These Colors Don’t Run

The T-shirt is an American institution—as American as apple pie, baseball and Jerry Springer.  Sported by the likes of Brando and Dean, it’s become part of the cultural canon.  It’s understated and casual, and at times, refined.  And it looks a hell of a lot better adorned with handcrafted designs made right here in P-Town.

That last part is what the folks over at Destroy do best.  Owner Adam Brush references pop culture, politics and even the Blazers to create fun, original designs for all his T-shirts, hoodies and more.  Add to that unique collection other indie-produced items like camo jackets from UK label Addict and a few impressive leather bags from Onela, and you have a one-stop shop for some sharp-looking street wear.  While you’re there, check out the latest showcase of local artwork for your occasional dose of culture.

Wearing one of these original tees might not be patriotic, but it will be supporting local artists and designers.  And like cornbread, ain’t nothin’ wrong with that.

Mention PPFM for 20% off through Sunday.

The Destroy Store
1712 E Burnside
Portland, OR 97214
503.236.7339
www.destroystore.com

Lone Star State of Mind
 
We hail from the Southwest, and because we’re not fans of melanoma or strip malls, we are now confirmed Nor’ Westers. There remains, however, a thing or two we miss, like food and drink.
 
So we were excited to hear that the Northwest’s finest purveyors of tequila, Casa del Matador, opened a new location on East Burnside. This perfectly lit space catches the Southwestern vibe pretty well. Picture the bar where everything went down in “From Dusk ’til Dawn,” take away the vampires, add a couple of HD TVs (with a Rockets/Mavericks match-up on during our visit… we kid you not!), and you’ll have it. Of course, atmosphere is nothing without the proper food and cocktails, and like a Matador himself, these guys suffer no bull. Great specialty cocktails, more tequilas than you could shake a red cape at, and Tex Mex with a spin, make it every bit as nice as their “Twenty Third” location.
 
Hell, throw in a better parking situation and the great vibe on East Burn, and you might say its better.
 
Casa del Matador
2424 E. Burnside St.
Portland, OR 97214
503.719.5757
www.matadorrestaurants.com

We’re Thinkin’ Lincoln

So many Portland restaurants serve gourmet American cuisine that even the decent ones begin to run together in our minds. So we certainly weren’t expecting to be blown away during a trip to N. Williams.
 
But Lincoln, complete with former Wildwood chef and caterer Jenn Louis, has something to do with it. She’s crafted a menu that looks familiar enough with simple meat dishes and vegetable sides and a similarly innocuous presentation. But meals whose rich flavors and subtle seasonings are all but invisible to the naked eye announce themselves quite forcefully on the tongue. A bite into the roasted half-chicken reveals a near-simultaneous contrast between the crackly skin and the incredibly moist juiciness of the meat within. Equally savory dishes include the lamb rib chop with polenta and onions, porcini-rubbed Pacific Cod, and hanger steak with blue cheese butter and onion rings.
 
Drinkers are also in for a treat with cocktails like the Don Draper, a mix of bourbon, orange, brown sugar and bitters. And who needs dessert when you’ve got Hot Buttered Rum with cinnamon, nutmeg and whipped cream?
 
Lincoln Restaurant
3808 N. Williams Ave.
Portland, OR 97227
503.288.6200
www.lincolnpdx.com

Photo courtesy of www.janesvanity.com.

From Q To You

We’ve been waiting for James Bond-style gadgets to reach the market for a long time now. Unfortunately, our ski jackets still doesn’t inflate into a protective ball, our shoes don’t contain retractable daggers, and we still can’t seem to find a hand-held, air-supply mouthpiece for spontaneous underwater exploration.

Enter this micro color video camera/wristwatch. With 2GB of memory and a 352 x 288 pixel resolution, you’ll be one step closer to Her Majesty’s Secret Service.

Video Camera Wristwatch

WiFi When You Want To

With the abundance of WiFi hotspots throughout the city, country—and the world—we are now more connected then ever. The problem, though, is finding a strong signal quickly enough so you don’t have to stumble around holding your laptop awkwardly above your head.

Now, you can simply saunter around with the WiFi Detector Pen to get the best lay of the land. Additional benefit—this pen can be used as a pen. Genius.  

WiFi Detector Pen

Bank Safely

Perhaps you lost big by investing with Bernard Madoff, put away your savings at Stanford Bank, or just consider your swear jar to be your most promising asset. If this is you, or you just happen to like low-tech gadgets, we have something of interest.

Inconspicuous (unless you own zero books), and made of wood with a cloth binding, this safe has a coin slot and removable top for quick withdrawals.  

Piggy Bank Book

Movin’

To celebrate the Monday move to their new downtown location, HairM is rewarding referrals handsomely for the month of March. Refer any two friends and get a free King’s Cut. Be the gent with the most referrals and receive a complimentary King’s Club membership, worth 10 King’s Cuts.

What: HairM’s Moving Special
Where: 101 SW Main (Right off the Hawthorne Bridge)
When: March
Visit: www.HairmGrooming.com

Boutiques Unleashed
 
It’s time for another fun and functional runway show to benefit DoveLewis—Boutiques Unleashed. If you haven’t been, it’s a blast. Local celebs walk pets down the runway, and you get to check out the latest styles as you enjoy hosted hors d’ouevres and select cocktails, and bid on auction items. Don’t forget to wear something dapper.
 
What: Boutiques Unleashed 2009
When: Friday, March 13, 6:30 pm
Where: Wonder Ballroom
Visit: www.boutiquesunleashed.com

Spring Break at Sunriver Resort
 
Want a spring break to remember without the travel hassle? Need a family friendly vacation? Sunriver Resort has the Spring break package for you! Breakfast for two and free breakfast for kids. Four Mt. Bachelor tube park tickets (2-hour session) and complimentary round-trip shuttle, plus a family winter fun basket. Starting at just $269/night!
 
What: Spring Break at Sunriver Resort
When: March 9–April 5, 2-night minimum
Call: 800.354.1632 
Book your package: www.reservations.synxis.com

Attention Weekend Warriors

Weekend Brunch at the Heathman Restaurant will make even the laziest (or most hungover) among us roll out of bed. As of tomorrow, the already excellent brunch menu has been redesigned with new highlights, including homemade pastries, mix and match vodka with fresh-squeezed juices, bacon salmon, and Portuguese sweet bread French toast. We'll see you there.

What: New Brunch Menu at the Heathman
When: Saturdays and Sundays, 9 am to 2 pm
Where: 1001 SW Broadway (Inside the Heathman Hotel)
Call: 503.790.7752
Visit: www.portland.heathmanhotel.com