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March 31st, 2006
Sometimes it’s just plain fun to go back and revisit some of the Picks we love the best. This week is Editor Alisa Sloan’s turn to share her favorites of the bunch. She has a quirky sensibility that is showcased in her love for dive bars, big earrings, platform wedges and Italian food. Or was that big wedges, platform bars and Italian men? Huh… Portland is overflowing with so many fantastic places to go...it's tough to whittle it down! The other thing that makes it tough is that there are always new shops, spas, bars and restaurants to visit, and old favorites to revisit. So when we send out another Editor's Picks, and the Picks are different than what you see here, you'll understand that it's an ever-changing roster. We need to mix it up a bit, you know? We can't decide on something so permanent! Can you? |
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Portland Picks: |
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| 1 | Mmm…That Old Black Magic Who among us has experimented with a bit of voodoo now and then? Maybe you’ve poked a doll with needles to spite a grade-school rival or an old boyfriend. Maybe you’ve lit a candle to ward off bad vibes. But have you topped a doughnut with Captain Crunch? The doughnut thing works, we promise. Just ask Voodoo Doughnut, where “the magic is in the hole”! They’re open from 10 p.m.-10 a.m. (yes, you read that right) every day except Sunday. Oh, and they’re closed Saturday mornings, too. Even pastry-making witch doctors need a day of rest. You can order delights like the eponymous Voodoo Doughnut – a voodoo-doll shaped donut with a pretzel-stake through its heart; the interesting and savory Maple Bar with Bacon (we dare you); the Arnold Palmer (a cake doughnut covered with lemon and tea powder); or even the Triple Chocolate Penetration (a chocolate-glazed chocolate doughnut topped with Cocoa Puffs). Spooked by Voodoo’s menu? There are basic doughnuts for the less adventurous that are just as tasty. (But you won’t regret trying the Neopolitan – a chocolate cake doughnut with strawberry frosting, topped with marshmallows!) So leave your worry beads at home and venture down to Voodoo Doughnut. And bring cash! They don’t take cards. |
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| 2 | Nighty Night What is it about a darkly lit lounge that can be so appealing? Why are dim joints such great places to plan your escape, gossip about coworkers, and flirt with dates? Oh, who knows…maybe we shouldn’t over-think it. We should just put another five in the jukebox and enjoy… If you’re in the mood for louche, look no further than Clinton Street’s Night Light Lounge. The jukebox is jam-packed with indie-band favorites (from Death Cab to Fugazi to Built to Spill), there’s a pool table tastefully tucked aside, there are stacks of fun board games to play, and there’s even a secretive-feeling smoking area in the back with deep sofas, perfect for private conversations. The eclectic menu offers familiar favorites like Dungeness crab cakes, mac and cheese, and fajitas, made with mostly regional, seasonal, and certified organic fruits and vegetables. Try the signature cocktails like the Pomegranate Cosmo or the Nightlighter – vanilla Stoli, Godiva chocolate liqueur and Kahlua, shaken and served with a chocolate kiss. One caveat: The service isn’t always prompt, but you’ll like what you get once you get it. Night Light Lounge |
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| 3 | Ooh La Spa La La We have raised the art of enjoying a good pampering to dizzying new heights. We love to be fawned over and complimented, and if the planets align just right, you might even see us wearing our tiaras. But don’t count on catching us bejeweled and off-guard, as tiara wearing is simply ridiculous, and we are above such things, in public. However, we are not above an Express mani/pedi for $30 (and yes, we’d love a glass of champagne, thank you) at Spa La La. The shabby chic chandeliers and white leather massage chairs (which remind us of our regular seats on the Concorde, dahlings) are so decadent and welcoming, and a perfectly girly complement to the rest of Spa La La – a fun boutique! Treat yourself to a Luxury mani/pedi ($48) and then pick up baubles, trinkets and tank tops on your way out. Oh, and flip-flops. Or a handbag. If you can’t resist the items by the check out stand in grocery stores (ooh, pastel Chapstick, lint traps, a pink disposable camera) prepare to be burdened when you exit this delightful, enlightening and relaxing slice of heaven. Spa La La |
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| 4 | Your New Neighborhood Italian We have been to a lot of Italian restaurants in this town – some were excellent places we raved about, some were so average we had to pinch ourselves to keep from falling asleep – but this one is special because, well, it feels so much like home. With its comfortable bistro setting and accessible dishes, SubRosa is our new neighborhood spot. (We’ll just pretend we live in the area. Nobody has to know we’re Clinton impostors.) |
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| 5 | ShoeFly, Please Bother Me! Bridgeport Village pretty much requires weekly visits these days to keep up on all the new boutiques and restaurants still opening up. Our favorite right now, though, is ShoeFly, a boutique that celebrates our obsessive love of shoes, complete with affirmative quotes about shoes whimsically painted on the walls. (As if we needed affirmations about footwear!) With two popular locations in the Seattle area, the owners have spread the love to Portland with their first remote location – hooray! Colorful heels by Faryl Robin, strappy flats from Jeffrey Campbell, funky espadrilles from his I Heart JC line, Charles David’s more affordable Exchange line, not to mention comfy but cute Campers, cheap & chic Bronx Shoes, whimsical Seychelles, classic ballet slippers from Delman and the previously unavailable-in-Portland Cynthia Rowley line. Even more exciting are all the small/indie lines (Coclico, Cordani, Detny, Blay, Biviel, Kaju…etc., etc.) that we’ve never heard of, but definitely want to now add to our collection (we love to learn new things! Shoefly At Bridgeport Village |
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| 6 | Dreaming of Fabulous Hair |
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| 7 | My Beautiful Laundrette By now you know that we adore our dog. His little beady eyes are so trusting, his little body so efficient at squirming out of our grasp as we attempt to shove him under the bathtub faucet. Thank goodness we found Beauty and the Beast – Pet Laundrette. It makes the act of washing the dog a whole lot easier. They’ve got a bunch of big tubs, and big hoses, and free shampoo (medicated is extra) so you can get Fido clean without sullying your bathroom. And no appointment necessary! They supply aprons, towels, and a concrete floor, so no muss, no fuss! No worries! Just a clean dog and a happy you. It’s $10 for a small dog, all the way up to $19 for “huge.” (We think if your dog qualifies as “huge,” a car wash may be in order. Just a thought.) There’s also an extensive retail selection adjacent, with everything you need for your pet: food, leashes, toys, cool plastic bowls, studded collars, shampoo, leads, carrying bags, beds, even parkas to keep your dog dry in the rain. And if you cheese out and won’t wash your dog yourself, there’s also a grooming salon. Check them out, and tell them Portland Picks sent you! Beauty and the Beast – Pet Laundrette |
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| 8 | What Would You Do with 1,000 Velvet Paintings? Just so you know, we totally knew about the Velveteria before it opened…we just happened to get down there on that day a few weeks ago when it snowed, and they were closed due to the weather. (It’s also the day we decided to get an all-wheel drive car, as our little rascal wound up slipping like a sled on the icy streets.) Anyhoo, we heard about Velveteria, Musuem of Velvet Paintings, so go see for yourself and spread the word: Velveteria rocks. Gather your friends with a sense of humor and go there. The owners amassed more than 1,000 paintings on velvet over the past six years (from as far away as Cuzco, Peru, and as close as Portland) and a few hundred of them are on display at Velveteria. You will be amazed at what people can put on a velvet canvas – the obligatory Elvis/Jesus/Clowns trifecta is represented, but oh my, the rest of them…there’s a wall of Banditos with huge hats and grizzled expressions. There’s a section dedicated to tropical isles, there’s Yoda, a blue panther, a poodle, Jimi Hendrix, a whole room full of nudes, and one they call “Unicorn Comb-Over” that you have to see to believe. It’s a celebration of bad taste, so firmly plant your tongue in your cheek and high-tail it over to Velveteria. They were generous enough to share their “wealth” with Portland – it’s up to us to show them our appreciation by popping in. And tell them Portland Picks sent you! Velveteria |
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| 9 | Do You Canoe? There are so many reasons to shop, but one of our favorites is "just because." Don't you feel better when you've picked up a little sumpin'-sumpin' for yourself - for no reason at all - on a rainy Sunday afternoon? We know we do! Oh, and there are "other people," too. Friends and family who deserve little gifties and forget-me-nots every now and again. Canoe that has the perfect selection of modern accessories for home, office and life. It's the perfect place to get a special something for that special someone, even if that special someone is yourself! You'll find exactly what you didn't even think to look for, artfully presented in the sleek, spare space. They seek out products which have a lasting aesthetic that transcend trends. You'll find simple, beautiful and functional objects, from Pendleton blankets to pillows and games. All chosen with design in mind. Some of our favorite items include tiny, precious little glass vases from Sugahara - they make genius hostess gifts. And prices range from 40 cents for a nut tray to $200 for a locally made blown-glass vase. Stop by Canoe, and tell them Portland Picks sent you! Canoe
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| 10 | The Past Lives On… …in your closet. Reading the latest issue of “Lucky” magazine, we found that the looks they recommended were often quite unflattering and, let’s face it, somewhat ridiculous—but that’s another rant. What we did like is that they incorporated so much vintage style. Of course, you can pay $495 for a leather coat that looks like vintage, or $295 for a floaty top that resembles vintage, or you can hit the thrift stores in the hopes of turning up something perfect. But who has time for that? Not us! That’s why we love stores like Xtabay—they pick out the choice stuff as far back as the 40s that spanks of “original.” These are the designs that influenced all those people who are creating new clothes that look like old clothes. From their amazing selection of vintage shoes to a temptingly long row of coats, Xtabay has done the digging for you, and you can walk out looking like a more stylish version of what you see in the zines. Oh, you lucky girl. (And boy! Xtabay has a small but choice array of menswear, from Lacoste shirts to leisure suits to jeans, tie tacks and cufflinks.) Xtabay |
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