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February 19th, 2010
This week, we had the opportunity to have a conversation with “The Most Interesting Man in the World” from the Dos Equis commercials. And while Christopher Goldsmith’s just an actor playing a character based loosely on the late Fernando Lamas (himself an actor, among other things), he was friends with and participated in many of the adventures with the famed Argentinean. His demeanor was so charming that it belied the direct and deliberate nature in which he delivered his answers. So what wisdom did we glean? Too much to cover here, so we’ll break it up into two issues and keep some for ourselves…
Again, we couldn’t fit all of it here, so be sure and read in two weeks. In other words, stay thirsty, my friends. |
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Portland Picks for Men: |
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| 1 | Shaken, Not Stirred There are a few things you can count on from any James Bond movie: fast cars, big explosions and hot foreign chicks. And also, apparently, lots and lots of drinking. According to the folks at Shaken Martini Lounge—a new Bond-themed Martini bar in Northeast—the British secret agent has consumed 111 different types of whiskey, 66 martinis and 66 glasses of champagne over his iconic 57-year career. If you enjoy a good cocktail as much as 007, you’ll love Shaken Martini Lounge, where movie character-themed martinis like the 00 (Absolut Mandarin and Bombay Sapphire) and the Pussy Galore (Tequila Liqueur) add a unique twist to the drink menu, while a 50” TV plays a “Bond-tage” of classic movie clips. In contrast, simple black leather furniture, a fireplace and a rotating display of local artwork ensures that the Bond theme isn’t overdone. Try it out for happy hour, (weekdays, 4–6:30 pm & 9:30 pm–close) when most martinis are just $4. Just don’t consume as much as the real 007, or your next top-secret mission might be a trip to rehab. Shaken Martini Lounge |
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| 2 | Just the Fats, Ma’am Despite the many contributions the British Empire has made to the human race—most importantly literature, comedy, and beer—it has certainly committed its fair share of atrocities as well. And with the possible exception of colonialism, we can think of no greater sin than what their cooks do to food. So how is it that the new British gastropub Fats is churning out delicious, gourmet-style versions of notorious English staples like Bangers and Mash or Kedgeree? How is it that the lamb in the Shepherd’s Pie is actually moist and tender, the mashed potatoes covering it crispy and perfectly seasoned, and the gravy rich and savory? And since when did things like potted fish, buttered radishes, or bone-marrow toasties actually taste good? Shockingly, Fats has not only salvaged recipes that common sense should have dictated DOA, but actually elevated their quality. The beer list has taken a similar cue with local microbrews (representing English and Belgian styles), and in addition to an all-killer/no-filler draft lineup, there’s also an extensive bottle selection of stronger, rarer beers. Fats’ll have you swearing allegiance to the Queen in no time. Fats |
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| 3 | Beer Budget, Champagne Taste? When it comes to bringing the nightly entertainment in on a strict budget, we’ve got a system that’s nearly flawless. Show up at a dance club early. Dodge the cover and snag happy hour pricing. You’ve already got your buzz on and a full wallet when the ladies arrive. But here’s the flaw: the food’s terrible and the drinks are weak. Then we stumbled on Qube, and our patented buzz-on-a-budget system is suddenly firing on all cylinders. Not only do they offer some of the tastiest sushi in town, but from 4–7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and all day Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday, there are $2 delights like fresh California Rolls or juicy edamame, and for a dollar or two more, everything from chicken wings or crab wontons to sautéed shrimp and Hawaiian-style burgers. It’s the perfect cuisine to share with friends or snack on in between dances. To cap it off, draft microbrews are just $2, and while cocktails can run up the bill quick, at least the folks behind the bar know what they’re doing. Now if we only knew what we were doing on the dance floor. Qube |
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| Gratuitous Photo of the Week: | |||
Mandatory Gear: |
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| 1 | Wear it Right! Cotton is comfortable, but it’s also kind of crap. At least when it is when it comes to improving our posture, supporting our muscles, reducing our ever-present back pain, wicking moisture, and controlling our body temperature. Now our undershirt has entered the 21st century, thanks to Equmen. Made from helix-mapping technology and physiotherapy know-how, these shirts (and briefs) provide a healthy body-contouring and ergonomic effect while keeping us dry. That’s rather wonderful. |
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| 2 | Yes We Can (Wear the Watch)! There are lots of great watches out there—classic ones, cool ones, edgy ones, and fun ones. Some are worn by those we know, some are worn by those we don’t know, and some are worn by the President himself. The Jorg Gray 6500, for instance, often spotted on the wrist of the Commander in Chief, is a classic and cool timepiece held tight by an Italian Buffalo leather strap. It’s also water-resistant to 100 meters. Sweet. |
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| 3 | A Steak a Day... Thanks to many documentaries and best-selling books, most of us are already aware of the pitfalls, chemicals, and bacteria found in the world’s factory meats. What many of us haven’t done yet is connect all the dots—in bed. Unlike cheap grain-fed meat that contains soy (aka estrogen), natural meat, like that from US Wellness Meats, are nature’s bedroom boast. Naturally low in fat and high in protein, these meats are full of artery-opening CLA and nutrients that boost testosterone. So be a man and eat good meat—she'll thank you for it. |
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Brews of the Week: |
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Don't Call it a Comeback
Widmer Brothers Brewing, with two awesome new brews, have recaptured that early spirit of innovation that gave us the Hef.. W’10 Pitch Black IPA (that's right, a black IPA!), this year’s Brewmasters’ Release, has a nice touch of roastiness while still packing a hop punch. Smooth and balanced, this is a great spring beer to have with some spicy mole or BBQ. Deadlift Imperial IPA, a new year-rounder, uses Nelson Sauvin hops for an intense, unique hop flavor and aroma. Careful... it;s 8.6% ABV and goes down way too easy. New faves from an old friend. |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Brew Hog North 45 has decided to pair two wonderful things together to keep you warm until spring: Good, local beer and BBQ pork ribs. Every Thursday until St Paddy's Day, North 45 will have a guest brewer on their heated, tented patio sampling their beer for patrons. Enjoy $3 pints of the featured brewery's beer with ribs hot off the Traeger grill. What: Brew Hog at North 45 Pub |
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| 2 | The Portland Jazz Festival Cometh Get your tickets now for the 2010 Portland Jazz Festival. Smaller venues will feature some of the best local jazz artists as part of the festival, including Ron Steen and Curtis Salgado. Bigger theaters will feature great out-of-towners like Mingus Big Band, Dave Holland, and the incomparable Pharaoh Sanders. If we could scat, we would do so right now. What: Portland Jazz Festival |
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We are already over GTL, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be a bro and sign up a friend for PPFM. www.PortlandPicksforMen.com. |
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