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November 6th, 2009
We’re boxing fans. Of course, we’re of Irish/Italian/Hispanic extraction, so we had little choice in the matter. Sort of like Catholic School, it was a foregone conclusion. Without getting into the myriad reasons why boxing is better (and more scientific) than UFC, we’d rather expound on our fond memories of the sport: We all remember the great heavyweight era of Ali, Foreman and Frazier, but for our money we’ll take the quad-fecta of the 1980s middleweights. Sugar Ray Leonard, Hagler, Hearns and Roberto Duran? Fuhgedaboudit. When four greats are fighting in the same weight class at once, there’s a strong case to be made. And right now, approaching the Cotto/Pacquiao bout, we’re once again in an era of many incredible fighters in one weight class. In this case, welter, which makes for a quicker, more entertaining fight (in our estimation) than slow, lumbering heavyweights. So next Saturday, gather the boys, order the pay-per-view and get a case of Lowenbrau (yeah, they still make it and like our fathers figured out, it’s delicious) and remember a simpler time when there were no arts (mixed-martial or otherwise) … just the sweet science. |
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Portland Picks for Men: |
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| 1 | We Adore Adorn Question: How do you know you’re on the right track in your efforts for a hip wardrobe? Answer: The store you’re at is across from Wonder Ballroom and it seems every band playing that night meanders over and invariably departs with two bags of apparel. Adorn, which specializes in urban streetwear, is the epitome of great service; this due in large part to the fact that the owners love what they do. They’ll gladly tell you about their great clothing lines like Kid Robot (which produces awesome pop art-inspired tees, hoodies and caps with a slight Japanese anime look to them), or will enthusiastically show you accessories, including sleek Obey leather wallets. What really sets Adorn apart, however, is its huge selection of hip, modern watches by Paul Frank, Julius & Friends, and WeSC. We’ve found more than a few pieces here we couldn’t leave without, none of which seemed like they were from the same store. That’s the kind of eclectic selection you’ll see. Go in now and mention PPFM for 20% off your purchase. Adorn |
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| 2 | Melt’s In Your Mouth Tree branches are bare, temperatures are descending into the 40s, and the sky has taken on that lovely hue of burnt ash. It must be November in Portland, and that means it’s time to hole up somewhere where the food is warm and the drinks are stiff. Fortunately, Melt has sprung up on NW 21st Street and already concocted the perfect cold-weather cure: hefty meats piled high, sweet and savory veggies filling in the gaps, and of course, lots of melted cheeses between two large slices of Ciabatta bread. If sandwiches like the Burnside Beef Dip, the Pot Roast, or the Crab Burger don’t warm your stomach and tickle your taste buds, it’s probably time to check your pulse. Lighter biters will find a lot to love during Melt’s daily happy hour, where tasty jalapeno rice fritters, Portland poutine, and mushroom bruschetta compete for your spare change. Once the stomach’s sated, show your liver some love with one of Melt’s signature cocktails or microbrews, and kick back to watch the approaching winter from a safe distance. Melt |
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| 3 | The Best of the Wurst Way back when, a terrible translation mishap must have occurred between some German and American cooks. Lost in that translation was the difference between the recipes for a juicy wurst with spicy sauerkraut and pungent mustard and the American hot dog, a bland hodgepodge of animal parts we’d rather not know about, covered in cheap relish and boring yellow mustard. Fortunately, someone’s finally paying attention at the new German tavern Prost, where plates of steaming wurst (either brat or knock) are served with all the appropriate fixings, from sauerkraut and mustard to dark bread and even a giant pickle. One bite of Prost’s authentic German cuisine should be ample motive for swearing off counterfeit sausages altogether. Similarly, a third, half or full liter stein of actual German pilsner, schwarzbier, marzen or hefeweizen courtesy of Prost’s ten foreign taps ought to prove once and for all that American light lagers with their rice and corn adjuncts are shallow imitations of the real deal. Between the beer and the sausages, the stein glasses and the Old World wooden tavern design, Prost is a reminder of why little details make such a huge difference. Prost |
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| Gratuitous Photo of the Week: | |||
Photo courtesy of www.ohcheri.com. |
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Mandatory Gear: |
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| 1 | Lord of the Ring Let’s face it; there’s a reason why girls enjoy, shall we say, “pickin’ up good vibrations.” They’re not foolin’ anyone; we all know they have a “little pal” hidden in some obscure drawer. Well, give her the best of both worlds with LifeStyles Vibrating Ring. A disposable, three-speed ring designed to send subtle waves of pleasure, it not only adds something extra where she’s concerned, it definitely ups the ante for us as well. |
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| 2 | Give ‘em the Bird Guess what happened a few months ago? That turkey you’re going to buy for Thanksgiving abruptly ended its miserable life of living in a cramped cage and was flash-frozen. Instead, grab a chilled Turkey from Nicky Farms U.S.A. Not only are these birds given the chance to roam free and eat a natural diet, but they’re slaughtered just days before the big day and chilled (not frozen) making for a real reason to give thanks. |
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| 3 | Tread Lightly There's nothing worse than losing it on the rain-soaked pavement while braving the streets of downtown. Not that this has happened to us—recently, anyway. That's because we've added a winter must to our footwear arsenal: Sorels. An American standard, they relocated to Portland some years back. Like the men of Portland, they've come up in the style department since. While we covet many of their designs, trust us and start with the comfortable (and original) Caribou… if for any other reason than they go great with jeans and a flannel. |
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| Grooming Tip of the Week: | |||
The cold weather means football, socially acceptable beards and epic runs on the mountain. But it also can give you dry, rough hands that will give you a working man's handshake, but worse, might send the ladies running for the hills. Treat your hands right with smoothing/soothing Aveda Hand Treatment. Pick some up at HairM, check out the rest of the Aveda Men line, and save 15% this month! HairM Downtown: 101 SW Main St., 503.517.0570HairM Beaverton: 3300 SW Hocken Ave., 503.352.0882 www.hairMgrooming.com |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Cuisine on a Dime We’re all about dining on a budget—but it has to be great food. And now East India Co. Grill & Bar is extending their popular prix fixe menu. Find kebabs grilled over hardwood charcoal or Goan shrimp curry… it’s all good. Try some new flavors and ingredients—this isn’t that lunchtime buffet you’re used to! What: East India Co. Prix Fixe Menu |
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| 2 | A Mighty Fine Wine Event Salut! Wine Outlet is taking over the Jupiter Hotel’s courtyard to offer a “Squatter’s Wine Tasting” of up to 100 wines—which are all on sale for one day only at 25% off! Plus: score Riedel Crystal at closeout prices. Purchase a ticket (to taste 15 different selections) or just pop in and shop. (Pre-pay group tickets and save!) What: Salut! Wine Outlet one-day sale |
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Forerunners
Dinosaur Jr. are an aptly named band: dinosaurs roamed the planet long before man, and this band roamed the indie-rock scene before the likes of Built to Spill or other current darlings. There's probably at least a dozen bands you like that wouldn't exist were it not for these guys. Like dinosaurs, they left big footprints. What: Dinosaur Jr.
When: Saturday, Nov. 7
Where: The Wonder Ballroom
Visit: www.wonderballroom.com
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