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December 18th, 2009
No matter how many times we’re misunderstood, we continue to do it. That’s right… sarcasm in emails and texts. Seriously, if it’s someone who knows you well and is fully comfortable with face-to-face ball-busting, why do they seem to take you so wrong, so often? Like when we emailed, “Stop being a cry-baby and get over that kidney dialysis already, everyone’s heard about it, ok?” You think our grandfather would’ve “gotten it.” Ok, we’re kidding on that one. But Robert Frost was clearly right when he said that poetry is what is lost in translation. And we’re no poets, so we’ll have to borrow in this, our last issue of the year…
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Portland Picks for Men: |
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| 1 | Friend or Pho? Vietnamese cuisine doesn’t immediately come to mind when we’re looking for something hearty and warming to fight off below-freezing temperatures, but there’s one place in town that serves up some of the best defenses we’ve found against icy climes. That place is Toast & Pho on NW 21st, a new Vietnamese restaurant that pairs traditional fare like rice vermicelli bowls, plates of marinated pork, and best of all, the beef noodle soup known as Pho, with a fully stocked café full of potent coffee concoctions. We’re convinced that no cold can withstand a steaming bowl of rich Pho broth with onions, basil, bean sprouts, lime, jalapenos, thick noodles, and whichever part of the cow you like best. While we’re not brave enough to dig into tripe, we can recommend slow-cooked and tender round steak, beef meatballs, and lean brisket. Pair your bowl of Pho with any of T&P’s warm drinks, including mochas, cappuccinos, Vietnamese coffee, shots of espresso for a quick pick-me-up, or jasmine or green teas for a more soothing way to bring the flush back to your face. Toast & Pho |
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| 2 | Hopped Up/Wined Down We’re beer guys, but our significant others are wine gals. This usually results in a lot of shouting, foot-stomping, and hostile negotiations when the subject of where we’re drinking on a Friday night comes up. It’s a good thing we found Hop and Vine before things got any uglier. Half wine bar, half beer pub, the H&V has a little something for everyone. For beer lovers, there are several good taps of local microbrews as well as a nicely stocked selection of bottles for drinking at the bar or taking to go. And for the “winers,” there’s no shortage of high-quality local wines, the majority of which are very inexpensive. In fact, most full bottles cost somewhere in the teens—only a few are priced above $30. Best of all, the staff at the H&V are serious beer and wine lovers and the atmosphere is less conducive to getting wasted than it is to learning and appreciating your favorite alcoholic beverage. Tastings and food pairings are common, but even on regular nights, expect to receive an education to go with your buzz. Hop and Vine |
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| 3 | Space and Eggs A kitschy bar is like an old friend—the cheesier the place, the more we feel at home. But forget faux—we like serious cred with our kitsch, which is why we dig the Space Room. Originally built in 1949, it’s the only lounge in town where you can order a Cosmo under a cosmos-covered ceiling. The recent remodel of the restaurant had us worried—did they change the classic cheese in the bar? Rest assured—the bar is the same as it has always been—order a Space Punch and you’ll be in orbit in no time. But the adjacent, plain-looking diner has been transformed into a spot more in tune with Area 51 than the hippie vibe of Southeast Portland. Each booth and table are covered in stellar science-fiction stuff (including clippings of “actual” sightings), there's a steel-plated U.F.O. hanging over the kitchen pass-thru, and an actual "alien" from the set of “The X-Files” hangs from the wall. Far out. Where else can you get Sci-Fi and scrambled eggs on a Saturday morning? Space Room Lounge |
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Gratuitous Photo of the Week: |
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Mandatory Gear: |
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| 1 | Get Yoked There are not many things that are as understated-badass as a western shirt. Of course, there are those specimens of this classic that are either too flimsy, too hipster, or too western. That’s why we were stoked as hell to find out that Portland’s own Pendleton Mills is offering up this classic. What sets it apart? Try a modern cut in a fine-drape merino wool instead of cotton, and patterns that are more akin to this season's flannel shirts than something from "Urban Cowboy." |
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| 2 | Pocket Axe For those of us living in the city, it doesn’t make sense to buy a garage full of tools even if we do plan on using them twice this lifetime. Whether it’s for surviving in the great outdoors or fixing the curtains, an inexpensive and multipurpose tool is generally the best way to go. The Brook & Hunter AXE is a great companion for small projects wherever you are. With axe, hammer, and a bunch of knife-like objects, you can’t go wrong swinging this baby around. |
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| 3 | A Patriot Act The vast majority of patriotic apparel today tends to fall into the category of ugly kitsch. Fortunately, those of us with a fashion sense can display a bit of home-country pride without having to look like we came from the county fair. J. Newbury’s American Flag Tee Shirt gets it right. It sports a killer handmade flag design with 50 different drinking glasses (apparently corresponding to each state) on recycled organic material. Cheers! |
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| Grooming Event of the Month: | |||
Get your act together for the holidays with some serious manscaping. HairM is offering a Holiday Manscaping package at a big discount. First: a hot towel shave to give grams more cheek to squeeze. Then: a King's Cut, complete with a 5-minute scalp massage, and a Rehydrating Face Treatment. Finally: your brows will have a little TLC, and then your manscaping will be completed with a Hand Detailing. Get all this until Dec. 31 for just $150! Take the $40 you save, buy pops a HairM Gift Card, and share the love. What: Holiday Deals at HairM |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Puttin' on the Ritz With holiday parties, cruises, weddings, and school dances coming up, Mr. Formal’s Annual Holiday Sale is a godsend. Save on hundreds of new and used tuxedos, shirts, vests and ties at unbelievably low prices. We’re talking Tux for under $200, here! Invest in the suit that lasts a lifetime, without saving a lifetime to afford it. What: Mr. Formal’s Holiday Blow-out Sale |
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| 2 | Nailed It! Picking out perfume, jewelry, and especially clothing for a lady is not for the meek. Thankfully there are stores whose inventory is so can’t-miss, and whose staff so helpful that you can’t go wrong. Enter PDX-lady’s favorite, Mink Boutique. Take a few pics of her closet and bring them in to the staff… done and done. Mention PPFM for 10% off. What: 10% off purchases & Gift Certificates for PPFM readers |
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| 3 | Winter Wonderland Not only is Skamania Lodge the coziest destination this side of Santa’s cottage, but they have a bevy of pampering options, too. Plus, their gift cards can be used at any business within the Lodge, including the award-winning Waterleaf Spa (use ’em on any treatment or spa product). Order online to get your certificate in time for Christmas. What: Gift Certificates at Skamania Lodge |
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| 4 | Showcase of Wine & Cheese ...you had us at “cheese”… The Showcase of Wine & Cheese benefits the Boys & Girls Club of Portland, and this tasty evening will present more than 300 exceptional wines, gourmet cheeses and delish hors d’oeuvres, plus entertainment! Bring your crew and upgrade to the Gold tix—tis the season. Also: stocking-stuffers, yes? What: Showcase of Wine & Cheese |
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Give the gift that says, “Portland? It’s in my pocket.” Sign up your friends for a free subscription at www.PortlandPicksforMen.com. |
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