Teenage Kicks
 
Clothing doesn’t just change how people perceive us, it influences our perception of self. In our mind, a man doesn’t put on nice shoes, he transports himself into a class system where people wear nice shoes and enjoy smooth jazz. Of course, this logic is ridiculous; no one actually enjoys smooth jazz. The point though, is that sometimes nothing can make us feel like we’ve got the world up our ass quite like rocking an “I’ve Got the World Up My Ass” T -shirt.
 
If you’re looking to make a statement, Naked City on Hawthorne will have you standing as proud as a middle finger. Just like punk used to be, they make no apologies for their simple, straight-ahead approach: They are about bold, subversive prints on (mostly) black fabric or shiny metal. More an accessories store, you won’t put an outfit together here, but maybe that’s the point. Their playful selection of buckles, belts, shirts and scarves will help you tie your current look together with an extra touch of attitude.
 
If your clothing can’t be fun, how are people supposed to know that you are?
 
Naked City
3730 SE Hawthorne Blvd.
Portland, OR 97214
503.239.3837

A Load of Bunk
 
There’s a myth going around that diner food is delicious. We like the idea that there’s honest, hardworking blue-collar food for honest, hardworking blue-collar folks. But let’s face facts here—most of that stuff tastes like road-kill.
 
Fortunately, there’s Bunk Sandwiches. For folks who enjoy their dining establishments dingy and dilapidated, their menus displayed on a giant chalkboard, and their seating so close to the cooks you can smell their sweat, this place is just like those fabled diners of road-trip fame except, ya know, the food is freaking delicious. Though the menu is ever-changing, a few staple sandwiches that shouldn’t be missed are the Meatball Parmigiano Hero (with hearty tomato sauce, crusty bread, melted cheese and juicy, well-seasoned meatballs), the Roast Beef (with crispy onions and horseradish), and the tongue-burning Italian Cured Meats (with Provolone Piccante and hot peppers).
 
For the adventurous, try putting tripe, tongue, or bone marrow (w/snails!) between two slices of bread. And don’t forget quirky sides like bacon-drenched potato salad or sausage stuffing. Suffice it to say, it’s not your traditional diner food… and that’s a good thing.
 
Bunk Sandwiches
621 SE Morrison St.
Portland, OR 97214
503.477.9515
www.bunksandwiches.com

Hopalong to Cassidy’s
 
It’s the rare treat to find a bar open after midnight in this town, let alone one serving full meals until 2 a.m. But one of Portland’s best-kept secrets has been doing it for years.
 
Cassidy’s has one of the more extensive happy hour menus in Portland, running every day from 4–6 p.m. and again from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. And unlike most happy hour food joints, the options at Cassidy’s go well beyond fried finger foods. For just $5.75, you can treat yourself to an artery-clogging meal of chicken-fried pork belly, poached egg and cheese grits, barbecued octopus with roast potatoes, a marinated chicken sandwich with house-cured bacon and provolone, flatbread pizza with sausage, or… you get the idea. They even offer complimentary bread and butter with your meal.
 
Drinks-wise, Cassidy’s has a surprisingly comprehensive beer selection that includes eight draft beers, the majority hailing from premium local microbreweries like Ninkasi, Double Mountain, and Amnesia, and a list of around twenty bottles including several good German and Belgian options. Great food, great beer, great prices, and open until 2 a.m. every day? ‘Nuff said!
 
Cassidy’s
1331 SW Washington St.
Portland, OR 97205
503.223.0054
www.cassidysrestaurant.com

Photo courtesy of  www.funkyboutique.com.

Watch It

Here's the thing with novelty watches: the novelty usually wears off pretty quickly. It is rare that watchmakers try for something new and edgy and retain some semblance of taste. In fact, most of our watches are wind-ups from the 40's.
 
Increasingly, however, there are wardrobe choices and occasions when a little new-school will suit you best. We like most of the selection from Alessi. You'll find their sturdy, bold designs at prices that'll let you choose a few.
 
Alessi Watches

Tri This Stuff

For all you swimmers and tri-athletes out there, we’ve found a godsend. We first ran into Triswim products at our local pool, where once again we were off to a shower that would ultimately do little to wash that chlorine smell off.
 
Their line of body wash, shampoo, conditioner and lotion does away with the smell and the nasty effects. They’ve also introduced TRISLIDE, a spray-on lubricant that gives increased comfort while training and racing in all three events.
 
www.tri-swim.com

That 70’s Show

The IGL JET was the 70’s desk. A monumental triumph in both form and function, the remaining models of this iconic piece of furniture were fetching obscene amounts of money at auctions over the last decade.

Well, not only have they re-issued the masterpiece, but they’ve done so using a polyurethane mix that is 100% recyclable (though you’ll have this one for the long haul). Of the four colors, we like the aluminum-metallic the best.

www.igl-jet.com

Sustain and Maintain 
 
We are all about sustainable living, so we are all about the Energy Trust Better Living Show. With six lifestyle tents and a bevy of green vendors, you’ll get tips on going green. Learn more about everything from living a green lifestyle to home and garden ideas, clean technologies and conservation.   
 
What: The Better Living Show
When: March 27–29
Where: Portland Expo Center
Admission: Free
Visit: www.betterlivingshow.org

Wine on Down the Road
 
Imagine 14 neighboring wineries located just minutes from Portland. Now go and experience it for yourself.  A full weekend of wine, culinary delights (including dessert) and fun… complete with free tastings of reserve labels, new releases, barrel tastings and more. Wine pioneers, innovative artisans and green leaders are opening their doors to you—amazing! Now find a designated driver.
 
What: North Willamette Wine Trail
When: April 4 & 5, 11 am–4 pm
Where: Just minutes from Portland!
Cost: $35 in advance
Visit: www.NorthWillametteVintners.org