Rock n’ Roll Animal

Outside of the obvious reasons, we’ve been considering lately that men may like women in see-through clothing so much because it makes us feel a bit like Superman. Know what else makes us feel like Superman? Knowing we could slide across cement at high speed and live to tell about it.

Langlitz Leathers has been providing that security to Portlanders and the world for 62 years. Steeped in as much history as they are the smell of animal hides and leather polish, the craftspeople at Langlitz make quality riding gear that is as fashionable as it is tough. Of course, it’s not all about motorcycles—leather is as much a part of Rock n’ Roll culture as sex, drugs and the humbucking pickup. Langlitz has a time-tested catalogue of jacket (and pant, glove and hat) designs to choose from, or you can have leathers custom-made to your specifications.

Few elements of fashion are as iconic as the leather jacket, and few shops have gained so much notoriety for their dedication to the craft as Langlitz. Super, man.

Langlitz Leathers
2443 SE Division St.
Portland, OR 97202
503.235.0959
www.langlitz.com

Truth, Justa, and the Italian Way
 
At most Italian restaurants, we get the nagging feeling that the pasta dish in front of us is something we could have cooked at home—for a fraction of the cost.
 
We get that feeling at Justa Pasta, too, but that’s only because in addition to providing a comfortable dining experience in their Northwest neighborhood location, they also sell their specialty homemade pastas to-go for the full gourmet-at-home experience. Regardless of where you’re eating it, the difference here is that the pasta is fresh and made in-house daily, and thanks to an ever-rotating specials menu, there are always new varieties to try: artisan lasagnas, raviolis, and myriad forms of noodles join hearty tomato sauces, spices, and meats to provide you with one of the better plates of pasta in Portland.
 
After you experience the quality of Justa’s homemade pastas for yourself, grab a package of your favorite (we recommend the salmon ravioli) for the office or home. Not only will you get to enjoy the convenience and flavor of restaurant-level Italian cooking, you’ll also feel like a genius while everyone else is getting ripped off.
 
Justa Pasta
1326 NW 19th Ave.
Portland, OR 97209
503.229.0646
www.justapasta.com

Holy Mole

In this five-dollar-foot-longed-fourth-meal-whopped-up world of ours, is it too much to ask for fast food that is authentic, and well… fast? Apparently so, that is if you take a look at all the greasy wrappers littering North Lombard Street.

But if you slow down and take a second look at one of the brightest new lights on this busy boulevard, you’ll discover La Superior Restaurant, a taqueria that truly lives up to its mouth-watering moniker. The sweet scent of mole hits you before you even make it through the door. Once in the sun-kissed hotspot the friendly staff will hand you a basket of chips. Salty, crunchy and toasty, you’ll think they just came off the griddle. That goes for the handmade corn tortillas that wrap around meaty slabs of pork, beef, chicken and fish. Oh, the fish is fresh too—no frozen sticks here.

As old school and authentic as it may be, the owners understand our Twittery times. Order anything online and they’ll have it all ready in 10 to 20 minutes. Beat that, Taco Bell.

La Superior Restaurant
2727 N. Lombard St.
Portland, OR 97217
503.283.2851
www.lasuperioronline.com

Photo courtesy of www.3wishes.com.

Hey Shankapotamus…

Every spring, on the first sunny Saturday, we book a weekend tee-time. We don’t even prepare with a trip to the driving range, and as a result, we find ourselves hitting rogue balls that take forever to find.

Meanwhile, the “pros” behind us are creeping up, making us so nervous that we hit an even worse ball. Locate it immediately with these nifty golf glasses that make a white golf ball stick out like a sore slice.

Golf Glasses

Peripheral Vision
 
OCZ Technologies has created two of coolest gaming mice we’ve seen in awhile, and the best part is they’re so affordable you’ll want to get both.
 
The aptly named “Behemoth” is the big boy, but sports a comfy enough design for even the longest sessions. The “Eclipse” is ridiculously affordable, and features on-board memory and user-defined “multi-profiles.” Customize these babies for a true “plug and play” mouse that you can better get your game on with.
 
Gaming Mice

Know a Good Deal When You See It
 
So, we’ll admit that we procure a ton of neat stuff that we need about as much as a hole in the head. But, there is simply that “guy gene” that loves toys well past childhood.
 
We knew there were binoculars that could take digital photos, but we didn’t know they were this inexpensive until we found these by Mr I Spy. Super easy to use (one might say easy enough for a child), and priced under $50, these are a steal.
 
Mr I Spy Binoculars

 
If you have the tax-time blues, pick yourself up with a straight-razor to your throat! Don't worry—you'll live to see another tax season. Go old-school with a Straight Razor Shave at HairM and find out how surprisingly relaxing it can be. Try one now thru May 15 and save $10. (Just mention PPFM.)
 
Shaving at home won't give you near the results, but keep these tricks up your robe sleeve for a close shave:

1) Shave during or after a hot shower to soften the stubble.
2) If you have a tendency to get razor burn, use a pre-shave oil.
3) Use a quality shave cream or gel.
3) Use a sharp razor, Mach-3 or better, and change ’em out often.
4) Shave in the direction of your stubble on the first pass, and then go against the grain for a closer shave.
5) Finish off with a moisturizing balm to soothe the skin (alcohol-free, lads).
 
www.hairmgrooming.com

Bring Mints

Sign up for Singles CPR and meet the girl of your dreams while meeting OSHA requirements! Enjoy beer, wine and cookies, and walk away with a free two-week membership to the Portland Mercury's Lovelab personals, desserts from Pix Patisserie and the skills to save a life. 

What: Singles CPR
When: Saturday, Feb. 14, 1–5 pm
Where: American Red Cross, 3131 N. Vancouver Ave.
Visit: www.oregonredcross.org

Taste of the Nation

The 22nd annual Taste of the Nation isn’t just for foodies. Supporting nonprofits like the Oregon Food Bank, it’s a mission to fight childhood hunger. Enjoy tasty items from 50 restaurants, 20 wineries, and five breweries, plus silent auction culinary packages, live jazz and a Mixology station hosted by Mix Magazine.

What: Share Our Strength "Taste of the Nation"
When: Monday, April 27, 6:30 pm (LUXE and VIP tickets earlier)
Where: Luxe Autohaus, 410 NE 17th Ave.
Tickets: Starting at $75
Call: 877.26.TASTE
Visit: www.portlandtaste.org

Tiiiim-berrr

2008 West Division Champions, the Portland LumberJax, wrap up the regular season by hosting the Calgary Roughnecks. It’s “Fan Appreciation Night” and the first 5,000 fans receive a Jax team poster. The team will also be signing autographs on the turf after the game. It’s the most physical sporting event you can attend without going broke.

What: Portland LumberJax v. Calgary Roughnecks
Where: Rose Garden Arena
When: Tonight, 7:30 pm
Cost: Tickets start at $10
Visit: www.PortlandJax.com

Creativity Meets Earth & Fire

Don’t miss the Oregon Potters Association’s 27th Annual Ceramic Showcase April 24–26. It’s the largest all-clay show in the country and it’s free to attend! Peruse thousands of display and usable art pieces for the home, office or garden, and enjoy activities for the whole family—including educational demonstrations and adult and child clay play areas.

What: Oregon Potters Association’s 27th Annual
Ceramic Showcase
When: April 24–26
Where: Oregon Convention Center
Admission: Free
Visit: www.ceramicshowcase.com

Save the Planet (and Some Money)

Celebrate Earth Day with Columbia Sportswear tomorrow and receive 20% off all merchandise when you sign up for their free Columbia Greater Rewards Loyalty Program. Meet Rachel Scdoris, who just completed the 1,200-mile Iditarod sled dog race, at the Columbia Flagship store in Downtown Portland. That’ll inspire you to get back to the Greater Outdoors.

What: Earth Day Celebration/20% off everything at Flagship and Airport locations only
Where: 911 SW Broadway, and 7000 NE Airport Way
When: All day Saturday (Meet ‘n Greet 11-1 pm)
Visit: www.kink.fm/Earth-Day-Celebration/3974294