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October 24th, 2008 With the economy in the dump, it makes us glad we live in Portland. Sure, when things are booming there are complaints about how the only industries here are Nike and Intel. But now that Juggernaut Companies are implementing massive layoffs, we all feel pretty lucky that we are not a "Company Town," and that we have supported and fostered a great small-business community, and as a result are not quite as rocked by the current state of things. Hell, even our housing market is stronger than most. And just think, even if a full-blown depression does hit our little corner of the Northwest, at least you'll see the following sign outside our bread lines: Made With Fresh, Local Ingredients Want to improve your physical (and even fiscal) outlook? Forward this issue of PPFM to 5 friends and CC picks@portlandpicks.com, and you could win a $100 Gift Certificate to Regent's Secret. It's a hip little website that turns on its subscribers to smokin deals on sweet clothes and accessories. Next up, Penguin Sale! |
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Portland Picks for Men: |
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| 1 | If You Got It… Buff guys like to show off their muscles and we can't blame them. They spend endless hours in the gym pumping iron to attract the ladies so why not give a little gun show? Seeing as the only weight lifting we do is our daily 6 sets of 12 oz. reps, we are not in this situation, but as they say, "If you got it, flaunt it." Urban Edge carries very masculine clothes; like their tees by Kentucky Shirts with high-cut sleeves and a slim-fit to accentuate the male physical frame. They also carry tough but stylish military-inspired jackets and western-inspired button-ups by 191 Unlimited. Other manly products include their large assortment of buckles (many of which are by Brave Beltworks) that boast engravings of crosses, skulls and crowns. However, because even bad boys have a soft side, Urban Edge offers a large selection of jewelry; the most unique of which are the glass pieces by Christian Wolfe. If you do hit the gym, make sure to hit Urban Edge afterwards to get some gear. Mention PPFM to receive 15% off your purchase. Urban Edge |
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| 2 | Del-icious If you're anything like us, you love trying new foreign cuisines, but part of you is always just a little nervous you'll end up with a plate of boiled eyeballs or bull scrotum. If you haven't already, you ought to give Peruvian food a shot—instead of serving up ugly surprises, they take exotic spins on instantly recognizable courses. To start your education, we recommend del Inti, which just opened in Northeast Portland. Chef/owner Ignacio del Solar (who hails from Andina), has a rotating menu that incorporates northwest ingredients like Alaskan Halibut, braised lamb and grilled Hanger Steak, supplemented with intriguing spices, foreign veggies, and almost addictive Peruvian sauces. Ask your server to suggest a traditional Peruvian dish (try the ceviche) because they're outstanding. And don't forget dessert! We almost lost it over the Alfajores—mild-mannered cookies filled with dulce de leche. If you arrive early enough, we recommend taking advantage of the 4–6 pm Happy Hour and indulging in one of their signature cocktails, which are concocted with Central American liquors and tropical fruits. For the adventurous, the Chichapolitan with its "Peruvian purple chicha corn juice" shouldn't be missed. Hey, at least it's not eyeballs. Del Inti |
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| 3 | The Hotel Bar, Minus the Hotel There is no good reason for a bar to be called a hotel. Maybe there's some other meaning we're missing, but a place with a mega beer list, specialty cocktails and a chill, laid-back atmosphere with low lighting and plenty of seating doesn't remind us of a hotel. Rather, it’s a place we'd like to move in to. Regardless of the name confusion, the Morrison Hotel knows what it's doing. The giant beer list features over 100 bottled choices, the majority being microbrews but almost a quarter of the options hailing from Belgium. With prices ranging from $3 to $12 and plenty of options on the lower end of that spectrum, it's an affordable way of trying out beers you haven't heard of before. There are also four constantly rotating beer taps of really exceptional and rare stuff you probably won't find anywhere else. And if you're one of those cocktail people, fear not: the Morrison knows its liquor and features an impressive listing of house-mixed drinks at perfectly reasonable prices. After a few drinks, ask for a room—we're sure they've never heard that one before. Morrison Hotel |
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Mandatory Gear: |
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| 1 | Happy Wiping When we took the plunge into fatherhood, we had to tote around some god-awful diaper bag that was procured at a baby shower and most certainly intended for mom. In the short time since, things have come around; probably due to the increased duties (we said “duty”) that fathers have been given. In any event, check out these quite stylish and functional diaper bags for dad that limit the need to drop it onto some filthy bathroom floor. Diaper Bags for Dads |
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| 2 | The New Portland Blazers With the onset of fall and the cold we have found ourselves in a bit of a funk. The chilly weather, however, is not all bad; it gives us a chance to adorn some new outerwear. This year's favorite is La Merde—a Portland based company that makes sleek blazers with a Northwest sensibility (we mean hoods!). In addition, their garments are made from luxury materials, feature rich detailing and a tailored fit. |
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| 3 | "Friendlier Skies" Business travel to Seattle used to be a chore. A 9 a.m. meeting in the Emerald City meant getting up at 4:30 a.m., fighting the lines at PDX and then playing the "who gets the armrest game" onboard. SeaPort Airlines heard the outcry from weary travelers and cut travel time from 3 hours to 90 minutes, downtown to downtown. How? No TSA lines Onsite parking. Arrive 15 minutes before your flight. Land at Boeing Field. And you get your own armrest! |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Puttin' on the Ritz This sale is so big it only happens once a year—Mr. Formal’s Annual Warehouse Sale! Save on hundreds of new and used tuxedos, shirts, vests and ties at unbelievably low prices… just in time for the holidays. Invest in the suit that lasts a lifetime, without saving a lifetime to afford it. What: Mr. Formal’s Annual Warehouse Sale |
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| 2 | Belly Up to the Bar If you're anything like us, you make your way home at the end of the workday only to face (wait for it) more work! So we like to take advantage of a quality happy hour menu en route. And if you live in Northeast, there's a new one you'll love at belly—everything from clams to sloppy joes. What: Happy Hour Specials at belly |
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Need holiday gift ideas for the ladies in your life? Check out www.PortlandPicks.com for some bell-ringers. We won’t tell them you went there. |
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Be sure to visit www.portlandpicksformen.com and check out past issues in our archives. If you like what you see, forward to a friend and encourage them to check out www.portlandpicksformen.com and subscribe for free! It's easy--there's a box in the upper left to enter your email address. If you would like to make a suggestion, please email us at contribute@portlandpicksformen.com. Share your favorite ideas for Picks, tell us about terrific products or services, announce a sale or event, or let us know what you think of Portland Picks for Men! Website and weekly issues maintained by Studio Ridge.com. |
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