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February 5th, 2010
Love... it’s a special thing indeed. Even if you’ve found that special someone who agrees with your cynical outlook that Valentine’s Day is just a Hallmark ™ Holiday, trust us… when the big day comes, she’ll expect something special from you (especially after you get foolishly drunk the week before at that Super Bowl party). This is where we come in. From getaways to gifts, we’ve done the research for you. (We even got Super Bowl Party-drunk for good measure. Now that’s dedication!) Now get out there and score enough proverbial points to last you well into March Madness! Help a buddy, and win a prize to impress your girl! Forward this to 10 friends and CC us at picks@portlandpicksformen.com for a chance to win tickets to the Broadway comedy “Defending the Caveman” (see below). |
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Portland Picks for Men’s Valentine’s Day Gift Guide: |
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| 1 | Anne Bocci Jewelry and clothing are always favorites on a girl’s wish list (or guys too, if it’s a cast member from “Jersey Shore”). Nailing it is a little tougher, which is why we cherish boutiques that are idiot-proof. Enter Anne Bocci. This uber-quaint/hip space in the heart of Multnomah Village features the best in independent designers of adornments for your special someone, and helpful advice to assist. |
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| 2 | Hotel Lucia Mouthwatering chocolate-dipped strawberries, a bottle of bubbly and a complimentary in-room movie are just a few of the items on Hotel Lucia’s menu to help spice up your Valentine’s night (as if it wasn’t hot already)! No need to rush—keep the spark alive with breakfast in bed for two. Did we mention complimentary parking and a 2 pm check-out? We’re sure you’ll leave satisfied. |
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| 3 | Ergo Errands Give her the gift of time with a gift certificate from Ergo Errands. Like having a personal assistant, they’ll do anything from housecleaning and dog-walking to grocery shopping and babysitting. (The housecleaning bit will win you some big points, hint hint.) Freeing her up will make for a more relaxed and romantic Valentine. And a more relaxed Valentine makes for better everything. |
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| 4 | Skamania Lodge Nothing sets that romantic mood quite like cuddling up in a cozy lodge. Nestled in the heart of the Columbia Gorge, Skamania Lodge offers breathtaking views to compliment their Valentine’s Day Packages. Packages include roses delivered to your room, Moonstruck Chocolates, and gourmet dinner for two. So relax by the fire, and let nature take its course... |
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| 5 | Flowerbud When it comes to anniversaries and Valentine’s Day, everything needs to be just right. Trust us when we say that, on such occasions, she’ll notice if they’re not. Enter local outfit, Flowerbud. Their ability to inject that personal touch, coupled with an uncanny attention to detail insures that there will be one less front to worry about in the quest for perfection. |
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| 6 | Paper Rabbit Designs In this electronic age it seems that actual paper notes and letters are even more cherished, especially by the ladies. For the perfect combination of tactile and beautiful, look no further than the special products from Paper Rabbit. Choose from unique designs online, or personalize even further with her favorite colors, or clip of her favorite things (frogs, hogs, clogs, etc.). |
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| 7 | Hotel deLuxe Deluxe indeed, with the “My Chocolate Valentine” package. You ready? It includes glamorous overnight accommodations, valet parking with unlimited in-and-out privileges, two glorious chocolate cupcakes from Saint Cupcake, a sumptuous bottle of Pinot Noir, rose petal turndown, gift certificate to Cacao for their famous sipping chocolates, and dinner for two at Gracie’s restaurant where the chef plans a heartfelt menu. |
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| 8 | “Defending the Caveman” If you two find yourself best connecting over laughter, there is no better gift this year than tickets to the longest-running one-man show on Broadway. “Defending the Caveman” shines a hilarious light on the gender gap while maintaining a sweet sort of edge to it. In Portland for three shows only, it’ll remind you that laughter is nature’s best aphrodisiac. |
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| 9 | The Ocean Lodge The beach inspires romance like no place else on earth. Bring the object of your affection to the Ocean Lodge where they will see to every thoughtful detail imaginable for the most romantic experience ever. V-day packages include everything from in-room massages and champagne to gourmet chocolate and linen turn-down service—complete with rose petals. |
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| 10 | Cupcake Jones & Quince Two of Portland’s finest purveyors of sweets and flowers are teaming up for the perfect Valentine's Day duo of 6 Red Velvet mini cupcakes by Cupcake Jones, with a gorgeous bouquet of red parrot tulips (locally grown!) by Quince Flowers & Events… for only $48! To make sure you get in on the cupcake/flower fun, be sure to place orders before February 12. Call 503.407.2999 or email |
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| 11 | Bliss Salon & Day Spa Trust us when we tell you that women love little more (diamonds, for instance) than to be pampered at a day spa. Whether it be a facial or massage, Portland’s ladies keep coming back to Bliss for all that TLC they require. The best part? Mention PPFM for 20% any spa-service gift certificate. Trust us, she’ll thank you. |
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| 12 | Under U4 Men: We’ve all heard that men are visual beings, but don’t underestimate what some beefcake can do for your lady. Don't be caught in your Fruit of the Looms this Valentine’s Day. Show her you know what’s up! Sport a pair of Puma's new sports-performance fashion underwear from Under U4 Men, and we guarantee you’ll get the gold. Under U4 Men |
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| 13 | Emerge Medical Spa at Bridgeport Village: Here’s a great gift idea for your lady—take the “gorilla” out of the bedroom. Most women aren’t into hairy backs, and if you’ve got one, chances are you don’t want one. Hit up Emerge Medical Spa for their Burly Back Buster Package—it's $649 for 6 treatments of laser hair removal to address your entire back. You’re welcome. |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | The Superbowl of Sales We all know Mario’s is the Alpha and the Omega of menswear in the Northwest. Come in Friday–Sunday and score an additional 30% off the lowest sale prices (we’re talkin’ already 50% off) on designer duds by Prada, Ermenegildo Zegna, Brunello Cucinelli, Hugo Boss, Isaia, John Varvatos, Paul Smith, Rag and Bone & more! What: Mario’s Men’s Tailgate Party |
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| 2 | Pucker up for some mouth-to-mouth! Sign up for Singles CPR at Hotel Lucia and enjoy complimentary appetizers from Bo Asian Bistro, truffles from Pix Patisserie, fabulous doorprizes, a free two-week membership to the Portland Mercury's Lovelab personals and walk away with the skills to save a life. What: Singles CPR on Valentine’s Day! |
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| 3 | For Those About to Rock… If thrash in the vein of early MotorHead had a psychedelic edge to it, you’d have Lake Tahoe’s own Off the Deep End. We heard from a ski-bum buddy that their live shows aren’t to be missed, so with them hitting Plan B in SE on Wednesday, we won’t. Neither should you. |
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| 4 | Pairing Art and Wine One of our favorite local artists, Sam Roloff, is having a lovely get-together tonight at Urban Grind NE. He’ll be showing about 17 recent paintings—different sizes and prices. You can pop by to say hi and have a little wine (it’s free!) or pick up an amazing piece of local art. What: Sam Roloff Recent Paintings and Wine Tasting When: Friday, Feb 5, 5–7 pm Where: Urban Grind Coffeehouse, 2214 NE Oregon St Visit: www.samroloff.com |
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There you have it, gents. If it’s not here, it doesn’t exist. |
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