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September 12th, 2008
Musicfest NW; Portland's answer to SXSW. We love the bevy of acts that roll through town, don't get us wrong, but at the same time it reminds us that we're getting older. First, there are the dilemmas that arise when deciding to see a new act that we've not yet checked out, or one that we've not seen in fifteen years. To be hip or nostalgic? Next, there is our increasingly cantankerous attitude toward tourists. You'd think we'd be glad to be in the company of folks who dig the same music as we do, but there is just something about tourists over-packing a club (that would otherwise be manageable) that just brings out the curmudgeon in us. Finally, going to 4 shows in 4 nights simply wears us out. Sure, we don't have to have cocktails every night… but who are we kidding? |
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Portland Picks for Men: |
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| 1 | Walking on Cloud 9
It's September, and that means off to school with the kiddies. We hated those first days of school with two exceptions: seeing the girls who had gone from bland to bombshell over the summer, and getting to wear our new kicks (the ones mom made you wait until the first day to wear). Halo Shoes focuses on hard to find, stylish and mostly European footwear. One standout brand is N.D.C., whose comfortable loafers are made in Spain and Portugal and feature classic European styling. Another great line by Fiorentini + Baker includes handsome oxfords and ankle boots handmade in Italy. Our favorite footwear, however, is made by Timberland. (It's true!) They created a stylish line for the European market and include the Tackhead Patch (a rugged leather 1920's oil-rigging-inspired full-length boot) and the Men's New Labourer (a canvas Chukka inspired by turn of the century Japanese military boots). While you probably won't find any underage goddesses at Halo, you're sure to find a pair of shoes to give you that same sublime feeling you had on the first day of school. And if you mention PPFM you'll get 10% off your purchase. Halo Shoes |
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| 2 | You'll Be Hookah'd You're out on the town with a group of friends looking for a place to eat when someone mentions they're vegetarian, or god forbid, vegan. (We kid!) But before you end up somewhere that specializes in nasty tofu duplications of all your favorite meats, pipe up with your recommendation of the restaurant where both cow-eaters and lettuce-chompers can find something to love. There are enough choices at Habibi to silence even the pickiest of eaters. For the veggies, the hummus and baba ganouj are terrific, and so are the eggplant casseroles, the Mediterranean-style pizzas with or without cheese, and big-plate entrees like the Majadra, a spicy brown lentils and rice dish with sautéed onions. For the carnivores, lamb, chicken, and beef are served on kebabs, sliced up with rice or hummus, or cooked inside a doughy shell called a Fatayr with tomatoes and onions. Whatever your choice, you're guaranteed a savory, spicy meal, huge portions, and reasonable prices. Finish with a pull of the hookah or an authentic Lebanese beer and let your grateful, tofu-hating friends pick up the tab. Habibi |
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| 3 | Twenty Beers In A Row Amidst factories and abandoned buildings and underneath the shadows of Portland's bridges is a neighborhood oasis where the drink selection is top-shelf, the atmosphere is unpretentious, and the food is hearty enough to engorge an empty stomach. Produce Row Café is the kind of bar you wish you could move into. Depending on your mood, you can enjoy the large picnic area outside where live music plays every night, shoot some pinball or challenge a friend to a game of pool, or hang around the bar and admire all the pretty tap handles. Whatever your decision, you'll have a tasty beer to accompany you. Produce has more than 20 on tap, the majority of which hail from great microbreweries like Double Mountain, Avery, Walking Man, and Anderson Valley. Hungry? Order a House Special with its vegetarian-insulting combo of Philly cheesesteak and Cotto salami nestled between melted cheese, grilled onions, mushrooms, tomatoes and bell peppers—wash it down with beer-battered fries. It may be tough rolling yourself out of there, but after one visit, you'll have no trouble rolling back. Produce Row Café |
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Mandatory Gear: |
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| 1 | For Those About to Shop… We salute you. But for those of us who insist on looking great yet hate the act of shopping, comes IndiTailored. Basically, you enter your measurements and they keep 'em on file. Then, when you've got a hankerin' for a great dress (or casual) shirt, you choose from the wide selection of classic and contemporary fabrics, choose your cuffs, collar, etc., and in a couple of weeks you've got a shirt that is all you, baby. Genius. |
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| 2 | Leather Be Light The thunderstorms a couple of weeks back knocked out our power, and after fumbling around in the dark trying to remember where we put that damn flashlight, we were reminded of our intention to get a pocket-sized light. Turns out our local outfit, Leatherman, makes 'em, and like their multi-purpose tools, they make 'em the best. Features include one-hand operation, stainless steel, LED design and one battery set-up to deliver maximum power and durability with minimum weight. Oh, and no dimming. |
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| 3 | I See You Ahh, the Webcam. Sometimes necessary for work, sometimes for those of you suckas in a long-distance relationship, always for those of us with our own Web-based nude shows. Wait… what? Anyway, no matter what your use, grainy images are now a thing of the past. With cutting-edge auto-focus technology and Carl Zeiss optics, this affordable little unit delivers the best clarity we've seen yet, even in extreme close-ups. Of what? That's your business. Logitech Webcam |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Get Outta the Home Office! Your partner, your kid, or just the isolation driving you mad? Call souk for hourly, daily and monthly work space + meeting rooms for Portland's indie professionals, freelancers and entrepreneurs. PPFM readers: take $175 off a new FT membership, or drop in for $25/day. Save yourself and work with like minds in a cool loft space! What: Specials at souk |
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| 2 | Enjoy Lower Fremont’s Second Friday Artwalk Come and dine at Acadia, or take the kids to eat at the County Cork pub, or have a wine or specialty beer at La Bodega. Then hit the sidewalk sale and stores. Between Splurge, Sofia, Poppy & Ivy, Back Yard Birdshop and the guest artists, you can enjoy fashion, art and crafts from 40+ local artists and crafty peeps. What: Second Friday on Lower Fremont |
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| 3 | If You Build it, They Will Come Even those of us who are handy need inspiration for the myriad projects to unleash on our homes. Portland pioneered the Street of Dreams—from green homes to creative use of space and materials, plus new design ideas galore, S.O.D. reflects the best in luxury home design, many components of which can be implemented on a non-luxury budget. What: 2008 Street of DreamsWhen: 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 |
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| 4 | Smokin PPFM Discount at Blake |
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