This Spud’s For You

If you’ve done your St. Patrick’s Day right this year, you should still be reeling from your Guinness- and Jameson-induced hangover two days later. It’s at times like these that we reach for that secret Irish cure-all, the mighty potato!

Ah, who are we kidding? That hangover isn’t fleeing anytime soon, but at least the fine folks over at Spud Locker can bring the tingle back to your tastebuds and provide that vacant stomach of yours some much-needed nutrition. A sidekick no longer, the baked potato is the central star here, combined with your favorite fillings and toppings, ranging from pesto sauce, fresh tomatoes and sour cream to baked beans, gravy, cheddar cheese, and vegetarian sausage.

Chase it down with an order of baked potato wedges (just as delicious as fries, we assure you), topped with either Indian channa masala and mushroom curry, or melted cheddar, salsa and sour cream for the ultimate comfort food gorge-fest. It may not ease those throbbing temples or correct the blurry vision, but it sure as hell will get the taste of green beer out of your mouth.

Spud Locker
SW 2nd and Stark 
Portland, OR 97204
www.facebook.com

Welcome to the Herd 

We know what you’re thinking: Does Portland really need another microbrewery? It’s kind of like asking if we need another strip club. The two-part answer is A) of course not, and B) we’ll see you there.  

Yes, the recent opening of Migration Brewery has once again illustrated that you can never have too much of a good thing. And judging by the resume of Master Brewer Mike Branes—which includes stints at both Lucky Labrador and Three Creek—it could soon join the ranks of P-Town’s many top-notch suds producers. Granted, there’s still work to be done. Migration currently offers only one brew of their own, a smooth and rich MPA (Migration Pale Ale), with several more planned for the near future. Until then, patrons can quench their thirst with 12 local micros on tap, complemented by a tasty variety of sandwiches, salads and bar snacks.  

So come check out this unassuming renovated garage, and raise your glass to toast yet another addition to the herd of Portland brewers—just make sure you save a few singles for later that night.  

Migration Brewing Co.  
2828 NE Glisan St. 
Portland, OR 97232 
503.206.5221
www.migrationbrewing.com

Cuckoo for Coco

We’ve always wanted to love donuts, but there’s just something about that sickly sweet, greasy, cakey, bagel-wannabe that inevitably twists our stomach inside out and turns our gluttony into regret.

That is until we ran into Coco Donuts. The small, independently-owned donut shop is unlike any we’ve ever seen. It’s clean, staffed with friendly people, and actually comfortable with a couple sofas and chairs for those with time to lounge. But it’s the donuts, of course, that make the difference. Unlike their lardy competitors, Coco’s donuts are comparatively light and sweet in a way that’s subtle and natural-tasting; these are not the all-too-common syrupy sugar bombs with multiple glazes, powders, and cream fillings you may be used to, but rather a simpler, more old-fashioned style with slightly higher, gourmet aspirations. It’s the perfect morning compromise between full-blown dessert and health food.

Located right across the street from the PGE Park MAX station, Coco is an ideal breakfast spot on the way to work; the prices are cheap, the coffee’s good, and those donuts are downright holey.

Coco Donuts
709 SW 17th Ave.
Portland, OR 97205 
503.360.1456
www.cocodonuts.com

Photo courtesy of www.henryandjune.com.

Boutique Sneak

For some guys, shoe shopping is second nature. For others, it is a horrible chore where we endlessly search for feet wrappings that are 1) comfortable, 2) great looking, and 3) not more expensive than our rent.

Like many things in the fashion world, our answer comes from Europe. The Boutique Sneak from Cushe Footwear is an extraordinarily comfortable leather and suede-topped sneaker with a micro-fiber mesh lining that looks great—and costs less than a Franklin. 

Classic Leather Sneaker

Tool Bag!

If you have a nice road bike, doesn’t it make sense to have nice road accessories? Next time you break down, do it in style with the Brooks England Tool Roll. 

Made from real leather with a classic design, this bag is great to have at your side. Stuffed with useful tools that you’ll need on the road, and bound in a handsome leather case, you’ll want an excuse to bust this bag out.

Tool Roll Bag

Know Your Trails

There’s nothing better than wandering around the wilderness with nothing but a few supplies in your bag and the whole day to kill in the backwoods of one of our great national parks. The problem? Getting lost is easy.

Not anymore, though, with Orvis’ leather-bound National Parks Atlas. Full of detailed maps and information, this is a great book—even for the armchair explorer. 

Leather-Bound Maps

When Tomorrow Hits, It’ll Hit You Hard

St Patrick’s Day made us realize that right about here in the issue is where we usually recommend something with which to imbibe with no concern whatsoever for the morning after. So we figured we’d pass along our favorite hangover remedy. One that will help the liver, the immune system and curb the headache, nausea, light sensitivity, and overall lack of equilibrium that the morning brings. We’ve done the research, so you can trust us when we say that your fridge should be stocked with these ingredients at all times:

Après-Cocktail Cocktail of the Week:
½ oz. AgroLabs Green Envy Daily Detox
½ oz. AgroLabs Acai Daily Cleanse
Juice from ½ lime
4 Mint Leaves
Top with ginger ale (preferably Reed's)

Shake together and strain, then serve over ice. Or in a shot glass. Your call.

www.agrolabs.com

Beer Me
 
We won’t lie—we lika the beer. And wine and cheese. And none of this self-destructive eating behavior would be complete without chocolate. Fill your belly with everything at the 16th Annual Spring Beer & Wine Fest. Mingle with artisan brewers, distillers and cheesemakers, and gorge on chocolate. It’s the perfect way to prep your stomach for Easter brunch. 

What: 16th Annual Spring Beer & Wine Fest
When: April 2 & 3
Where: Oregon Convention Center, 777 NE MLK Jr. Blvd.
Cost: $20 (admission + mug or wine glass + 10 tokens)
Visit: www.springbeerfest.com

Boutiques Unleashed is Almost Here
 
Boutiques Unleashed is a really clever runway show to benefit DoveLewis. If you haven’t been, it’s a blast. Local celebs walk the runway in fashions from hip boutiques—with dogs as their companions. Enjoy hosted hors d’oeuvres and select cocktails, bid on auction items, and don’t forget to wear something dapper. Bonus? It’s a tax write-off.
 
What: Boutiques Unleashed
When: Friday, April 9, 6 pm
Where: Tiffany Center, 1410 SW Morrison
Visit: www.boutiquesunleashed.com

Beer Curious?

Let Oregon Beer Odyssey educate your palate with tastings and classes that teach you how to talk about upscale and rare beer knowledgeably. Hand-selected artisanal beers from around the world guarantee that selections will introduce you to flavors in beer that you’ve never imagined (whether you’re already beer-savvy or not). 

What: Oregon Beer Odyssey
When: Class schedule online
Where: 1125 SE Division, Suite 202
Call: 248.763.9742
Visit: www.oregonbeerodyssey.com

Oh Canada

We swore we were swearing off all things Canadian after they stole the gold medal from us in the Olympics. That is, until we heard Cirque Du Soleil was coming to town. Honestly one of the most sublime things we’ve seen humans do, it is perfect for date night!

What: Cirque Du Soleil
When: April 9th-May 2nd
Where: SW Moody Ave. (South of the Marquam Bridge)
Visit: www.cirquedusoleil.com