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  PORTLAND PICKS FOR MEN
  life + style to you
September 26th, 2008

OK, what the hell was the deal with the Emmy's? Yeah, that's right, we watched; apparently all the good Sunday night shows (read: Mad Men) were reruns due to the self-congratulatory broadcast. Who are we kidding? Our significant other made us watch.

Don't get us wrong. They sort of got it right this year. Many accolades for 30 Rock, Mad Men, John Adams. But no love for It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, which is, as far as we're concerned, the show that filled the void when Arrested Development was cancelled. Don't even get us started on Jack Bauer's absence.

Plus, what the hell was the deal with the hosting situation? Ryan Seacrest, Heidi Klum, Jeff What's-His Face, that one guy... and Howie Mandel? We thought it was only four horsemen of the apocalypse. But we digress.

If these intros (and the writing in general, by extension) have suffered in the last few weeks, you now know why. We watch way too much television.

       
 

Portland Picks for Men:

 
  1

Crimes of Fashion

With fall right around the corner we find ourselves in need of some fashionable cold-weather clothing. Unfortunately with the economy the way it is, we have to either rob a bank or find a new place to purchase our wardrobe, and seeing how horizontal stripes accentuate our gut and the thought of being someone's bitch makes us uneasy, we chose the latter.

While Frank James is named after the famous bank robber and brother of Jesse James, they will not take you for everything you've got. In fact, their focus is affordable luxury. One stylish, affordable line is Cloth Logic: sleek crewneck button-front and cross-neck sweaters. Cloth Logic also produces pea coats with a twist—removable hoods for extra cold nights. Another great brand is Brixton: hip flannels, crushable felt fedoras and work clothes-inspired jackets. Last, to keep you warm underneath, Frank James offers Alternative thermals, which have a great cut (important if you don't want the “crazy prospector” look).

If crime (including those of fashion) is not in your future, head down to Frank James. Mention PPFM to receive 15% off, and make luxury even more affordable.

Frank James
723 E. Burnside St.
Portland, OR 97214
503.239.3959
www.frankjamesclothing.com

       
  2

Red, White and Blue Plates

It's the rare Portlander who is home-grown. Most of us hail from elsewhere in America and are more familiar with cuisines foreign to here. Luckily, a new Pearl restaurant has gathered the best food from all fifty states into one dining room.

Despite its chill, modern-design vibe, Fifty Plates is warm and friendly when it comes to the service, and the food is authentic and hearty. And whether you opt for Cincinnati Style Chili or a New Orleans Po'Boy (or NotSo Po'Boy), a southwestern Buffalo Tamale Pie or a Carolina Pulled Pork Sammie, you'll find all your favorite flavors still intact. Best of all, whether you're just scraping by or swimming in wealth, Fifty's prices range from $3 to $30, with plenty of options in between.

For those on an extra tight budget, keep Fifty's happy hour bargains in mind. They change every weekday to follow a new theme. We recommend Manhattan Mondays for cheap Coney Island hot dogs, Manhattans, and Cosmos, and also Whiskey Wednesdays for affordable Whiskey sours, complimentary candy and peanuts and $1.50 sammies. God Bless these United Plates of America!

Fifty Plates
333 NW 13th Ave.
Portland, OR 97209
503.228.5050
www.50plates.com

     
  3

What's Up, DOC?

If you've got a hot date coming up, it's time to rethink the usual staid options and consider the latest, greatest addition to Northeast Portland. And you can't beat a little out-of-the-way nook specializing in great wine, fresh food and intimate surroundings.

In fact, DOC is so intimate that you'll get to know the cooks when you first walk into the restaurant—through the kitchen! After you get over the sight of busy workers dodging each other and incoming customers, cozy up to DOC's extensive wine list and consider splitting a bottle with your date. Though the prices are high, the options are all first-rate, and the waitstaff can hold your hand if you have any trouble.

If you'd like a little food with your drink, the appetizer plates are your best bet. We recommend keeping it simple and choosing anything with cheeses, tomatoes, olives, and bread. You won't fill up too quickly, which will leave plenty of space for dinner, and you'll be treating yourself to ingredients that are fresh and bursting with flavors you probably didn't know existed. It's just what the DOC ordered!

DOC
2219 NE 30th Ave.
Portland, OR 97211
503.946.8592
www.docpdx.com

       
  Gratuitous Photo of the Week:
   

 
       
 

Mandatory Gear:

 
  1

Power to the People
 
Look no further than Northwest footwear outfit RYZ. This Web-based company was founded by a former President of Adidas, and they provide an online forum where young designers can simply download a sneaker template, add their graphics, and submit for review by a panel of artists. Then we get to vote on the finalists.

Our fave is this one by Seattle Designer FlewTheCoop. As a PPFM reader, just enter the code PDXPICK for $20 off of your purchase.

www.shop.ryzwear.com

       
  2

The Ice Man Cometh

A big dilemma in the state of Oregon: Most Alums of OSU and U of O live in Portland. So when those who love a cold drink need ice (yes, even on a crisp day) they better buy a lot, after all it's a long drive, right?

Wrong. Pick up one of these handy portable ice makers. Great for any outdoor soirees, you simply plug in and add water. Enjoy the pre-game Martini.

Ice Man icemaker

       
  3

Gear of the Year

Ever been on a trip watching movies on your laptop, but really wished you were watching the Trailblazers game on FSN?

Pick up the Slingbox Pro and you won't have a problem. This baby connects your cable/satellite box and your Internet, enabling you to watch every channel you get at home on your laptop (plus stuff you've TiVo'd) from anywhere in the world with a broadband connection. This will be at the top of our Christmas wish list.

www.slingmedia.com
       
 

Hip Happenings:

 
  1

Want to Make a Difference?

Grab your gently worn shoes because Imelda's and Louie's Shoes, Soles4Souls and Best Friends Animal Society will be celebrating Hush Puppies' 50-year anniversary, and collecting gently worn shoes for those in need. Those who donate will receive a 10% discount off the purchase of new Hush Puppies arrivals and will be entered into a drawing to win free shoes!

What: Soles4Souls Shoe Drive
When: Saturday, Sept. 27, 10 am–6 pm
Where: Imelda's and Louie's Shoes, 3426 SE Hawthorne
Call: 503.233.7476
Visit: www.imeldasandlouies.com

       
  2

 
       
  3

Go Green PDX

Business owners: Get inspired by eco-alternatives with a full day of green goodness. Find an educational assortment of topics like greening the workplace, sustainable sourcing, tax incentives, and press tips. Plus, enjoy a keynote by Mayor-elect Sam Adams and network with other eco-visionaries. Cost includes brekkie, lunch, cocktail hour, and a green goody bag.

What: Go Green 2008
When: Wednesday, Oct.1, 8:30 am–4 pm
Where: The Gerding Theater at The Armory
Admission: $150 full day
Visit: www.gogreenpdx.com

       
 

Keep reading PPFM for more great deals and inside information on the newest spots in town. Impress your boss, impress your wife, boyfriend, girlfriend, even your Aunt Cathie. Just feel good knowing you’re in the know. Oh, and tell a friend about us. Gracias.

       
 
 

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