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March 17th, 2006
Stories break at Portland Picks! It’s true. We keep getting the scoop on those “other” local publications to bring you the best of the city, and frankly, that’s Just Plain Awesome. For us and for you. For example, last week we wrote about the Independent Spirit Awards, and specifically mentioned the Peter Gallagher song…and keep in mind that we write up PP on Mondays…and then we saw the same mention in a local free paper. Oh, and last Friday we were having dinner at Nostrana, and who walked in but one of the big newspaper’s photographers? It happens all the time. So remember, kids, you hear it here first! We are now convinced that there are spies all around us…a little Homeland Security action on the part of local pubs, perhaps? We are – from this point forward – encoding all our correspondences! They are reading our minds!!! |
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Portland Picks: |
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| 1 | Oh, Nostrana We like a good Italian meal as much as the next person. Or, judging by our thighs, perhaps even a little more than the average person. Which is why A) we work out, semi-religiously, and B) we checked out Nostrana. They have a huge oven for wood-fired pizzas (order one, for sure; we had the Margherita with arugula and San Daniele prosciutto – yum!) and a wood grill for the excellent and changing selection of entrees – but get there early because on busy nights the best dishes go quickly. In true Portland style, they utilize local suppliers, which is always impressive, and since we were there on a busy Friday night, enjoying our meal while hungry diners waited patiently for tables, we were even more impressed when they handed out appetizer samples – gratis – to those who were waiting. (They don’t take reservations, but the bar is appealing, too.) The four co-owners have a shared vision, and the dishes are well-priced. It’s a great place to have a good meal for two – with a glass from their extensive wine list – for under $40. So check it out, and tell them Portland Picks sent you! Nostrana |
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| 2 | Michelle Decourcy Moved! Our local darling, Michelle Decourcy, has officially moved her flagship boutique to the Pearl. This weekend’s marching orders: a must visit to her new swanky digs! Her new store will feature Michelle’s spring line, which we think is her best yet. You can preview it online for a little tease that’ll get your fanny rushing down there (plus the fab photos that were taken by our favorite local photographer, Kelley Dulcich). The new store will also carry Red Engine Denim, Sharon Segal T-shirts, Charlotte Tarantolla knit tops, Velvet Messiah belts, Kiki Pearl Handbags, among other special girlie finds. Michelle Decourcy |
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| 3 | Addicted to the Bean? If you're like most people in this town, you don't have much get-up-and-go without a morning (or afternoon, or evening, or late-night) cup of java. Let's face it, coffee makes us happy, and we can't imagine going a single day without it. And you're going to be even happier in about three seconds, because Starbucks Annual Brewing Sale will take place from March 14 -April 3 in Portland Starbucks stores! (It's also nationwide, but P-land is what matters to us, let's face it!) The sale is a great time to stock up on brewing equipment and accessories that not only highlight each of the Starbucks coffees' unique characteristics, but that allow you to make a memorable cup of Joe right in your own home. We love it! We also love that we can get thermal coffee makers, espresso machines and more coffee-gear at a discount. Check out the the Starbucks Barista Aroma Grande 12-cup thermal coffee maker and the DeLonghi Magnifica 3400 Super Automated Espresso Machine - these little babies will do you right, that's for sure. And if you're in need of some one-on-one coffee counseling, you can get extra help on brewing great coffee at home byvisiting a Starbucks store and speaking to a Starbucks Coffee Master—just look for the black apron. |
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| 4 | Now Entering Babeville We found a quick and immediate fix for the ugly stage. It sheds years and pounds in minutes. A spray-on tan! We had forgotten. First we had our hair done, going supremely blonde and cutting bangs. We were kinda nervous about the bangs, remembering the bad bangs we suffered with in the fifth grade (can you say Mary Hartman-Mary Hartman?), but bangs rock now. It’s a great alternative to botox. Then we went to Tan Rio, which is under new ownership. The new owner looks like Ashton Kutcher, is really very nice, and doesn’t give you the hard sell. He offers bottled water, make-up wipes, lotion, a nicer, roomier, cleaner room, and several new alternatives to the traditional spray-on. It is still a tanning salon, not a spa, but with significant improvements...plus the whole Ashton Kutcher bonus. Our skin felt smoother, clearer, younger, our legs looked better (even camoflauging a mother of a bruise), and we felt skinnier. Like midnight for Cinderella the affect eventually wears off but for a quick fix when you mentally need it most, try Tan Rio in Lake Oswego. Tan Rio |
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| 5 | Cocoon Silk It’s such a good day. There’s a new store on Northwest 23rd! It’s called Cocoon Silk. The gorgeous handmade silk dresses in the window beckoned us. The entire store is filled with beautiful handmade silk dresses, kimonos, wraps, skirts and handbags imported from Cambodia. Gorgeous feminine styles you’ll enjoy playing dress-up in, at very affordable prices. These dresses would be stunning for a wedding, for a bridesmaid, for a cocktail party, and they have genius skirts that you can wear with heels and then turn around and wear with flip flops and a jean jacket. The owner of the shop is from Cambodia, where she sold her silk fabrics, taking it one step further, bless her heart, when she moved here. We loved the black silk strapless dress with a fitted bodice, we felt like Audrey Hepburn in her pink silk and organza skirt trimmed with flowers. If you have a fancy occasion and don’t feel like spending a fortune, but want to look like you did, forgo the designer label and just fib and tell everyone it’s a Valentino. Trust us, they’ll believe you. Cocoon Silk |
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| 6 | Hello Sunshine! With spring periodically rearing its little noggin, it’s time to start thinking of the garden, planting flowers, and brightening the yard, our homes, and our cloudy minds. Well, lucky us, we bumped into the sweetest little garden shop quite by accident; a garden shop with everything you’ll need. Our gym parking lot was full and we had to park far away down the street. Just as we were murmuring profanities under our breath, suddenly we found ourselves parked in front of Goose Hollow Gardens. We had never seen it before and it seemed to pop out before our eyes. Goose Hollow Gardens. It has such a lovely ring, doesn’t it? We imagine this beautiful meadow and frolicking through an amazing English Garden. But it’s really just a sweet, itty bitty store, and it’s a jewel. They’ve been there just six months and they are also a full-service florist with amazing bouquets. They carry outdoor plants, blown glass, and feature lots of local artists. It’s a family-owned business, run by a savvy mother-son-aunt team. This garden shop oozes charm and is worth a visit. Stop by and say hello, and tell them Portland Picks sent you. |
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| 7 | This is Smokin’ As you know, we love to eat in but don’t necessarily like to cook. Take out taken in is the way to go. Usually we like to transfer the takeout to our pots and pans and try and pass it off as our own, but sometimes it’s just too darn good, a certain giveaway around here unfortunately. Especially when we bring home take out from the new “hot” spot, Jimmy’s Smoke House and Pizzeria on Macadam. If you blink you could miss it. But you don’t want to miss it, or miss out. This food is so remarkable. Their pizza, especially their Gorgonzola, sausage and carmelized onion pizza, is the best pizza we’ve had in Portland. In fact there used to be this little joint in East Hampton called Sam’s that we used to frequent every Friday because they had killer pizza (okay, and JFK Jr. was often there), and we haven’t found any pizza that good since. Until we discovered Jimmy’s. And their beef brisket is out of this world, too, and their salads and pulled pork…in fact everything on their menu is incredible. And you can eat there, too, though they only have room for about 8 to 10 at the counter. In the spring they’ll open up the garage door to breezy sidewalk seating, and then there’s the take-out, the bulk of their business, and you can definitely taste why. Jimmy’s Smoke House and Pizzeria |
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| 8 | English Pubs Rock Our World |
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| 9 | Let’s Face It... ....I have always had a hard time being naked, I can't think of anything worse than trying on clothes in a dressing room (“It must be a Fat Mirror,”), and a massage, forget it. I can barely stand the sight of myself, let alone voluntarily let another person touch my thighs in certain judgment. I can never really relax, so what’s the point? My mind racing, thinking, “Now she’s touching my back fat” and making constant apologies...”I usually do shave, sorry.” That is why I was ecstatic when I fell into the calming oasis of Candace's facial room. I left the hustle and bustle at the door and fell onto her table like it was my own private sleeping quarters for the next hour. I was a bit taken aback when she greeted me, though, because she is so darn cute, and I started feeling my normal anxiety until she assured me she was going to make my skin look absolutely amazing. In lieu of getting a massage like most Bergdorf blondes I know, I go for facials (that getting totally naked thing) but I have to say, this is the best I have had yet. Even her extractions, something else that usually makes me self-conscious, were no big deal. She does a full arm/foot massage while your mask is on and when she gets into the facial massage she gets your whole back, shoulders, front, neck, and finishes you off with a little ear rub. Yes, ear rub - I have NEVER felt anything like it. Seriously. When she was finished she said, "Okay gorgeous, you're done!" By this time, I am done keeping score. She had definitely won me over! 77 |
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| CD of the Week: | |||
| Sia is so sexy and sultry. We love her! She has the most amazing voice. We love “Breathe Me,” which was featured in Six Feet Under and was just released on her album “Colour the Small One” and her ep “Breathe Me.” But all her songs are good, she’s no one-hit wonder. Where I Belong, Don’t Bring Me Down. She’s our new favorite musician. Sia is a star, and soon to be a household name! And she’s coming to the Doug Fir in April. We’ll see you there! |
 Amazon.com |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Momimomi We just received the cutest, coolest shirts from LA. Sigh...we love this job. Our friend from Vogue had been buzzing about them and she was right. These are incredible. The soft cotton, the colors, the cool artwork, the perfectly long fitted sleeves, the surprise message inside. (“conceived of and constructed in los angeles near a slow growing lawn next to vicious barking dogs behind vinyl blinds, beneath wooden trusses, dodging cherry bombs under the guidance of angels.”) Momimomi! We love them. If nothing else you have to check out their ultracool website: momimomi.com But beware of your volume or you’ll find your cubicle surrounded. Sold at Local 35, Nolita, and Soho Boutique |
 momimomi.com |
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| 2 | Be Spunky Nurture your precious seed naturally… We have a titch of hippy in us so naturally our offspring will too, and we have just the thing for your little hippie...Spunky Sprout. Spunky Sprout fuses modern designs with cool caricatures to create a unique baby line with a multicultural reflection. They are dedicated to running an environmentally friendly business that supports the nurturing of a healthy planet and healthy babies. Spunky Sprout uses only organic cottons and non-toxic dyes. Hippie, shmippie -- your baby will be sooo cute. |
 spunkysprout.com |
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| 3 | Brrr! …Ahhh… We are always so brrrrr cold but no one else in our family seems to have this problem. We can never understand why they’re not cold, too; why they balk when we sneak the thermostat up to 73 degrees. We always wished we could lavish ourselves with those decadent heated marble floors in our bathroom. But we have found the next best thing. 12-hour heated socks. So when we are home, which is pretty much all the time, our tootsies are guaranteed to stay warm and toasty for the whole day. Batteries sold separately. |
 hammacher.com |
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| 4 | The Big Bag Everyone needs a big bag with lots of pockets, a la the big pocket satchel from Coach. The bigger the better, the more pockets the better. And Coach has the cutest selection. You will never lose anything in this bag with its little pockets for everything. A little home for your cell, your lipstick, your workout gear. Plus in white, you’ll be so dang cute. The big bag is all the rage and a must have accessory...thankfully, since we can so easily fill it in no time. |
 coach.com |
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| 5 | Your Passport to Panties With spring break around the corner you mustn’t forget your passport. Passport Panties that is. Poshly pink. Perfectly packable. Passport Panties. Picture finding yourself in one of those unsavory situations: That time of the month has caught you by surprise. After a transatlantic flight, you discover that your luggage is missing. You have a hot date for cocktails immediately following a hard day’s work. The only thing that can save you? Your passport. Disguised as a passport, Passport Panties provide the freedom to travel, live, and play with comfort, cleanliness and confidence. And its clever design sleekly fits into your handbag, your carry-on, or even your pocket. |
 passportpanties.com |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Your Own Private Spa Loyly, Southeast Portland's new European style day spa, is now available for private parties. Relax and rejuvenate with your friends in this serene and beautiful spa with a cedar sauna, steam room, tea lounge, showers and lockers. It’s perfect for bridal parties, birthdays, or just a much needed girls' night out. Base rental is for three hours and includes towels, robes and sandal service. Single portions of locally made beauty products like lemongrass ginger sea salt body scrub are available at the sales counter. Group rates are $250 before 5 p.m., $300 after 5. Maximum 20 people. The "Loyly Delight" package includes the private facility, 15-minute chair massages, face and body scrub products, and tea, all for just $40 per person. Minimum 10 people. For more information and reservations call 503.236.6850. Loyly Sauna and Steam |
 loyly.net |
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| 2 | Party for St. Pat’s and a Good Cause at Jake’s Come experience a wee bit of the Gaelic and embrace your “Irish roots” with friends old and new! Jake’s Famous Crawfish celebrates 116 years of St. Patrick’s Day festivities. From live music (starting at 11 a.m.) to a menu laced with Irish fare, Jake’s Famous Crawfish is a tradition not to be missed. Jake’s Famous Crawfish St. Patrick’s Day festivities support Trillium Family Services, Oregon’s most comprehensive provider of mental health care to children and families. Trillium’s vision is to partner with children and families to provide them the therapy they need to heal and the tools they require to manage their mental health needs so children lead lives that fulfill their potential.
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| 3 | Six Steps to Better Health Want to keep your New Year’s resolution to get fit for life? As part of its community events series, Umpqua Bank and Recess offer Rejuvenation Series workshops on “Six Steps to Better Health” every 1st and 3rd Tuesday in March and April. The four workshops (March 7, 21 and April 4, 18) review cornerstones of overall wellbeing and health, including: hydration, nutrition, exertion, relaxation, recreation and relations. The March 21 seminar is on nutrition - counting calories? Points? Limiting carbs? No carbs with protein? Nothing but grapefruit? Where do you begin? Proper nutrition might seem complicated, leading people to try all kinds of fad diet plans without sustainable results. But just as you don't need to be a certified mechanic to operate and maintain your car, neither do you need to be a doctor or nutritionist to have a healthy body. Come find out ways to prepare and eat flavorful, nutritious foods and healthy snacks. Make eating right easy and tasty. Snacks, drinks and giveaways will be provided. Attendees will be entered into a drawing to the following prizes (donated by Urban Pages):
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 recessfitness.com |
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| 4 | Spring Break Tea at the Heathman a Resprite from Winter-Weary Weather Weekend Tea Program Expands to Daily Service for Spring Break – March 25-April 2, 2006 The Heathman’s favorite afternoon tea program is returning during the week just in time for all that Spring Break free time. The Peter Rabbit Tea for Little Sippers and Traditional Afternoon tea for the adults will be offered Saturday, March 25th through Sunday, April 2nd with two seatings daily at noon and 2 p.m. Executive chef Philippe Boulot has created a menu featuring assorted finger sandwiches, pastries and a wide selection of teas from Fonte Coffee & Tea Co. of Seattle, Washington. For more information, please call 503-790-7752 or visit www.heathmanhotel.com. The Heathman Restaurant is located at 1001 SW Broadway in downtown Portland’s cultural district. |
 heathmanhotel.com |
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Have you noticed something new and Portland Pick-worthy in your neighborhood? Did you have dinner someplace delicious? Did you find a new shoe store that you hate to share with the world, but feel obligated to talk about? Tell us! Let us know! We are a busy group here at Portland Picks, but can’t be everyplace at once. We need you on our side, tipping us off to the latest and greatest! Email us today to tell us about some new, special place you’re fond of, and then look for it in Portland Picks! |
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