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June 18, 2010
Upon reading this, you’ll have likely just watched game 7 of an NBA Final series that featured the Lakers and the Celtics. Will you be going to see the “A-Team” tonight? Or perhaps “The Karate Kid” is more your style? Have you heard the album Devo (DEVO!) just put out? Yes, upon first glance it seems it is 1984 all over again. But it’s not. It’s simply that Hollywood knows they no longer have to spend money developing good new material when we’ll pay the same twelve bucks for contrived fodder that’s little more than an afterthought, as long as it’s wrapped up in nostalgia. Nostalgia will make America see these movies and Hollywood knows it. Nostalgia made more folks tune into the finals this year and the NBA knows it. And FIFA knows that nostalgia will wake us up way too early in the morning to listen to the drone of indigenous horns over a scoreless game. Or maybe that one's just love of the game. We can’t help it; we’re givers. Which is why you could get hooked up with a free chef knife by Ergo Chef, or a free Cross-Terrain Package by Kiehl’s (see Mandatory Gear for info on both) if you simply forward this email to 10 friends and cc us at picks@portlandpicksformen.com. |
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Portland Picks for Men: |
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| 1 | The Sterling-Cooper Also Rises As guys, we’ve taken a lot of cues from Hemingway books throughout the years. He was a man’s man, he knew how to have a good time while embracing class, and wasn’t ashamed to do so. And we were often inspired by that Parisian Café Scene he wrote so often and dramatically about. Which is why we’re just a little in love with downtown’s Brasserie Montmartre. Inspired, it seems, by this laid-back society of yore, they opened their doors first in 1978 in the historic Esquire Hotel and were a staple for those in the know until 2006 when the building needed to be shut down for upgrades. Exceeding their original grandeur with tastefully decadent appointments, live jazz every night, and some of the finest French-inspired food in town, it has that indescribable quality of a place that’s truly capable of transporting you to another time and place. Tony Starlight’s for the Parisian Ex-Pat Set, if you will. This is exactly the type of place you take a lady to let her know her date possesses verve. Tip accordingly. Brasserie Montmartre |
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| 2 | Sixteen Ounces to Freedom Most afternoons all we really want is a quiet, clean, comfortable place where we can enjoy a pint of micro-brewed beer. If that seems like a simple demand, consider downtown Portland after work; waiting in line, fighting for a seat, and fending off sonic assault from a bar’s belligerent stereo system is not exactly what we had in mind. Fortunately, a new beer and coffee bar called Pints just opened in Old Town, and for the moment at least, this is going to be our little secret. Decked out in brick and wood with comfortable cushioned seating, Pints is intimate, cozy and completely unpretentious. Nine taps of beer encompass both the mainstream and a bit of the exotic, and while not every style is represented, there’s a good variety that includes Hefs, IPAs, lagers, pales, ambers, and porters. Those looking for a morning dose of the same treatment will want to drop by between 7 a.m. and 12 p.m. every weekday, when Pints rolls in the espresso machine and serves a variety of coffees, teas, and other caffeinated drinks. A pint at the beginning of your day may just be what gets you to the pint at the end of it. Pints |
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| 3 | Vicious Cycles From businessmen commuting to work on streamlined 10-speeds to college kids pedaling their way through the city on rusted-out beaters, Portlanders encounter bicycles of all shapes, sizes and styles on a daily basis. But if you think you’ve seen it all, think again. Last December, German manufacturer Kalfhoff went all blitzkrieg on the U.S. market by placing a flagship showroom right here in P-Town, and as a result our comparatively low-tech bike scene may never be the same. So what’s the big deal? Kalkhoff calls them e-bikes, also known as electric-assist bicycles, and they provide between a 1/3 and 2/3 power assist, essentially allowing riders to climb even the steepest hills with ease. All Kalkhoff e-bikes feature a state-of-the-art, brushless, centrally-driven motor and all sorts of extras, like hub- or motor-powered front and rear lights. The only downside to such a high-end ride is, of course, the price, which hits the wallet hard at between $2500 and $3400. But something tells us that Portland bike aficionados will be more than willing to shell out the extra cash to be environmentally responsible commuters and look good doing it—after all, that’s just how we roll. Kalkhoff USA |
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Mandatory Gear: |
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| 1 | Blades of Glory After a long winter of toiling away in the kitchen, grilling days are here! ‘Course outdoors you can’t have ten utensils at your fingertips. Plus you’re often fighting off bugs for control of the airspace over those rib-eyes. That’s why you need one or two really good knives. Ones that cut through meat like butter. Which is why we’ve secured a price cut (get it?) on our absolute favorites by Ergo Chef. Through next Friday, enter code PDX10 for 10% off! |
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| 2 | Things Are Looking Bright We all know the summer hasn’t been cooperating. Another reason to love clothes that work in spring and summer. One we’ve already worn the bejesus out of this year is the cotton Epic Shirt by locals Pendleton Woolen Mills. A classic western-cut shirt, but with summerized cotton fabric in madras patterns, it’s cut closer to the body for a trim look that lets you show off that summer body you’ve worked for (until it’s time to lose the shirt altogether). |
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| 3 | Kiehl Before Zod Despite our propensity to play hard during summer, we like to ensure we look and feel presentable come fall, when all we feature is our head pokin’ out of a sweater. And just in time comes Kiehl’s new Cross-Terrain Collection, featuring three products (face, body, feet) formulated specifically for athletes and those who tackle the piss out of the outdoors. The heavy-duty stuff is designed for on-the-go use, and available at the Kiehl’s Store on NW 23rd. |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Men’s Summer Sale at Mario’s Mario’s is our local choice for the most comprehensive collection of cool clothing. So when there’s a sale, we pay attention. Save on sportswear, shoes, shirts, suits, sportcoats, ties, and trousers (bring your lady—womenswear is on sale too). You’ll see duds by Paul Smith, Rag and Bone, Prada, Hugo Boss, John Varvatos & more! Selection varies by store. What: Mario’s Men’s Summer Sale |
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| 2 | For the Old Salty Bastard in Your Life We mean Dad (affectionately, of course). But seriously, book a session at the Salt Grotto and a 45-minute deep tissue massage for him between now and Sunday, and save money! He can redeem it anytime before August. We’ve been to this therapeutic oasis ourselves, and highly recommend you join him. What: Father’s Day Special at The Salt Grotto |
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| 3 | Avoid the DUI Blues Portland’s Waterfront Blues Festival is coming in two weeks. The only drawback? The drive home, of course. Book the “Get Yer Blues On” package at Hotel 50 and get two festival admission tickets and early check-in on a guest room just minutes from the action, complete with luxury linens and a view of the fireworks! What: Get Yer Blues On Package |
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| 5 | Oh My God, Sissy Put on your “Urban Cowboy” duds tomorrow night and party with PDX Wingmen as they put on a raucous good time to benefit Child Centered Solutions. There’ll be drinkin’, dancing, hootin’ and hollerin’ at Bossanova Ballroom. Wanna request a song or make one stop playing? Make a donation. Do it conspicuously… the ladies love it! What: WingMen Urban Cowboy benefiting Child Centered Solutions |
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| 6 | Lookin’ for Love There are many, many single women in this town, and the most interesting ones will be at the Friend of a Friend mixer at Brasserie Montmartre tonight. The entire downstairs lounge is reserved for a night of mingling, live music and cocktailing. A $10 cover scores you free appetizers and a complimentary champagne cocktail (very swank), and the dance floor opens at 11 pm. Be there. What: Friend of a Friend Singles/Networking Mixer |
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