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February 6th, 2009

Here it is, gents. A handy guide to giving the women in your life more than just flowers for Valentine’s Day. (Though roses are always appreciated.) We encourage you to get creative this year, and think outside the Hallmark box. (And as always, keep it local.) From exceptional dining experiences to spa treatments, chocolate packages, concerts, girly accessories and even a workout class, choose just one idea from this list and she’ll think you’ve been planning her present for months!

Portland Picks for Men's Valentine's Day Gift Guide:

  1. Riverview Restaurant
  2. Mabel & Zora
  3. Bonneville Resort
  4. Zenana Spa
  5. Portland Art Museum
  6. Emerge Medical Spa
  7. Bambootique
  1. Hotel deLuxe
  2. Truffle
  3. McCormick & Schmick’s
  4. Michael Allen Harrison
  5. Wonder Woman Workout
  6. Moonstruck Chocolate Cafés
  7. Salty’s on the Columbia
       
  1

Take Me to the River

Wow her with majestic vistas at Riverview Restaurant’s "Romance is in the Air" Valentine's Day Dinner on February 14th. Chef Ryan Hampton is planning to prepare a multi-course dinner with all of his specialties, complemented by an assortment of international wines. Situated on five beautiful acres and only 20 minutes from downtown, the spectacular views and gardens make Riverview one of the most romantic restaurants in Oregon. Complimentary roses and champagne will be provided, and the evening will include live piano music. Reservations required.

www.yoshidariverview.com

       
  2

Safe Waters

Nothing turns a girl on more than a guy who can shop for her. And because it's very easy to go wrong in this department, you need a store that is can't-miss with any lady. Between their selection and staff (describe your girl, they'll point you in the right direction), Mabel & Zora is that store. Sure bets for V-Day include gift sets for Butter London Nail Polish, Voluspa Candles, and cult-fave Hanky Panky Panties (in heart-shaped boxes). Plus: local jewelry in all price ranges.

Mabel & Zora
Alberta Street and the Pearl District
www.MabelandZora.com

       
  3

Nature’s Hot Tub

What could be better than soaking with your sweetheart in pristine mineral hot springs? Enjoying the unparalleled hospitality of Bonneville Hot Springs Resort & Spa while you’re at it. Situated amidst the sublime scenery and towering cascade waterfalls of the Columbia River Gorge, this breathtaking hotel possesses the beautiful aesthetic of a 19th century lodge. Only 35 minutes from PDX,  it not only offers the rejuvenating properties of the hot springs, but all of the romance that only a woodland lodge can provide.

www.bonnevilleresort.com

       
  4

Do Something Extra Special 

This Valentine's Day, go beyond the same old box of chocolates. Zenana Spa and Wellness Center will dip her in chocolate from head to toe! The chocolate package includes a full-body chocolate Truffle Body Wrap, a sweet little pedicure with Pomegranate Scrub and more of the wrap to soften and wake up her feet, Chocolate Mousse Hydration Masque, and a chocolate bon-bon for the road. Or opt to do something extra special with your sweetie this year with their couple's massage package. Imagine sipping sparkling wine and eating bon-bons while blissing out.   

Dipped in Chocolate Package: 
$200, 3.5 hours (shower included) 
Two of Hearts Couples Massage: 
Choose from $180/couple for 60 minutes,
$250/couple for 90 minutes
www.zenana-spa.com

       
  5

Go Highbrow

It's Valentine's Day, what do you do? Send flowers? Text "I LUV U"? Discover how one love story redefined art. Bring your sweetheart to the Portland Art Museum and experience La volupté du goût: French Painting in the Age of Madame de Pompadour. Madame Pompadour commissioned some of the most sumptuous and sensual paintings of all time, so heat up your Valentine's celebration with a visit to this international exhibition of love. Portland Art Museum is open February 14, 10 am–5 pm. Exhibition runs through May 17. 

www.portlandartmuseum.org

       
  6

Lash Out with Love 
 
Trust us, she wants this. Emerge Medical Spa is offering their Luscious Lashes Eye Package for 50% off (only $220). All the rage right now, Emerge’s is a three-pronged approach: Aluma Treatment, which stimulates production of new collagen, plumping skin around the eye and giving it a youthful appearance; VIVITÉ® Revitalizing Eye Cream, formulated to help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and dark circles around the eye; and Latisse™, an FDA-approved Lash Treatment… because great eyelashes don't happen overnight. All to be beautifully wrapped. 

Emerge Medical Spa
Bridgeport Village
503.802.7546
www.EmergeMedicalSpas.com

       
  7

When It’s Also the Thought That Counts

Next to diamonds, nothing scores points with a lady like a gent who appreciates things like fair trade and protecting the planet. So check out Bambootique. Their impressive line of purses, jewelry, candles, scarves, chocolate, handmade paper and skincare products are not only fair trade and eco-friendly, but they’re made by women in the developing world, so you’ll be scoring even more points with one of their Valentine’s Gift sets. Free shipping on all orders over $25 for PPFM customers! Enter: portlandpicks at checkout.

www.shopbambootique.com

       
  8

All You Need is Love…
 
At the Hollywood-film inspired Hotel deLuxe, they believe a little chocolate helps with their "My Chocolate Valentine" package, starting at $223. It includes glamorous overnight accommodations, a box of Double Chocolate Chews, a Rose Bouquet, and a bottle of Oregon Pinot Noir upon arrival. Continue to indulge with a gift certificate to Cacao—another Portland favorite—for delicious yet elegant sipping chocolate which will perfectly prepare you for the included delectable meal at Gracie's Restaurant. After all that, jump-start the next morning with Stumptown Mochas.

www.hoteldeluxe.com

       
  9

What A Way to Say “I Love You”

Truffle offers the best in handcrafted, locally made chocolates and confections, only using fresh ingredients and never, ever any preservatives. Give twice with V-Day gift boxes for the Third Annual "Share the Love" campaign, with 30% of sales benefiting NoPo's Children's Relief Nursery. They're also partnering with Liquidgratitude.com to offer a beautiful gift including a bottle of Spellbound Cabernet and a wine glass filled with Champagne Truffles and Passionfruit Hearts ($32.99 plus shipping). Details and ordering at www.liquidgratitude.com.

Truffle
503.913.5055
www.portlandtruffle.com

       
  10

Versatile Valentine
 
Taking her to a Portland institution for some surf & turf lets her know you kick it old-school and appreciate the classics. That's why we recommend McCormick & Schmick's V-Day Special. The unforgettable steak and stuffed lobster with soup or salad is topped off with their signature chocolate dessert. And because you might be celebrating on an alternative night or the evening might take you anywhere, the special runs from today through the 15th at all four metro locations. Enjoy!
 
www.mccormickandschmicks.com

       
  11

Love Songs to Set the Mood
 
For tunes to make her swoon, check out Michael Allen Harrison's Valentine Concert series. Amidst the intimate setting of The Old Church, the series has come to be known as one of the most romantic Valentine's experiences for Portland lovers, and now includes great hotel packages. Michael sets the tone with his heartfelt compositions on the piano and includes some of Portland's top talent. This year he'll preview his up and coming Tango CD called "Kiss Me With Chocolate" and songs from his Gershwin CD.

Michael Allen Harrison's Valentine Concert Series
SW 11th Avenue and Clay
Feb. 13,  8 pm; Feb. 14,  5 pm and 8 pm; 
Feb. 15: Special Guest Julianne Johnson,
CD Release Party 7 pm
www.ticketswest.rdln.com

       
  12

Show Her She's Your Wonder Woman  

Get your sporty lady a Wonder Woman Workout at Northeast’s Portland Team Fitness. For V-Day only, $75 gets her an all-women’s small group training (a $120 value) that she can bring three friends to. She will sweat, laugh, enjoy her friends, feel great about herself and have extra room for a romantic dinner that evening with you.  You’ll be the best boyfriend/husband ever as they’ll send her off with a red rose and even make sure she gets a Wonder Woman card that you’ve signed.  

Portland Team Fitness
503.754.8289
alayne@portlandteamfitness.com 
www.portlandteamfitness.com

       
  13

Woo Her with Chocolate
 

Renowned Moonstruck Chocolatier will be offering limited-edition products this Valentine's Day. Exclusively available in Moonstruck Chocolate Cafés, Master Chocolatier Julian Rose has personally created some truly memorable edibles. Delicately drizzled ribbons of dark chocolate were used to hand-form the (only 150) Dark Chocolate Lace Heart Boxes that can be filled with delicious truffles for an extraordinary Valentine's Day treat. Or try the equally impressive Petite Dark Chocolate Heart Box—of which only 300 were created— filled with Moonstruck's new Truffettes Vanille.

Moonstruck Chocolate Cafés
Five Metro Locations
www.moonstruckchocolate.com

       
  14

Sea of Love
 
View? Check. Piano? Check. Superior seafood? Check. Salty's on the Columbia will celebrate Valentine's Day with a weekend three-course prix fixe menu on both Friday the 13th and Saturday the 14th. Impress your sweetheart with the river view, memorable service and live jazz. Choose from smoked salmon and sweet potato croquettes, a caviar trio with chive crème fraiche, lobster ravioli with roasted tomato fondue, champagne tarragon marinated prawns, Alaskan king crab, vanilla salt crusted sea bass… and more. Set the table for romance!
 
Salty’s on the Columbia
503.288.4444
www.saltys.com

       
 

Well, there it is...our idiot-proof list. Now go close the deal, Tiger.

       
 
 

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