Get Your Travis Bickle On
 
As boys we loved going to the army surplus store. The fake grenades, military helmets, patches and badges had us dreaming of being G.I. Joe, while the weaponry (the throwing star was our Red Rider BB Gun) fueled our fantasies of being a martial arts master. Unfortunately, our parents never did grant us our beloved ninja accessory.
 
Perhaps it's because we lamented it ever since that we dipped into Andy and Bax the other day. Oh sure, we justified it by telling ourselves, "Since so much urban apparel is inspired by military wear, let's go to the source." A&B has dope flight jackets, pea coats, and plenty of camo shirts, jackets and hats—all for way less than you'd pay at a "streetwear" shop. Not to mention more wool socks and beanies than most outdoor stores. Upon leaving, however, it wasn’t the clothes we bought that gave us the most pleasure, but the coveted throwing star we held in our hands.
 
Pop in to stock up on winter apparel or simply to indulge your inner ninja. Either way, you won't be disappointed.
 
Andy and Bax
324 SE Grand Ave.
Portland, OR 97214
503.234.7538
www.andyandbax.com

The Sport of Lounging
 
Getting your girlfriend to a sports bar is nigh impossible. She hates the sport, hates the bar, hates the bar's food, and always complains that the bathrooms aren't clean. And then she makes you leave before the game is over.
 
If this sounds familiar, it's time to check out The Agency across from PGE Park. The self-proclaimed "Ultra Sports Lounge" just opened its doors to sports lovers and haters alike. Sleek, fancy, and decked out with expensive flat-screen televisions, shiny surfaces, and luxury seating, The Agency delivers the VIP experience you could never afford at the stadium. Divided into separate rooms, each area has a distinct ambiance, whether it's the bar with its flat screen TVs, white cushioned seating and fully stocked liquor shelves, or the intimately lit downstairs lounge with its numerous sofas and televisions set inside floor-to-ceiling mirrors. And the food is elevated way above sports-bar fare.
 
If the current clientele is any indication, chicks dig this spot as much as dudes. Finally, somewhere for guys who love the game and girls who love the glamour! 
 
The Agency
1939 SW Morrison St.
Portland, OR 97209
503.548.2921

Dove Right In

Sometimes it seems like Portland has a pretty sorry pizza scene compared to New York or Chicago, that there isn't much originality or craft out here when it comes to designing the perfect pie. Think again.
 
Dove Vivi is quietly revolutionizing West Coast pizza as we know it. How? With fresh cornmeal crusts that combine corn from Sauvie Island with a little olive oil and some other secret ingredients. The result is the traditional Chicago pie like you've never tasted it before. Deep-dish style with a thick crust and savory toppings, smoked mozzarella, and spicy tomato sauce, the pizzas at Dove avoid the common pitfalls of Portland pies. They keep the ingredients fresh, the crust is as delicious as what's on top of it, and the grease levels low. Dove also has your vegetarian and vegan friends covered with pies so delicious they could quiet even the most ardent meat-eaters.
 
There are a couple solid microbrews on tap, several others in the bottle, and some quirky soda choices for the non-alcoholics. We recommend finishing with the homemade zuccotto—a unique treat.
 
Dove Vivi
2727 NE Glisan St.
Portland, OR 97232
503.239.4444
www.dovevivipizza.com

Look Ma, No Hands
 
Oregonians are pretty good about doing the right thing. Unlike California, we didn't need the mandate of law to start embracing hybrids, bio-fuels and bicycles.
 
And though we haven't passed a no-cell phone driving law, many of us simply want to make the streets safer on our own. Our pick is the ToothPik. No batteries or earpieces needed, it plugs into your cigarette lighter and uses your car’s speakers. Bonus: It also comes with an iPod/MP3 adapter.
 
www.GetHandsFree.com

Fit to be Tied
 
The necktie is required in a lot fewer Portland workplaces than in say, Chicago or Boston. But there are those of us who boldly elect to don the cravat because it hearkens back to a great time in men's fashion.
 
The downside is the thing flying around in these strong autumn winds, or worse yet, getting in your soup or coffee. Eliminate accordingly with The Tie Thing, which attaches to your tie's label and buttons to your shirt. Voila.
 
www.TheTieThing.com

Make it Pop
 
We have always been fans of Andy Warhol (who's not, right?). We've also always been fans of doing something a little less staid when it comes to our holiday cards. So when we went looking for a new idea for this year we were pleased to find the great stuff at Photo Wow.
 
Not only will they Warhol-out the image of your choice on holiday cards, you can upload images for use on everything from canvases to furniture.
 
www.PhotoWow.com

Say it with Leather

Ellington Leather is stuffing the store with an amazing selection of products at unbelievable prices. Classic briefcases and satchels, canvas totes, belts, wallets, discounted closeouts and one-of-a-kind samples and prototypes. There’s something for everyone on your list. Mention Portland Picks for Men and get an additional 10% off your total purchase.

What: Ellington Leather's Annual Holiday Sample Sale
When: Friday–Sunday, Nov. 28–30
Where: 1533 NW 24th Ave.
Call: 503.223.7457
Visit: www.ellingtonleather.com

Wine, Mac, and Cheese

To kick off the holidays, MacForce (as in Mac notebooks, iPods and more) is hosting a free event: Wine, "Mac" and Cheese. Check the place out, snack, and enjoy a refuge from the mall. Do some shopping, too—you'll find a welcoming mix of Mac expertise, gifts at all prices, and über-patient help. (Bonus: free parking.)

What: Wine, Mac and Cheese
When: Saturday, Nov. 29, 1–4 pm
Where: 100 SE Salmon St.
Call: 503.231.7707
Cost: Free
Visit: www.macforce.com

50 Gifts for $50 or Less at OFFICE

The good folks at OFFICE searched far and wide for the best designer gifts this holiday season—all for $50 or less—for home, work + play. Pick up products from design collective Lexon (foam radios, mini binoculars, digital desk sets and golf umbrellas), books on design and art, perpetual and letterpressed calendars, DIY pinhole cameras, art, and more.

What: 50 gifts for $50 Holiday Campaign
When: Friday, Nov. 21–Wednesday, Dec. 24
Where: OFFICE PDX, 2204 NE Alberta St.
Contact: shop@officepdx.com
Visit: www.officepdx.com