Local and Aesthetic
 
It’s a common misconception that “Hangin’ on the Telephone” was written by Blondie sometime in 1978. Truth is, that gem was a cover of the original, punkier version done by the Nerves in 1977. A lot of misconceptions are like that—fairly benign incidents where there is no real victim. They can be funny, too—like the way our girlfriends are convinced that we purposely try to annoy them, while we know that being annoying comes to us as naturally as peeing sitting down comes to them.
 
So, in case you missed it: Local 35 on Hawthorne does not carry only local designers! Nor is it a Union. To the contrary, L35 carries designers from anywhere that has great designers; and the prices are fair (unlike how Union dues can be). The current looks are definitely casual, and possess just the right amount of “pop” (like the Nerves), so the looks are interesting without being garish, and hip without making a big deal of it.
 
Like many of their contemporaries, L35 hosts art openings and other events, so you know their doors are open to all and definitely not “Locals Only.”
 
Local 35
3556 SE Hawthorne Blvd
Portland, OR 97214
503.963.8200
www.local35.blogspot.com

Leave It To ’Riva
 
There are a number of great things about the South Waterfront: great views of the Willamette, excellent upscale restaurants, and maybe best of all, it’s rarely crowded. Because fewer crowds translate to spontaneous dining and drinking sans reservation and bargain deals at places you couldn’t normally afford.
 
Aquariva is the perfect example. A sleek bi-level restaurant and bar with giant floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Willamette, outdoor seating, cherry tone wood tables, and red soft-stuffed love seats, Aquariva is an ideal place to bring a dinner date or to drop in for afternoon or late-night happy hour. Delicious gourmet small plates like veal, bacon and parmesan-stuffed mushrooms, shrimp and cod fritters, or manila clams in a garlic broth with sausage are only $4–$5 from 2:30–6:30 and again from 9:30–close every night.
 
A solid list of beers are only $4 and five wines are just $5 a glass. Specialty cocktails run a little higher, but there’s no skimping on the quality liquor. A refreshing White Lady with Aviation Gin, triple sec, and fresh lime juice goes great with the view and the sunlight.

Aquariva
470 SW Hamilton Court
Portland, OR 97239
503.802.5850
www.aquarivaportland.com

Fine Diner

Diner + Restaurant = Wow. That's pretty much the take on Portland’s first ever “Dinerant,” The Original. Brought to you by the same folks who just opened the modern steakhouse, Urban Farmer, and perhaps the most buzzed-about (and busy) sky-high Pan-Asian restaurant in town: Departure.

As with those two, The Original is, well, original. This is their vision of a roadside "modern diner." The first floor, with its brown booths and sleek urban lines, looks like a set from "Mad Men." You expect businessmen sitting there mulling over stock prices as they slurp their coffee. The second floor is a bit more space-agey and swank with its hanging “orb” fireplace and groovy felt wallpaper. (Wait until you see where they put the DJ booth!) And as for the food? It has to be one of the quirkiest menus ever concocted. Not only does it have diner faves like meatloaf and chicken pot pie, but also a “flight of hot dogs,” duck-n-waffles, poached eggs and poutine, fried bologna sammies and the decadent Voodoo Doughnut Burger.

Gawd, Portland really is keeping it weird.

The Original
300 SW 6th St.
Portland, OR 97204
503.546.2666
www.originaldinerant.com

More to love. Photo courtesy of www.pamperedpassions.com

The Man Vacuum
 
Vacuums will forever (for better or worse) be attached to womanhood. But the fact remains—we men are messy; If you’re a bachelor there are small messes that need attention, and for us married men, we need an immediate remedy for slight spills before the warden sees ’em.

In the best Tim Allen/”Home Improvement” tradition comes the Black and Decker 15.6 Volt (which is a lot) Dust Buster. Not your father’s Duster… this one has his Buick engine in it.

Black and Decker Dust Buster

Start Me Up

Things a man should have include such sundries as cash, passport, and condoms (unless you’re married). And we can’t leave out the jumper cables. It serves as both a way to help your fellow man in need, as well as helping the occasional woman in need. Perhaps one on a hot summer day in short shorts.

But, a man also needs to be self-reliant, so we recommend having the 300 Amp Jump Starter from Stanley. Because no man waits for a jump.

Amp Jump Starter

Combat Fatigue

By now, you all know the importance of a daily SPF. Without it, you are doomed to look like Robert Redford. It's either that or get a dozen facelifts like Michael Douglas whose face, at this point, looks like dried iguana pelt stretched over a rock.

"What about the damage that I've already done," you ask? Our pick is the Anti-Wrinkle Cream by Kiehl's. Formulated especially for men, this stuff actually works (and feels great too).

www.kiehls.com

Summer is here, and if your back could pass for a Chia Pet, you need to get some manscaping done! Don't wait til the day before your vacation. The more you wax, the thinner and lighter your hair will grow back. If the 40-year-old virgin has you running scared, know that the sensation is quick, and the more you do it the easier it gets. Did we mentionthat ladies love a smooth back? Book a back wax in June at HairM and save 20%.
 
HairM
New Portland location: 101 SW Main St., 503.517.0570
Beaverton: 3300 SW Hocken Ave., 503.352.0882
www.hairMgrooming.com

West-Side? Get Fit with (a) Twist

Twist Sport Conditioning has arrived. Their dynamic sports-training programs are a unique way to get fit, using your body. No more falling asleep on cardio machines. So check out these classes in West Linn and Lake Oswego for adults: West Coast Outdoor and Adult Functional Fitness. Summer camps for kids, too!

What: Twist Sport Conditioning Classes
Where: Lake Oswego or West Linn
Call: 503.723.6090
Visit: www.twistportland.com