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January 4th, 2008
It’s so difficult to decide on what to say for the first issue of 2008! The Picks have grown so much in a year—not just to new cities, but here in Portland, too. We started 07 with about 10,000 subscribers in PDX, and ended with more than 16,000! And as Pootie Tang would say, you ladies are our main damies. We have only a vague idea what that means. Anyhoo, in the astute words of Barry Manilow, “looks like we made it.” Welcome to 2008! |
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Portland Picks: |
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| 1 | Hey, Good Lookin’ |
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| 2 | It’s a Family Affair We have to say, we’re kind of into NE Fremont lately. And there’s something brand new on the street that makes it even more appealing: Vinideus. A month-old addition to the neighborhood, Vinideus is a wine shop and café that specializes in (you guessed it) French wines, many of which fall in the $15-$20 range. They also have a great selection of hard-to-find Northwest wines, as well as Italian and Spanish varietals. You can tuck yourself into one of their very comfy chairs and sip a glass of what’s on special, or opt for a bottle to drink then and there for an infinitesimal corkage fee. They also offer nibbles like tartines, cheeses and meats, and bread and olives. And soon they’ll offer French brunch conversation sessions for those of us who need to practice, miss home, or just want to feel like they’re somewhere else. We hate to paraphrase the Olive Garden, but when we’re at Vinideus, we’re more than happy to be part of this family. Vinideus |
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| 3 | Start the New Year in Style Valerie Bertinelli almost had us convinced that we should eat boxed food, but then we took a chance and shopped with a friend who was more objective about our bodies than we were, and we did it … we found the perfect outfit. And it was good. The lesson? We should love the skin we’re in. Our friend? Jandi Girard of Inspire Style Coaching. She wants you to love the way you look, without taking drastic steps to change anything—except your wardrobe. And your attitude. Jandi and her team can help you feel happier about your body and get smarter about what it needs. You’ll look hotter. Thinner. Taller. You’ll find the perfect cocktail dress, or a more professional work wardrobe. Whatever you’re going for, Inspire Style can help. They teach you lessons to last a lifetime about how to play up your best assets, and camo the parts you’re not so fond of. We may make resolutions to work out and maybe even cut a few calories, but #1 on our 2008 agenda is calling Inspire Style! Inspire Style Coaching |
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| 4 | Paying for Our Sins We have the tendency to get a teensy tiny beer belly, although truth be told, sometimes it’s not so teensy tiny. We’re not heavy drinkers, but we like the occasional pub-crawl, glass or two of wine, martinis with the girls—ok, so we like to be social and drink socially, especially this time of the year. With that said, we know just the thing to rid ourselves of our Buddha bellies: Pilates. Seriously, it works wonders for our core and leaves us longer, leaner and even somewhat svelte, which is why we’re thrilled to hear about a new Pilates studio. Bodymechanics provides individual and group Pilates sessions as well as intuitive bodywork in both springboard and mat classes. Be sure to register for January classes (before your resolutions go out the window) and tell them that your girls at Portland Picks sent you. Seriously, if we consume one more hot toddy, mimosa, or eggnog with rum, we’ll be in need of an emergency Pilates session, stat! bodymechanics |
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| 5 | If You Like Pina Coladas… We’re fond of wine—and we’re pretty non-discriminating—red, white, sparkling, they’ll all do. Sometimes it makes us laugh and sometimes it makes us sleepy, but any way you look at it, it makes us feel good. And for those who think tequila is where it’s at, we found a new place to satisfy your agave tooth: Casa del Matador. This brand new high-end Tex Mex restaurant caters to tequila lovers with more than 75 different types of tequila from all over the globe. Pair tequilas with different appetizers, entrees and desserts. Taste the subtle tones of sweet, woody or earthy; like wines, aging makes a difference. And for sure, have something to eat! Casa Del Matador also boasts an impressive menu. The food is 100% homemade, but so are the tables and bar tops—one of the owners created them. This place is all about putting in the love to please their guests. And though we may not be “tequila people” yet, we can’t wait to go back and sample some more. (Just don’t tell our wine friends!) Casa Del Matador |
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| Cocktail of the Week: | |||
Flavored vodkas are a tricky wicket. Our friend loves a blueberry martini; we’re happier with a Vodka Press. As for infused vodkas, well … aren’t those the sole domain of fancy cocktail bars? Not anymore! Local distillers Sub Rosa Spirits have produced two infused vodkas using fresh herbs and rare spices: Saffron vodka, redolent of toasted cumin, lemony coriander and spicy ginger; and Tarragon vodka, delightfully herbal with a whisper of fennel and a hint of mint. Goan Breeze Add the vodka and Cointreau to a shaker full of ice. Shake well. Pour into a highball glass. Add ginger ale to taste. Garnish with an orange slice. www.subrosaspirits.com |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Gettin Knitty Wit It As the weather outside gets frightful, we often search for just the right accessories to ensure we look delightful, no matter what the thermometer says. And of all our hats and arm-warmers, we love our set from Woolie Originals the best. Made locally from repurposed wool, angora, mohair and cashmere sweaters, each piece is enchantingly appliquéd with felt woodland creatures and fall leaves. Look for skirts, stuffed animals and collages as well. We can’t think of a better way to reduce, reuse and recycle! |
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| 2 | Bringing the Outside In During the darkest days of winter, our thoughts often turn to spring’s flowering trees, chirping birds, and bright, beautiful sunshine. Since that’s a long way off, we’re glad to have the lovely work of Portland artist Hadley Hutton. Just one look at her softly romantic, spring-like images transports us a few months into the future. Featuring swoon-worthy pastels, each piece brings a breath of fresh air (and more than a few birdies!) right into your space, no matter how cold the air gets outside. |
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| 3 | It's a Mod Mod World Boyfriend or no, we never rely on someone else to do our jewelry shopping for us. We can’t guarantee that they won’t buy some gaudy bauble, shattering our idyllic vision. So when we buy for ourselves, we look for modern, unique and colorful, which describes the pieces from Portland’s Modica Design perfectly. Rich woods encircle brilliant resin circles and squares, weaving natural and man-made into fresh, contemporary finds. We can’t pick a favorite—just like boyfriends! |
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| 4 | Alternative Lifestyles We can’t relate to “resort wear.” Who are these people that vacation in January? Who buys swimsuits when it’s this cold? Sure, we’d love to be visiting Palm Springs … but we’re stuck here at home. If we weren’t, we’d visit Toss Designs to buy a travel-appropriate bag in classic pink and green. But would the bag be for our clothes or our racquet? Cause in our fantasy, we not only vacation in January, we know how to play tennis! |
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| 5 | Calendar Girl It’s officially 2008. And you’ve been procrastinating, haven’t you? Your calendar is still set to December and you haven’t even begun thinking about a replacement. Fortunately, we’ve got a recommendation for the only calendar you’ll ever need, a 60s classic that’s been spotted in the Museum of Modern Art. Massimo Vignelli’s creation is ginormous in scale and alternates each month between dramatic black and white. Even the pages need not go to waste … they’ll make perfect wrapping paper for next year’s gifts! |
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| Event of the Week: | |||
This is so good we can’t believe we’re sharing. We should keep it to ourselves. But because we like you, here’s a heads up that Meringue Boutique is having a huge jeans sale, with 25-75% off regular prices. They have designer jeans as low as $25! And these are your faves: AG, Citizens of Humanity, Genetic, J & Company, Joe’s Jeans, Juicy Couture, Paige Premium Denim, People’s Liberation, Seven for all Mankind, Stitches, True Religion, William Rast. We will race you there! What: Unbelievable denim sale at Meringue Boutique |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Save the Fat Man at Imelda’s! Perhaps Santa missed your stocking this year. Can you blame him? One man trying to get presents to 6,679,532,264 people? Makes working 40 hours a week seem like a cakewalk! Imelda’s lets the fat guy off the hook by reducing prices 20-70% on a fabulous selection of merchandise including Dansko, Born, Faryl Robin, Frye, Kenneth Cole, jewelry, accessories and more. What: After-the-Holidays Sale at Imelda’s |
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| 2 | “Change How You See, Not How You Look” “Change how you see, not how you look.” This J. Alison Huber quote nicely sums up the work of Be Nourished and Miss Fit. Attend their open house to learn how to adopt practices in joyful movement, conscious eating, gentle nutrition and emotional wellness. What: Open House & Discussion on a Non-Diet Approach |
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| 3 | Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough Mark your calendars for Pin-Me’s 3-year anniversary sale! Save big time on the items you’ve been lusting after; fulfill your winter-wardrobe dreams. All regular clothing and handbags will be marked down 30-50% off! And join them for a party + shopping + giveaways on Saturday night. What: 3-Year Anniversary Sale at Pin-Me |
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| 4 | Laughter is the Best Medicine Was your New Year’s Eve a letdown? Are you suffering from post-holiday blahs? Fix yourself right up with a heaping helping of comedy at The Jester Comedy Club! It’s brand new, and open on Fridays and Saturdays for two shows a night—check their website for upcoming headliners! What: The Jester Comedy Club Now Open |
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| 5 | Don’t Even Think About Procrastinating You need a workout you can fall in love with. Something that makes you look leaner, feel taller, and keeps your interest while challenging you—but nothing too challenging. Girl, Pilates was made for you. Specifically, NW Pilates! Right now they’re having a special: Buy 4 private sessions, get 1 Free! What: Buy 4 private sessions, get 1 free at NW Pilates |
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| 6 | It’s Time for a Cooking Class Take a cooking class! Chef David Bloomfield of the Hall Street Grill will prepare low-fat, nourishing, wholesome and delish dishes in this fun class. Quinoa salad, grilled seasonal veggies, grilled chicken with grape-tomato relish and more. Sit back, relax, sample the food and enjoy a glass of wine as he demonstrates … the recipes are yours to keep. What: Chef David Bloomfield’s cooking demonstration |
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| 7 | Toast to the New Year at Gilt Club Gilt Club has the perfect reason to gather friends for a celebratory 2008 toast and delicious dinner—free bubbly! From now until Feb. 13, the oh-so-stylish Gilt Club will provide a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine for dinner groups of six or more. Enjoy fantastic cuisine—from seared duck to their unbeatable burger—from chef Peter Gadd. See you there! What: Free Bubbly at the Gilt Club for parties of 6+ |
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| 8 | Back in the Saddle! On Friday, January 4th, artist and Portland resident, Sam Roloff, will present a variety of new pieces and reproductions of older pieces at Souk (322 NW 6th Ave., Suite 200) + Working Artist.This open house marks a return to the creative community for Roloff. What: Art Show Opening |
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If you have friends in the Chicagoland area, please direct them to www.ChicagoPicks.com without passing go! We’ve gathered a group of hi-larious ladies to shop, eat, drink and dazzle their way through the Windy City every week. Check it out for yourself … those girls are crazypants and stylish and we might be a touch jealous. The way they write about Chi-town, it allmost makes us wish we lived there … but then again, naaaah. PDX 4 U N ME. All the way, baby. All the way. |
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