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PORTLAND PICKS FOR MEN ™ |
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life + style to you
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December 12th, 2008
As we begin the not-so-slow descent out of 2008, we thought we would highlight some of our writers’ faves this year. So two weeks from today, look
for our "Best Of" issue, complete with our Picks on the best places in Portland
that opened in 2008 for dining, drinking, and shopping. In the meantime, look
for our Mandatory Gear section in the next couple of issues to be chock full of
our favorite gear from throughout the year (many of which we featured before
the likes of “GQ” and “Esquire”). It’s “Gear of the Year,” if you will. (We just watched the Grinch, so you'll have to excuse the inadvertent Seuss-rhyming).
In any case, be sure and forward these next issues to those people in your
life who may not have purchased your gift yet. It'll be a not-so-subtle, but
effective, hint. |
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Portland Picks for Men: |
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Get on the Bus
We love checking new spots out and meeting people. However, due to our slight social anxiety we tend to need a little liquid courage to get us going. Unfortunately, with the nasty weather setting in and our even bigger anxiety about getting a D.U.I.I., we've been sticking to our neighborhood watering holes.
Now, thanks to Barfly Bus Tours we can explore and drink to our hearts’ content while being responsible motorists. BBT offers themed bus adventures which include free hors d'oeuvres and drink specials as well as transportation for the entire night (you do have to catch your own taxi home at the end of the night, however). Upcoming tours include Santa's Mustache Ride, which includes stops at strip clubs where you will not only pay no covers, you get dance specials, and a New Year’s adventure in which you are provided with free champagne and NYE paraphernalia.
So next time you wanna take a little alcohol-fuelled adventure and not end up having to touch your nose while standing on one leg, check out Bar Fly.
www.barflybus.com |
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Drink At EaT
Is it just us, or is a fascination with Cajun cuisine invading Portland? New restaurants have been springing up all over, offering Northwestern spins on old faves like Creole and jambalaya. We suppose it's only fitting that a bar should open under the same influence.
That bar is EaT, over on N. Williams. After opening their doors a little over a month ago, they've been dishing out hearty Cajun drinking food like Po-Boy Sandwiches, bowls of red beans and rice with shredded pork, and their specialty, oysters. Drinks-wise, they're sticking with the Cajun inspiration by offering whiskey-heavy cocktails and stocking some of the best bourbon and rum in town. And for those who enjoy brutal brain-pounding hangovers, absinthe is also available. Beer lovers aren't left out in the cold either, although they are due a colder one than they're accustomed. Tapped from the inside of ’50s style fridges, the beer comes out icy, especially since it's served in a pre-frosted glass mug. There's also a small but impressive selection of sparkling wines, champagnes, and white and red wines.
Is Portland's Cajun obsession getting out of hand? Not as long as we've got one of EaT's bracing beverages in hand!
EaT: An Oyster Bar
3808 N. Williams St.
Portland, OR 97227
503.281.1222
www.eatoysterbar.com |
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Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?
Woodstock isn't the most cosmopolitan neighborhood for Portland dining. You might be able to find a decent slice of pizza or a burrito that has mostly fresh ingredients, but most of your options are the same order-by-number, reheated schlock you've come to expect from fast-food franchises.
Thankfully, Middle Eastern restaurant Mezza has inexplicably sprung up here of all places to show locals what they've been missing. While the menu represents all the expected favorites of Middle Eastern cuisine, from kabobs to shawarma to Mediterranean style pizzas, Mezza's specialty lies in its, well… mezzas (which means "appetizers" in Arabic). A giant bowl of Foul may sound unappealing until you learn that it's actually fava beans with garlic, olive oil, lemon juice and spices, a combination so delicious that you may be tempted to order another. Also consider the tzatziki, a refreshing blend of homemade yogurt, mint, garlic, and cucumbers, or choose feta and olives for lighter appetites.
For those with bigger appetites, just try getting through a full entrée. The portions are so big that you'd better go ahead and ask for a doggie bag with your order.
Mezza
5520 SE Woodstock
Portland, OR 97206
503.777.6399
www.mezzapdx.com |
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Gratuitous Photo of the Week: |
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Photo courtesy of www.underology.com |
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Mandatory Gear
Best of 2008, Volume 1: |
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Wild Kingdom
Once every summer we get together with friends to raft the mighty Rogue River. Besides the sublime scenery, there are plenty of whiskey-fueled acts that beg to be captured.
Enter our favorite new toy, the Panasonic SDR-SW20 camcorder. This baby is shock-resistant, dust-proof and waterproof up to five feet, so it is sure to survive the trip. And just think: after blackmailing your friends with threats of You-Tubery, this baby will pay for itself in no time.
www.panasonic.com |
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Band of Topsiders
The top-sider, once a summer staple, is back! Another example of how truly stylish classics manage to transcend fashion, it is done best this year by the uber-creative label Band of Outsiders.
We're pretty sure these guys have yet to go wrong with anything they've attempted, but we especially like the handmade reconstructed boat shoe. It features bold contrast topstitching and amazing two-tone leather for a look that puts a hip spin on an old favorite.
www.bandofoutsiders.com |
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Speaking the Same Language
After some time spent in Manchester a while back, we found
that some habits of the Englishmen stuck with us. Not surprisingly, nothing of the culinary variety. But we found that they rightfully swear by King of Shaves products.
From shave oils and moisturizers to brilliant (and unnoticeable) mattifying products, it's everything to keep your mug in
fightin' form, and even with the flailing of the dollar, very affordable. We were so grateful that we're considering telling them about dentistry.
www.shave.com |
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In Case You Missed It
Ask most men and they'll tell you that the TiVo and HDTVs are among the best inventions in recent years. Unfortunately, a 100-hour capacity DVR dives to a mere 20 when the content is HD. The answer? Try these boxes by weaKnees.
They've had their hard drives replaced with mammoth ones and have even been re-warrantied. Lots of options are available, but we recommend the big boy unit with more than 144 hours of Hi-Def storage at your disposal.
www.weaknees.com |
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Office Jams
We consider an office audio set-up (besides our ear buds) a must. And we desire something that sounds exceptional at lower volume but more unique and stylish than a Bose Wave. For one with true verve, seek the Tivoli Model One.
A creation of legendary audio designer Henry Kloss, the TMO is a stellar example of classic meets contemporary. Available in white or maple (we prefer the latter), it's priced right, and just waiting for your iPod.
www.canoeonline.net |
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Hip Happenings: |
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Wine Down
The lovely staff at Hair M will be hosting a fun holiday party at this swanky "spa for men." Enjoy an array of Northwest wines from great outfits like Oak Knoll and Jacob Smith, meet some fun people, and enjoy complimentary services for the first hour (like chair massages, hand massages and neck trims).
What: Uncorked Holiday Party at HairM
When: Tuesday, Dec. 16, 7:30 pm
Where: 818 SW 1st Ave.
Cost: $15
Call: 503.226.6066
Visit: www.hairmgrooming.com |
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Epic Specials at Fierce Fitness Kickboxing
Fierce Fitness Kickboxing blasts the fat and saves the holidays! Intense workouts will get you into incredible shape—and improve your health. Save 50% off their 12-week "Commit to be Fit" program (starts in January), get unlimited Fitness Kickboxing in December, and save 50% off their "Fit Bucks" gift certificates (great gifts!) until Dec. 25.
What: Holiday Specials at Fierce Fitness Kickboxing
When: Specials valid Dec.15–31
Where: 4356 SW Multnomah Blvd.
Call: 503.245.9500
Visit: www.fiercefitness.com |
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Do it in Style
Want to blow her mind for New Year’s Eve? (We all know you fell asleep on the sofa last year.) Make reservations to spend Dec. 31 at the uber-classy Lucier. Don your snazziest duds and enjoy an evening to remember. Their New Year's Eve party is all-inclusive with hors d'oeuvres, specialty cocktails, champagne, live music and a DJ!
What: New Years Eve Party at Lucier
Where: 1910 SW River Drive
Call: 503.222.7300
Cost: $100 in advance; $125 at the door
Visit: www.lucier-portland.com |
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How's About Some Salumi?
Not salami—salumi—made by chef Mario Batali's dad, Armandino, and sister Gina. Armandino studied for years in Italy and perfected the art of salumi, and his always-busy storefront in Seattle is testament to his skills. Meet him in person at Zupan's and taste his salumi (artisan-cured meats). He's got great stories, and packs a mean sausage.
What: Salumi tasting with Armandino and Gina Batali
When: 11 am–2 pm, Burnside Zupan's;
3 pm–6 pm, Belmont Zupan's
Where: 2340 W. Burnside; 3301 SE Belmont
Visit: www.zupans.com |
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12 Days of Xmas at Haberdashers
Starting today, Haberdashers is having a 12-day sale at their new Lake Oswego location with different deals every day! Even better, it's in conjunction with neighboring women's-apparel fave Grapevine (so you can shop for her, too). Plus, they'll both be hosting a Buy 1 Get Half Off open house tomorrow.
What: Sale at Haberdashers' three locations (Buy 1 Event,
Lake Oswego only)
When: Today–Dec. 23
Where: 310 N. State St., Lake Oswego
Visit: www.shophaberdashers.com and www.grapevinestyle.com |
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