Hollywood Killer
 
There are a lot of people out there striving to be Number One, but we at PPFM like to consider those times when it’s better to have come in second—like being the guy right behind the guy who discovered quicksand or the riptide. We mention this because many clothing stores cater to new fashions while there’s still tons to be said for second-hand clothes—these fashions have had time to gain relevance, offer us a reference point with which to express our attitudes, and if you buy something ridiculous from a vintage store, it’s probably on purpose.
 
Enter Hollywood Vintage: Number One for men’s second-hand clothes for men. Not only does Hollywood vintage cater exclusively (yes, exclusively!) to men’s vintage, there’s tons of it here. The styles are separated into categories (and eras, when necessary) so you can easily move between 50’s preppy sweaters and 70’s playboy loungewear.
 
HV also has a small section dedicated to costuming, so check them out before your next themed party. Don’t go in a hurry though, because like quicksand or a riptide, HV’s huge selection will suck you in.
 
Hollywood Vintage
2800 NE Sandy Blvd.
Portland, OR 97232
503.233.1890
www.HollywoodVintage.com

Boys and Grills
 
The sun’s out, the sky’s blue, the temperature’s above 70; it’s time for barbecue. Just one problem: whenever you try to grill up anything, it just turns out “okay.”
 
Best keep the grill packed up a little longer and head over to Slabtown Ribs and Barbeque on NW Vaughn. These folks know their way around a piece of meat, whether it’s beef brisket, German sausage, ribs, chicken or pulled pork. This is meat cooked so that it falls right off the bone without resorting to a knife, and it’s so juicy, smoky, and lip-smacking delicious when covered in your favorite spicy sauce that you’re going to have trouble retaining any kind of table manners the moment you lay your eyes on a whole plate of it.
 
And unlike some places we could mention, the side dishes aren’t an afterthought here. Large helpings of southern-style baked beans, collard greens, coleslaw, mac and cheese and potato salad and candied yams provide welcome flavor contrasts from all that heavy meat. As you wash it down with a bottle of Louisiana Abita beer, just remember who saved you from slaving over a hot grill.
 
Slabtown Ribs and Barbeque
2606 NW Vaughn St.
Portland, OR 97210
503.227.2903
www.slabtownribsandbbq.com

Room To Zoom

Everyone is talking about Departure, the new Pan-Asian eatery flying high atop The Nines Hotel. And they should. It's the coolest place in town.

It's not so much a restaurant as it is a Skylab-designed space ship that serves cool cocktails and haute street food. With right angles, sharp turns, mirrors and “OMG! What is that?” the interior is a bit like Star Wars’ “Cloud City” meets Clockwork Orange (at least in the men’s room) meets Battlestar Galactica. But don’t be intimidated by its intriguing interior. It’s supposed to be laid-back, and wearing a T-shirt and jeans is the way to go here, especially on the relaxing outside decks, of which there are two. Filled with comfy furniture, they offer the best views in town. If the people working here look familiar, that's because they are. Departure is stocked with the hottest bartenders/wait-staff/hosts/kitchen from various local hotspots.

And stargazing can happen right next to you (Harrison Ford, Michael Jordan, k.d. lang) not just from one of its breathtaking viewpoints. Of course, such a space is on everyone’s short list. Reservations are a must.

Departure Restaurant + Lounge
525 SW Morrison St.
Portland, OR 97204
503.802.5370
www.departureportland.com

Photo courtesy of Pampered Passions.

Smokin'

The heat last week got us gearing up for summer, and nothing satisfies a summer hunger quite like a good old-fashioned barbecue. That's why we picked up a Traeger grill.

The genius of this grill is that it burns wood pellets electrically, so you don't have to spend hours fanning flames or risk burning your eyebrows off. And this lightweight baby is not only a grill, it's a smoker. Top that!

www.traegergrills.com

Speak to Me

With the weather turning nice, we want to be outdoors and on the move while listening to our favorite tunes. For this, these Muji cardboard speakers are perfect.

They're lightweight and collapsible, which makes them completely portable. Also, they're environmentally friendly, so we can help ensure that the outdoors we love so much will still be around. The fact that they cost less, look dope, and sound good are just icing on the cake. Rock on.

Cardboard Speakers

Smell Cancer-Free

One only need to look outside popular watering holes in Portland since New Year’s Day to see that the stigma attached to smokers is as thick as, well, a cloud of smoke.
At least we can reenter our favorite establishments with no trace of our habit.

Gone Smoke’s array of products are can be sprayed on clothes, directly on hair… wherever. All without leaving a weird smell of its own. It’s even useful for getting rid of other smoke odors (see BBQ above).
 
www.gonesmoke.com

Play in Seattle
 
Get fun freebies at the Hotel Vintage Park, Hotel Monaco and Alexis Hotel. The “Summer Playcation” package includes a complimentary wine/sangria hour and “Game On” with Wii or Xbox games, plus in-room freebies (wi-fi, yoga, fitness center, movie and popcorn, coffee). With a $25 food/beverage credit to their bars and restaurants, will you ever leave?
 
What: “Summer Playcation”
When: Through Labor Day
Where: Hotel Vintage Park, Hotel Monaco and Alexis Hotel
in Seattle
Rates: Starting at just $208 per night
Call: 800-KIMPTON; use the rate code: PLGD
Visit: www.kimptonhotels.com

Check Out a Fashion Show (Yes, We Said it)
 
Okay, gents, cancel previous plans and head to Cha for a fashion show (and margaritas). See the latest menswear designs for spring and summer from Haberdashers. Granted, many of the other fashions will feature women’s wear, but you know what that means—that’s right—ladies galore. Grab dinner and watch the show… did we mention the margaritas?
 
What: Fashion Show with Haberdashers
When: Tonight, May 29, at 7 pm
Where: Cha Taqueria, 305 NW 21st Ave.
Cost: Free!