternoon Delight

For some free sonic enjoyment, head down to The Monkey & the Rat in Chinatown next week for free concerts by local artists. The performances will be recorded for use on a compilation release to benefit Ethos Music Center. So do some good, hear some music and check out one of the dopest import stores in PDX.

What: Free Afternoon Concerts to Benefit Ethos
Where: The Monkey & the Rat's Chinatown Location
When: Mon., August 25–Wed., August 27, 2 pm–4 pm
Admission: Free
Visit: www.monkeyandrat.com