Spiral Architects
 
If your body is a temple and your eyes are the windows to your soul, then it stands to reason that your clothing can equate to anything between velvet drapes and a blanket held up with tacks. As architects of our own fortune, it is essential to consider the materials we use when creating our image. How can you expect a woman kneel at your altar if you can't make her weak in the knees?
 
What strikes us about Dress Code is that they know something about materials. Their stock extends from casual (even edgy) to upscale styles bound cohesively together with tastefully utilized textures, fabric processes, and details. The overriding theme leans to an urban man's needs, and their small but select assortment of accessories attests to that; including a popular selection of laptop-ready bags that are as utilitarian as they are handsome.
 
Dress Code is the exclusive Portland outlet for a number of their primarily Italian and American designers, so come in soon for unique spring fashions arriving weekly. Fall selections are 30% to 50% off until they're gone. Say Hallelujah!
 
Dress Code
216 NW 13th Ave.
Portland, OR 97209
971.544.0902
www.dresscodemensclothing.com

Gone Fishin'
 
We once knew this English guy who insisted the U.K. did everything better than America. When challenged with evidence to the contrary, he'd amend his claim from "everything" to "everything that mattered," namely candy bars, television sitcoms, and fried food.
 
As much as we hate to agree with that Limey bastard, The Fish and Chip Shop on NE Killingsworth has proven that the English certainly know their way around a fryer. The Shop is owned by an honest-to-goodness Englishman who prepares the fish in the traditional way by frying it up in animal fat and coasting it in a thin, crispy shell that protects the juicy, soft meat inside. Selection-wise, you can choose between five different kinds of fish, including Cod, Haddock, and Halibut, or settle for shrimp, sausage, or chicken instead. Quirky side dishes include scotch eggs and mushy peas.
 
Pair the meal with any of the English sodas available while the Shop awaits its liquor license. The soda "Tizer" is especially tasty, and far fruitier and less carbonated than anything you'd find in America, which is another way of saying—through clenched teeth, mind you—that it's… superior.
 
The Fish & Chip Shop
1218 N. Killingsworth St.
Portland, OR 97217
503.232.3344
www.thefishandchipshop.com

The Match Strikes Back
 
We love Happy Hour, but are disenchanted with places offering watered-down well drinks, discount on the crappiest tap handle, and serve mini-portions of the cheapest appetizers.
 
Matchbox Lounge’ll make you “happy” again. Everything on the H.H. menu is just $5, and quality hasn't been sacrificed. The drink menu offers classic cocktails like the Whisky Sour, Manhattan, and Margarita with liquors whose names you'll actually recognize, and the food is just as impressive, with dinner-sized portions of items like Pork Chile Verde Quesadillas, Strawberry Mountain Cheeseburgers, and Pesto Chicken Sandwiches. Even if you roll in late, the expanded menu offers plenty of bang for your buck and the specialty cocktails are worth paying a little extra.
 
But the Matchbox isn't just cheap deals on good food and drink. Small, clean, and dimly lit, it's also a laid-back neighborhood nook on SE Division that attracts an eclectic bunch of musicians, artists, and scenesters hoping to catch the occasional live acoustic set from a local band. Come for the deals, stick around for the crowd.
 
Matchbox Lounge
3203 SE Division St.
Portland, OR 97202
503.234.7844
www.matchboxlounge.com

Photo courtesy of www.liberator.com.

Sundown Be Damned
 
Spring marks the beginning of yard care. The problem is that between our location being so far north, and that pesky daylight-savings time, we find ourselves home from work (and yes, happy hour) after the sun has set.
 
Enter this handy garden nozzle that is also something of a flashlight. It is ruggedly constructed, and the bulb is an LED variety ensuring that this will last as long as your garden-variety nozzles (pun intended).

Lighted Garden Nozzle

Going Underground
 
Like many Portlanders, we love our fair city, but also find it necessary to visit the Big Apple from time to time. And while we love to save our cab money for the (over) expensive restaurants by using the subway, we hate looking like tourists while we try and navigate.
 
Enter this handy, credit-card-sized subway map. The size makes it genius, the design and detail make it actually useful. Never wind up in Hells Kitchen again!

Credit Card Subway Maps

De La Sol
 
What the hell was that thing in the sky this week? We were just as confused (maybe more) than most folks, until we realized it was the sun. Remember the freakin' sun? Life-giving, tan-facilitating sun. Genius.
 
What's more genius is the Voltaic Generator solar-powered messenger bag. Generates up to 15 watts—enough to charge its battery in five hours and fully power a laptop. Not too mention your cell phone and other gadgets.
 
Voltaic Generator

Yard, Garden & Patio Show

Need some outdoor inspiration? The Yard, Garden & Patio show is themed: “Our Environment. Your Backyard.” Learn new ways to create greener and healthier gardens with the latest trends in sustainability, edible gardens, outdoor living and wildlife attractions. Shop more than 300 exhibitors, and view nine lavish garden displays. Green thumbs await.

What: 22nd Annual Yard, Garden & Patio Show
When: Feb. 27–March 1
Where: The Oregon Convention Center
Call: 800.342.6401
Admission: $11, free for kids 12 and under
Visit: www.ygpshow.com

Party Like it’s 1699

Not ready for the Ball, but still want to get in on the party? Bring the entourage to the After-Party for the Portland Art Museum’s Beaux-Arts Ball. Dress up, dance, drink, and enjoy revelry with lovely ladies. It should be pretty epic. Host bar. All proceeds benefit the Portland Art Museum.

What: Beaux-Arts Ball After-Party
When: Saturday, Feb. 21, 9:30–11:30 pm
Where: Mark Building 1119 SW Park Ave.
Tickets: $50
Call: 503.276.4302
Visit: www.portlandartmuseum.org

Cellar Raid at Andina!

Wine Director Ken Collura has dusted off some bottles in Andina's wine cellar for the first Cellar Raid Dinner. Enjoy a communal dining event with large platters of tapas, including fish, veggies, and meats. More than 30 wines will be poured, mostly from a diverse selection of Northwest, European and Southern Hemisphere vintages.

What: Cellar Raid Dinner at Andina
When: Monday, March 9, 6:30 pm
Where: 1314 NW Glisan, in the Tupai Room
Cost: $50 pp + gratuity
Call: 503.228.9535
Visit: www.andinarestaurant.com