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June 12th, 2009

Father’s Day is upon us. You will, as always, find some ideas on what to buy him or where to take him in these pages, or in our archives.

When we think back on our childhood, we warmly recall all the advice Dad gave us that we are now passing along to our son; such nuggets of wisdom as:

“Shut the hell up,”“Don’t be such an idiot,” and our favorite (ironically told to us over a free lunch at the family restaurant):“There are no free lunches.”

Yes… these bits of sage advice—while not entirely effective or accurate (we’re still somewhat of an idiot, we rarely shut up, and we’ve since dined on countless free lunches)—were, in retrospect, full of fatherly love. So we’re gonna treat Dad right this year, and if he doesn’t like our present, well… we’re tellin’ Mom!

Want a swell present for Dad right now? Forward this issue to 5 or more friends and CC us at picks@portlandpicksformen.com for your chance to win a gift certificate to UnderU4Men.

       
 

Portland Picks for Men:

 
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Sustained Clothing (Yes... but No)

Isn’t it a bit irritating when a person comments on things that don’t need clarification? Do we really need to hear someone say that “sunsets are beautiful” when we’re looking at one, or that “Sabbath rules” when we’re trying to rock out? Of course, the offender is simply trying to reveal a bit about themselves through their affections, but some things are obviously enjoyable, and better served without distractions. To put it another way: there’s a reason porn doesn’t have subtitles.

On the other hand, we all love to hear about great things when we haven’t experienced them yet. For those who don’t know Rock N’ Rose, an affection for them will reveal a lot about you. They’ve managed to practice sustainability without adding any trappings, creating a fine mix of vintage and new clothing. They even carry local lines, and most importantly, the clothes aren't too cool to be fun.

Check ‘em out in the next week and receive a 20% discount for mentioning PPFM. And if you take someone with you, please forgive them if they let a “this place is sooo awesome” slip out.

Rock N' Rose
616 E Burnside St.
Portland, OR 97214
503.239.3901
www.rocknroseinc.com

       
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Leprechaun 2

New owners at a familiar institution are usually cause for concern. Damned if they change too much, damned if they change too little, it’s a precarious balancing act keeping the spirit of a local favorite while somehow freshening up an old formula.

That’s the challenge new owners Jack and Jim of North 45 fame are facing at the venerable Paddy’s Bar and Grill. They’re off to a good start, gradually updating the menu, giving the place a fresh coat of paint, and replacing some of the liquor bottles from The Wall, a collection of spirits stacked up to the ceiling that consumes the entire back wall of the bar.

But it’s the food where Paddy’s has evolved the most. While the cuisine still encompasses American pub food to the detriment of the bar’s Irish theme, the quality has gone up a notch. Sandwiches like the Blackened Chicken Club are now so massive and chock full of extra ingredients like bacon and avocado that it’s impossible to leave hungry. If these early changes are any indication of the modifications to come, we feel pretty comfortable predicting the new Paddy’s will find itself a pot of gold.

Paddy’s Bar and Grill
65 SW Yamhill St.
Portland, OR 97204
503.224.5626
www.paddys.com

       
  3

Shine On

If "Hermey," the bicuspid-obsessed elf from "Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer" would’ve opened his own dental office, we bet you’d want a cleaning.

Enter Bling Dental: it’s fancy, fun and a little bit funky. Think vintage Las Vegas with a bit of an “Ugly Betty” vibe. Located at the intersection of hip and happening—smack dab in the middle of the Pearl District—Dr. Raymond Frye’s spanking new facility is outfitted with the latest, including "massaging" dental chairs (in stunning shades of silver—they’re likely the only ones in town), embedded flat-screens in the ceiling, and, as the name suggests, loads of "bling." But don’t get the idea that dear Dr. Frye will fill your grill full of gold and silver. This “bling” is less hip-hop and more shop-till-you-drop.

To celebrate the grand opening, they’re throwing a little party tonight from 5:30–8:30 p.m. Tour the super-deluxe space while noshing, nibbling and imbibing and, if you're lucky, you might even win a mega-fancy toothbrush. Special guests include Tara Dublin (who will DJ) and the illustrious Poison Waters. And it’s free!

Bling Dental
926 NW 13th Ave., Suite 150
Portland, OR 97209
888-9BLING9
www.blingdental.com

       
  Gratuitous Photo of the Week:
   

Photo courtesy of www.wickedtemptations.com.
Let’s hit the pool!

 
       
 

Mandatory Gear:

 
  1

Stay on the Sunny Side 

We all love being green, but it can get expensive and it’s difficult to start down that path. If only there was a way to take small steps… 

The first (affordable) step toward energy independence is the Sunforce 60 Watt Solar Charging Kit. Perfect for cabins, RVs, the top of your Volvo, or house, this introductory solar kit introduces you to renewable energy at a fraction of the traditional cost. 

Solar Kit 

       
  2

Protect Those Peepers 

Most men love to work outside and unless they tuck their pants into their socks, will look cool doing it. The big drawback though—safety goggles. 

Now we don’t have to look like a tool when we use them. The Milwaukee Safety glasses will protect our eyes from flying shrapnel and keep us looking cool. 

Safety Glasses

       
  3

One is All You Need 

Dual computer monitors are dated. We all like having more screen size and the gamers among us love the extra visibility, but who needs the gap? 

The new CRV43 from NEC is here and it’s awesome. The 43-inch wide, curved display brings a unique experience to gaming, digital imaging, and even boring spreadsheets. Why have two monitors when you can have one amazing one? 

Curved Screen Monitor

       
 

Hip Happenings:

 
  1

Pamper Your Pappy

What to get for the man who has all the possessions he wants? How about some pampering? Buy him a day he’ll never forget at HairM. The lovely ladies will pamper him with an Emperor’s Cut, Hot Towel Shave and a 30-minute massage for only $120. Order online today!

What: Father’s Day Special at HairM
Where: Two Metro Locations
When: Through Father’s Day
Visit: www.HairMGrooming.com

       
  2

 
       
  3

A Gift That Keeps on Giving

For those men in your life that are a) dads, b) professionals, and c) fashion-challenged, we recommend the Tie Bar for a great Father’s Day gift. In addition to their enormous selection of fashion-forward cravats (all $15), they also offer a Tie-of-the-Month Club to keep him looking sharp long after his special day has passed.

What: Join the Tie of the Month Club
When: Now through Father’s Day
Visit: www.TheTieBar.com

       
 

Help us do what we came here to do—bring a new sensibility to PDX, one guy at a time. Sign up a friend at www.PortlandPicksforMen.com.

       
 
 

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