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May 8th, 2009
Dear Single PPFM Reader, Oh, and this comes straight from the girls from the last event: "Don't be so shy this year." |
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Portland Picks for Men: |
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| 1 | Gravitational Pull We here at the PPFM compound have taken to a new ritual lately—if we ever say, "I'm only going to have one drink" in the company of friends, we tack these words onto this statement in our minds: "too many." It's not that we have a problem—but the company of friends and a comfortable atmosphere have a pull greater than our resistance. Lizard Lounge (the first concept store for Horny Toad and Nau clothing lines) is all about the pleasure of hanging out, and they’ve been appealing to all the senses in the hopes that you do. Art, DJs, live music, events, lounging, and clothing all work together in this event-space-cum-clothing boutique. Hardly the aside to their aspirations, though, the clothing is cardinal—the look is sleek, tailored and sophisticated even at its most casual. Beyond Horny Toad and Nau, LL carries 90 or more other designers—including shoes, accessories and hats, so you’ll be sure to find something you can’t live without. Check LL out for their First Thursday events or just drop in and hang around. It’s okay. They like it when you do. Lizard Lounge |
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| 2 | Sly as a Fox We typically prefer to keep our anonymity when drinking in pubs—it’s a self-preservation thing. However, we’re happy to be on a first-name basis when a barkeep not only remembers your name, but also extends a gregarious welcome that keeps you in a glass-half-full kind of mood. Such was our experience at Red Fox, the most recent addition to the Mississippi neighborhood. Red Fox is co-owned by three guys whose roots run deep in the NoPo bar/restaurant scene, which is to say they know their clientele and what brings them back. For us, it’s the spot-on $5 gumbo, $1 cans of Old German and a jukebox full of righteous mid-century Motown that woos us back. Keeping true to Portland’s green credo, the not-so-typical bar menu follows the seasons and errs on the side of fresh and local thanks to the organic produce market next door. When you pop in for the first time, be sure to introduce yourself to Mike. We bet he’ll greet you like an old friend the next time you’re tipping one back at the Fox. Red Fox |
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| 3 | When Hunger Strikes Two in the morning seems late enough for your favorite bar to keep their kitchen open until that fateful night when you, in a drunken stupor, desperate to fill that howling void in your stomach, order something to eat five minutes after the cooks have walked out the back door. Times like these require a trip down to Ford’s on Fifth, where the grill stays hot on weekend nights and the menu actually expands to include three additional breakfast sandwiches. Check out the burgers and steak sandwiches, which use delicious Strawberry Mountain dry-aged beef. Hot dogs, veggie options, and warm and cold subs are also available, and you can order ahead online for pick-up or delivery, if, for some reason, you’re in a hurry at 3 a.m. If that drunken stupor of yours has started straying towards sobriety, order one of Ford’s bottled beers to stave it off a little longer. If you’re the responsible type, there are plenty of non-alcoholic substitutes like sodas, coffees and juices. Whatever you choose, grab an outdoor seat to catch all the late-night Old Town drama unfolding. It’s a good show. Ford’s on Fifth |
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Mandatory Gear: |
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| 1 | Da’ Balm Natural oils to seal in the moisture and repair the damage done is all you really need, and Portland apothecary Willamina includes only the best of these in their men's line that includes both a daytime and nighttime moisturizer as well as an aftershave. |
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| 2 | Andy for President If you’re a “watch guy,” and we’ll admit right here that we certainly are, you know undoubtedly of those times when the rest of your wardrobe is so super-casual that you want to go without. The problem is wondering if anyone is catching you looking at your blank wrist all day. For these occasions you need a fun, damn near disposable-looking timepiece. And why not have one that features Andy Warhol? He’s always a conversation starter. |
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| 3 | Gimme’ Shelter The sun has returned to the Northwest, so we couldn’t leave you without a “must-have hat” recommendation, could we? A brand new line out of Toronto, available at Nordy’s, nobis offers headwear made of recycled materials such as cork and cardboard, making for a not too funky, but stylishly inventive vibe. From the beer drinker to the martini must-haver, nobis gives every summer lover the ability to not only be stylish, but help the environment out, too. |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Single? This Night is Kinda Special It’s time again to round up all of our single PPFM readers and throw ’em to the single ladies who enjoy Portland Picks. The evening benefits the Red Cross, and you could win prizes from Wayne’s Red Hots, HairM, UnderU 4 Men, Nolita, Mamma Mia Trattoria, and The Portland Spirit. Be sure to RSVP, and bring your single buddies—the guy-to-girl ratio is usually pretty generous. What: PPFM Singles Night |
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| 2 | Catlin Gabel Home Tour We love seeing how the neighbors live. Get a peek inside by touring four beautiful Catlin Gabel family homes, representing a range of architectural styles and interior design, all updated with stunning detail and the amenities of modern family life. Tickets are $25, and proceeds benefit Catlin Gabel students, teachers and programs. These homes will inspire you! |
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| 3 | Enjoy Dinner on the Vine Treat yourself to an elegant Sunday supper at the stunning Zenith Vineyards estate and support an important local nonprofit. “Dinner on the Vine” brings together a local menu, Oregon wines, and area chocolatiers to celebrate ChristieCare’s 150th anniversary. ChristieCare is a nonprofit that provides mental health solutions for Oregon’s children and families. Click here for more details. What: Dinner on the Vine |
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We weren’t kidding about the singles event—the last two have been a blast, we can report some actual love connections, and it benefits a good cause. Even if you’re not a Lone Wolf yourself, do your single friends a favor and let them know about it. |
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