Economic Blues
 
This economic slowdown has got us making some changes. We've started riding our bikes instead of driving, limiting the amount of times we eat out each week, and even drinking (gasp) domestic beer. Fortunately, we can still dress hip.        
 
Blue carries apparel which is not only fashionable, but affordable. And just because Blue won’t empty your wallet doesn’t mean they don’t offer quality, name-brand garments; a good example of this is Ambiguous, a skateboarding-inspired company which makes ultra-sleek hoodies, tees, jeans and (our favorite) fitted country-western inspired button-ups. Another great company is Lifetime, which provides handsome yet sturdy and water-resistant jackets that have a classic look—with just a bit of flair to keep things interesting. The standout at Blue, however, is Insight51. Insight's fall line is comprised of modern, street-inspired flannels, polos, and lightweight zip-up jackets that are comfy and functional while still being stylish.
 
So if the poor economy is giving you the blues, head down to Blue for some retail therapy. And mention PPFM for 15% off your first session.
 
Blue
3753 N. Mississippi Ave.
Portland, OR 97227
503.542.0888

Swede Masterpiece
 
When's the last time you had a really great Swedish meal? Probably never, right? You probably didn't even think there was such a thing as Swedish cuisine, besides those meatballs in cream sauce, that is.
 
If Broder is any indication, the Swedes are some of the most underrated cooks out there. The food at the SE Clinton St. bistro is a hip mix of quality ingredients like cage-free eggs, fresh fruits, foreign cheeses, hormone-free meats and all sorts of interesting jams made of berries you've never heard of before (what the hell is a lingonberry?). Don't miss out on house specialties like the "aebelskivers," which are tiny pancake balls, pillow soft and sprinkled with powdered sugar, and the incredible baked egg dishes that combine anything from smoked trout to Duroc Ham or Swedish farmer's cheese with caramelized onions, potatoes and wild mushrooms.
 
Broder is an ideal spot for brunch, with a relaxed open-air atmosphere, fresh ingredients, and a quirky design, but we recommend hitting it during the week to avoid the weekend's long wait lists and frenzied service.
 
Broder
2508 SE Clinton St.
Portland, OR 97202
503.736.3333

Goin' Uptown

As much as we love happy hour, it sometimes seems that most restaurant/bar menus don't consist of much more than greasy fried finger foods. Fortunately, we've found one spot (hidden away in Northwest Portland) that lives up to its claim of a great bargain meal in the early evening hours.
 
The Uptown Billiards Club may sound and even look like a swanky transplant from old-school British aristocracy, but once you get past the gleaming woods and shiny brass, you'll have no trouble fitting in. For just $10, you'll be treated to a gourmet five-course meal made with fresh, local ingredients. We indulged in courses like stuffed squid with tomato risotto, and ravioli with bacon, ricotta, and pomadoro, but with the menu changing every two weeks, there's almost always a new connoisseur's lineup to take advantage of, trust us.
 
After the meal, unwind with a game of pool or table tennis, or lounge in a comfortable armchair with a cocktail from the fully stocked bar. You don't have to be a member to reap the benefits of this club.
 
Uptown Billiards Club
120 NW 23rd Ave.
Portland, OR 97210
503.226.6909
www.uptownbilliards.com

Bridgeport's Hop Czar

At one time the great Czars trumped the power of mere Kings and Emperors. And this Imperial Pale Ale decimates all normal hop-laden brews in its path. A nice malty background is present here, but this one is all about the hops. Not for everybody, but for those of us who revel in drinkable bitterness... this is our new monarch.

www.bridgeportbrew.com

Come Clean…
 
For those of you for whom single malt scotch is a passion, you know that some of the most aromatic whiskeys come from Islay. You also may know that alcohol is the primary ingredient in soap.
 
Well, a British Isle Distillery is making manly-scented soaps from the "good stuff" … even infusing some woody scents using oak from (where else?) the whiskey casks. Stock up now for fall, but don't jump the gun … scents this formidable are not for summer.

www.spiritedsoaps.co.uk

…and Keep it Clean
 
You can use all the great soap you want. Maybe a light spray of cologne (not Axe Body Spray). But it's all for naught when you dry off your recently cleansed body with a not-quite-clean towel. You know, the ones with that faint mildew smell?
 
Enter Smelly Washer. This enviro-friendly product can be used to rid your washer of the odor-causing fungi that perpetuate this smell. Include it in every load of towels to ensure she notices the smells you intended her to notice.

www.smellywasher.com

Not As Fun as an iPhone, but…
 
We recently decided that if our lives had become so hi-tech that even our razor takes batteries, then we would treat our choppers to the finest piece of machinery to come down the pike.
 
And because we look for local stuff first and move our way out, we quickly found the Ultreo. Developed by scientists at U-Dub, it is the only power toothbrush to use patented ultrasound waveguide technology along with sonic bristle motion. A refreshing investment.
 
www.ultreo.com

Street of Dreams, 2008

If You Build it, They Will Come
Let’s face it, guys—even those of us who are handy need inspiration for the myriad projects to unleash on our homes. Portland pioneered the S.O.D. and each year it gets more exciting. From green homes to creative use of space and materials, plus new design ideas galore, Street of Dreams reflects the best in luxury home design, many components of which can be implemented on a non-luxury budget. What better place to pick up ideas for your own abode?

What: 2008 Street of Dreams
When: Through Sept. 14; 11 am–10 pm
Where: Take the Johnson Creek Blvd. Exit off of I-205 and follow the signs to the show.
Admission: $17.50 adults (includes parking); $5 kids 6–12
Visit: www.streetofdreamspdx.com

We Usually Dig the Rock, But…
 
We were reluctant to go to our first Asylum Street Spankers show. And everyone we've dragged along to subsequent shows since (we never miss 'em) was reluctant as well. But if you trust us on anything, it's this: They're the most interesting, thought-provoking, fun and unique live act touring today. (The MySpace stuff won’t scratch the surface—just go.)
 
What: Asylum Street Spankers
When: Sunday, Aug. 31
Where: Alladin Theater
Visit: www.aladdin-theater.com/show

Model Call for Portland Fashion Week

Suck it up guys, you know you think you’re the next Ashton Kutcher. PFW is around the bend, and they’re looking for models! So head to the Center of Excellence if you are someone, or know someone who fits the bill. Males need to be 5’10”–6’2” with a waist of 28–32 inches and jacket up to 42L.

What: PFW call for models
When: Primary: Sunday, Sept. 7, 2:45–5 pm open call; Secondary: Sunday, Sept. 14, 2:30–4:30 pm open call
Where: Center of Excellence, 308 SW 1st Ave., Suite 200
Email: talent@PortlandFashionWeek.net
Visit: www.PortlandFashionWeek.net