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February 18, 2011
Something old; something new. No—we’re not tying the knot. We’re just enjoying revisiting some old favorites around town. Every week we’re looking for the newest/hottest/latest, but this time we decided to step back and say hello to some fabulous, more established Portland haunts. We hope you enjoy getting to know them again as much as we did. It’s like hanging out with an old friend that you haven’t seen in years. Just pick up where you left off. |
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Portland Picks: |
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| 1 | “Great Accent” In high school, the bestie pointed out that our small town’s sad little mall produced a strange effect. If we spent enough time in the homogenous, over-lit stores, we invariably slowly talked ourselves into believing we’d found something somewhat appealing. The post-purchase spell was broken only once we were home, as we quickly realized we had once again been tricked into buying more mediocre, usually stonewashed, mass-produced crapola. Whenever we pop into Tilde in Sellwood, we consistently have the opposite problem: specifically, we want every single thing in the shop. (Warning: Picking up items you are considering and then walking around the store with them is not an effective strategy here, as you will run out of hands before you get both feet in the door.) The focus on color, design and artistic expression gives every piece a unique dash of charm, from jewelry to home goods to affordable, local art. Nearly half of Tilde’s treasures are from Portland-based independent artists and designers, so the shopping afterglow will last long after you arrive back home. Tilde |
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| 2 | Does That Sign Say “Ramen”? A few weeks ago while driving down Burnside, we spotted a sign in a window that changed our lives. “Ramen. Sushi. Coming soon.” Uh mah gaw. We were so excited that we pulled over and called a friend to tell her the news. So we stalked the spot… and soon, there it was… the sign: Mirakutei. And it was glorious. We couldn’t wait to try Mirakutei (sushi and ramen? Genius.), and once inside had a totally “transportive” experience. First of all, it’s small and casual, and feels like it should be in Chelsea, NYC, instead of plunked on Burnside. Second, it’s the real deal. The sushi menu is limited but outstanding; the ramen is fresh and delicious. And since the kitchen is open to the dining room, you can see them dunking your noodle order—which just made us hungrier for it. So yes, Mirakutei, we will be back. And somehow we’ll have to decide between the ramen or the sushi, because we had both that first time in… and we’re still full. Happy, but full! Mirakutei |
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| 3 | Three Wishes When we were little we wanted three things: braces, a cast, and glasses. Our crazy overbite and a gift for perilous falls crossed two wishes off the list. But lo, these many years later we're still craving glasses. |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Shoes, Glorious Shoes Not every woman wants a pair of heels. (We’ll be happy to pick up the slack for her, just FYI.) Needing options is part of the reason that Nom & Ada’s handcrafted moccasins caught our eye. Designed in Portland and handcrafted in Japan, these lovable beauties are so new that they just started selling them on Monday! Sustainable, comfortable, and destined to be a pair you wear for years and years, Nom & Ada has the key to our pump-lovin’ hearts. |
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| 2 | The One and Only We’re at the age when our friends are getting hitched and/or buying homes, so finding a wedding or housewarming gift we haven’t already given is a top priority. How tickled we were to find this cute acrylic tray by Designs by Three of a Kind? The personalized laminate-covered insert comes in your choice of image, initials and pattern and slips out for easy cleaning, making it the perfect new-house or new-hubby gift! Done and done. |
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| 3 | Wicked-Smart Accessories If fabric could think, plaid would definitely be the most articulate and intellectual pattern of them all. And what says “scholarly” and “chic” more than a high-performance houndstooth fabric made from recycled bottles? Pair a classic plaid textile with vegetable-tanned, stain-resistant leather to make travel bags, laptop bags and iPad organizers, and you’ve got Plaid Doctrine—Seattle’s smartest-looking travel bags and accessories. If only our college professors had graded us on our school supplies! |
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| Cocktail of the Week: 901 Tequila: | |||
Did you know…? Tuesday is National Margarita Day! Best… holiday… ever. And to celebrate, we’ve got a delicious recipe, courtesy of 901 Tequila (which was created by Justin Timberlake, btw), to take your marg-making status from ordinary to legendary. The Millington: |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Ellington Spring Trunk Show What: Ellington Spring Trunk Show |
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| 2 | Save the Date: Boutiques Unleashed What? You haven’t been to Boutiques Unleashed? You’re missing out on a night of fashion and fun to benefit DoveLewis! Our favorite boutiques send models—and their pets—down the runway, while you sip and nibble on poshy treats. Just for Portland Picks: Call Melanie at 971.255.5938 to get tickets before March 1, and get a $10 discount! What: Boutiques Unleashed |
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| 3 | Bravo! Wedding Affair |
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Justin Timberlake’s tequila, Japanese ramen, a fabulous fashion show, wedding ideas, handmade shoes, a handbag trunk sale… Yep! We pretty much maxed out this week! Share the love: Sign up a friend at www.PortlandPicks.com! |
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