Outfit Yourself

Oregon has some of the most gorgeous scenery in the world. But there's a price—the trees are provided courtesy of copious rainfall, the white-capped mountains by freezing temperatures and heavy snow. Due to these sometimes harsh conditions, we are also a fairly rugged people, who need durable apparel when enjoying the outdoors.

Filson opened their first Portland store this month, specializing in quality outdoor-wear. In fact, their motto is "Might as Well Have the Best" and those aren’t empty words. They guarantee their products for as long as you own them. The reason for Filson's bold confidence? Their gloves, jackets, bags, cases, shirts, pants, hats, boots and vests are made of the highest-quality leather, wool and cotton and are constructed almost entirely in the Northwest. And because Filson uses classic designs (some of which have been the same since 1917) their products never go out of style.

So the next time you feel like communing with nature (or hunting one of its creatures) outfit yourself at Filson, or you might just find yourself wishing you'd stayed home.

Filson
536 NW 13th Ave.
Portland, OR 97209
503.246.0900
www.filson.com

Tongue Thai'd

Even the best Thai restaurants in town can't get it completely right. For every joint that knows its curries, the noodle dishes are bland, the drink selection sobering, and the ambiance non-existent. But after so many disappointments, we finally stumbled on a new favorite.

Hidden next to a smoothie shop and across from a car wash, you wouldn't guess that Iyara could pull off the slightly fancy/instantly comfortable vibe. But its clean, modern design, colorful lamps, and small but snazzy bar match up well with the comfortable booths and friendly service. Once you're settled, grab a cocktail from the bar and start with an order of the addictive Thai Calamari appetizer. It's very lightly fried and seasoned with pepper, and avoids the usual pitfalls of being either too oily or chewy.

For main courses, we recommend the Panang Salmon, which is grilled and then smothered in spicy sauce with bell peppers and basil. If seafood isn't your thing, there’s a massive menu covering everything from Thai barbeque, curries and noodles, to soups, stir-fry and veggie entrees. Show up early to benefit from bargain lunch special and happy hour pricing.

Iyara
1914 W. Burnside St.
Portland, OR 97209
503.477.8990
www.iyararestaurant.com

Sara's Cerveza

NoPo beer fans have plenty of local watering holes, but few offer a wide variety of different breweries or far-away and foreign brews. And ask them where they procure bottled beer, and you'll hear tragic tales of driving across town.

That's all changed with the recent opening of Saraveza on N Killingsworth. Tricked out with vintage beer paraphernalia and designed to resemble a Midwestern tavern you'd find in one of the Dakotas, Saraveza definitely sports a unique look. Tap-wise, there are nine regularly rotating draft beers, but the real star here is the bottle list, which picks from the best of American microbrews and Belgian master brews. Best of all, any of the beers from the giant bottle inventory are available at discount to-go prices.

If you're hungry, peruse the hodgepodge of British-style pub food available, from specialty sausages, cheeses, and eggs to "pasties"—crusty-shelled mini-pies that look like apple turnovers, but stuffed with beef and veggies. It's another strange addition to a bar that already has a schizophrenic set of influences, but anyone with a quirky sensibility and a love for beer should lap it up.

Saraveza
1004 N. Killingsworth St.
Portland, OR 97217
503.206.4252
www.saraveza.com

Watch Me
 
Here's the thing with novelty watches: the novelty usually wears off pretty quickly. It is rare that watchmakers try for something new and edgy and retain some semblance of taste. In fact most of our watches are wind-ups from the 40's.
 
But there are wardrobe choices and occasions (including hiking and camping) when a little new-school will suit you best. We like most of the selection at Storm. A British outfit, you'll find their sturdy, bold designs at prices that'll let you choose a few.

Storm Watch

Rocky Mountain High
 
On a particularly rough day last week, we found ourselves with a long night of events ahead. And so with an hour between work and heading out we decided to grab Weleda's Pine Bath Milk, which is said to be reviving.
 
Man, was it. Not only did a ten-minute soak have us bounding out the door like it was morning, but we got more than one compliment on our "fall scent."
 
Pine Reviving Bath Milk

Snow Bunnies
 
What happens when Burton, that bastion of snowboarding, teams up with Playboy, that bastion of, well… you know? You get something a sight more interesting to look at up on the mountain.
 
Burton Love features classic playmates on four different board sizes, each with twin tips and park edges. Before you ask whether this is the most tasteful image to slap on something functional, just ask yourself, "Did I go right to the Gratuitous Photo this week?"
 
www.burton.com

Midweek Rock

Need something to break up the monotony of hump day? Head out to Ash Street Saloon Wednesday to catch some straight-up rock. Arizona outfit Antique Scream delivers Cream-like psychedelia, but the real draw here is local lads Red Hot Pistol, who hearken back to a simpler time when we all had an appetite for destruction.

What: Rock Show
Where: Ash Street Saloon, 225 SW Ash St.
When: Wednesday, Nov. 19, 9 pm
Visit: www.ashstreetsaloon.com

Make Your House a Home

Vintage furniture is much cooler than stuff from an Alaska-sized blue box. And Janus Home is celebrating their first anniversary and a new location with special savings. Everything will be 30–50% off, so choose a few key pieces that will become a part of your life. Mention Portland Picks for Men for 20% off custom refinishing.

What: Janus Home Anniversary Sale
When: Sat. & Sun, Nov. 15 and 16
Where: 1324 SE Grand Ave.
Call: 503.449.5126
Visit: www.janushome.com

Weekend Winos

We might be a bit too pumped for this one, but The Northwest Food and Wine Festival is happening this weekend. We don't know if we can physically ingest 500 NW wines and food from more than 50 local chefs, but we're going to try. Food and wine samples are included in the ticket price.

What: The Northwest Food and Wine Festival
When: Saturday, Nov. 15, 5–9 pm
Where: Memorial Coliseum
Visit: www.nwfoodandwinefestival.com

Here's the Deal

Join New Deal Distillery and Oregon Bounty for a day of spirits tastings and light refreshments at their upcoming open house. You can discover the inner workings of Portland's first vodka distillery, and learn more about craft-distilling in Oregon while rubbing elbows with Portland's drinkers and dreamers.
Works for us.

What: Open House at New Deal Distillery
When: Saturday, Nov. 15, 1–5 pm
Where: 1311 SE 9th Ave.
Cost: Free and Open to the Public
Visit: www.newdealdistillery.com

Members Only

Through November, the lovely ladies at HairM have sweetened the King's Club Membership: Purchase 10 King Cuts (the closest thing to heaven in a barber's chair), and receive 10% off and a free cut. There's no expiration date,  so relax with a beer, watch the game and leave lookin' like a King, at your leisure.

What: 10% off & a Free Cut with purchase of a King's Club Membership
Where: HairM Grooming, Beaverton and Portland Locations
When: Through November
Visit: www.hairmgrooming.com

Nike's Doernbecher Freestyle Collection Shoe Launch

Sneakerheads, get ready! Each year, kids from Doernbecher Children's Hospital visit the Nike World Headquarters to collaborate with their very own Nike designer, where they create their very own shoes. Be there for the limited-edition shoe launch, pick up a pair for yourself or a gift, and meet these special designers.

What: Doernbecher Freestyle Shoe Launch
When: Today! Friday, Nov. 14, starts at 10 am
Where: NIKETOWN Portland, 930 SW 6th St. and
NikeStore Eugene, 135 Oakway Road
Call: 503.221.6453 or 800.806.6453
Visit: www.nikestore.com