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December 29th, 2006
Say Buh-Bye to 2006 So to sum up, here are tidbits from some of our favorite new places in 2006. You can read snippets below, and visit their websites, or click on our original writeups to see the whole shebang. And be sure to visit them all in 2007 if you haven’t already (or if they aren’t already your favorites), and tell them Portland Picks sent you! |
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Portland Picks: Best of 2006 |
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| 1 | Cheese Louise We love cheese, though we don’t know a thing about it. When we entertain we just randomly choose cheese that makes us look like we know a thing or two but to anyone that really knows, we’re a sure giveaway, especially when they ask, “What is this?” or we end up pairing it with, say, Budweiser. But now we’ve discovered Curds and Whey. They will give you elegant wine that goes with just the right unpronounceable cheese and write it all down so you can head fake even the most knowledgeable cheese whiz. It’s a lovely place to stop by and stay awhile, sampling, browsing, and learning something new from the proprietor (The Big Cheese!) Curds & Whey |
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| 2 | Happy Feet You know what they say about guys with big feet. They’re…um…hard to buy shoes for. But no longer: Take your guy to industrial-chic Baddoll/Oddball, where on the “Oddball” side of the store, men’s shoes start at size 14. While he tries on any of Oddball’s vast selection of Vans, adidas, Diesel, Puma, and Reef kicks, you can check out shoes for yourself on the Baddoll side of the store, including cute Lacoste, Terra Plana, Fornarina, and PF Flyers. Because nothing bonds a couple like shopping together! Baddoll/Oddball |
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| 3 | Fun with Grammar Noun knows the rules, filling their floor with both new and old items scooped up because of their design, quality and attention to detail. From a complete set of vintage china with modern chrome swirls to globe-shaped ceramic bud vases, you’ll find delightful items that are timeless, lovely, and unique. For example, they are the only local retailer for the Big Chill fridge—a retro-inspired beauty with all of today's conveniences. And the location is half the fun, as the space is shared with the soon-to-open eastside location of Saint Cupcake. Cupcakes and housewares? Hooray! Who knew a grammar lesson could be so much fun? |
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| 4 | For the Love of Chocolate Cacao is filled with a mind-boggling number of, well, chocolate bars. Each bar is a sight to behold—the packaging is incredibly ornate and, like wine, you can learn a lot from the labels. The best resource, however, is the staff, who are quick to point you toward caramels topped with fleur de sel, or a bar studded with cacao nibs, pleasing the palate with unique tastes and textures. Have a loved one who's a chocoholic? Cacao can whip together a beautiful gift basket that will send them straight to heaven. We don't know how long it will take to get our degree in chocolatology, but we're looking forward to doing the homework. Cacao |
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| 5 | It’s all in The Foundation Foundation Garments features modern, stylish, sustainable clothing and accessories from independent designers in the U.S. and Canada. These guys strive to find lines and designers not currently represented in Portland, and the smaller the better. Stop by for adorable, hand-made, and infinitely wearable outfits from designers like Blood is the New Black, Kitchen Orange, Revolve, and Ship to Shore, among others. Oh, and their jewelry is amazing, too! From delicate-but-funky pendants to dominos-as-art, you’ll find something cool to tickle your fancy. Foundation Garments, Inc. |
 issue 116 |
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| 6 | Switch is a Hit! You’ve always been a hep cat, forever the trendsetter. You had Famolares and Sbiccas and Bare Traps and Candies and Get Theres before anyone else on the playground. All the other girls copycatted everything you had, in an almost creepy “Heathers”-type way. Well, look out, gal pals, because you’ll be doing it again when you’re kickin’ it in shoes from Switch. These are so cool and comfy and stylish and unlike anything you’ve seen in this town. Be the first to blow up the block with eye-catching shoes that bring the best of fashion and function together for a bold statement to be envied. Switch |
 issue 110
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| 7 | Sugar and Spices Aside from their splendid organic dark chocolate, Alma Chocolates’ hook is that they use original molds to create unusual forms in chocolate like religious icons such as Buddha, the Virgin Mary (covered in 23K gold leaf, no less), and even tattoo designs. Plus, you can treat yourself to “regular” candies in surprisingly subtle and exotic forms like the Habanero Crown, Star Anise Ganache, Nutella Cream, Salted Caramels, Lavender Caramel Truffle, Pistachio Toffee, Rosemary Fleur de Lys, and even handmade marshmallows. It’s no surprise Alma uses chocolate to evoke religious imagery, because their chocolates are as close to heaven as you can get! Alma Chocolate |
 issue 110 |
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| 8 | Kiss, Kiss Bumblekiss has just the right mixture of welcoming, sunny atmosphere, big, satisfying portions, and home-grown Portland charm to win over even the pickiest of guests (including a never-happy grandma). Seat yourself, because it’s totally casual, and then take a few minutes to pore over the remarkable menu. With local/organic/free-range ingredients, and choices like the Mushy Mushy Omelet (seasonal mushrooms, goat cheese, rosemary, roma tomatoes), or the Georgia Sandwich (fresh grilled peaches, pepper bacon & lettuce on a rosemary bun, served with house-made kettle chips) you cannot go wrong! We’re taking Grandma there every day she’s in town—if she gets tired of dining at Bumblekiss, we just won’t invite her back. Bumblekiss |
 issue 133 |
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| 9 | Olde Tyme Goodness We enjoy being girly girls. We get to ooh and ahh over perfect little teapots and frilly handkerchiefs and picnic baskets and nobody says boo about it. Which is why we love Porch Light. This sweet little shop purveys all sorts of girly goodness goods, and specializes in vintage and vintage-reproduction housewares and home-decorating pieces from the 1910s, 20s, 30s and 40s. And everything is so well-priced! You can shop to your heart’s content without taxing your bank account. It’s an enticing amalgamation of all things feminine, with just enough whimsy and just enough olde tyme nostalgia to make this a regular stop on our Sunday shopping jaunts. Porch Light |
 issue 137 |
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| 10 | Sew Far Sew Good We had forgotten about sewing. Forgot about the sexy hum of the Singer, the satisfaction of wearing a new skirt for the first time…but the bug has bitten again, after a visit to Bolt. This “neighborhood fabric boutique” has such a fabulous collection of designs, colors and patterns that it made us want to sew again (retro chevron stripes, mod polka dots, gorgeous toile, fantastical florals and punk-rock-lite cherry prints and tiny skulls, all on the most luxurious cottons.) They have vintage buttons and beginner-level classes, too, to help you get back in the groove. Bolt is more than just fabric—it’s creative lightning. Bolt |
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| 11 | There’s No Place Like.... Justin & Burks, a beautiful new home store in Sellwood, is “up the street from extraordinary,” at the corner of ooh-la-la! With a design-savvy husband and wife team behind it, this place is filled with warm, beautiful home furnishings like chairs, pillows, throws, and rare antiques in a charming space we’d love to call home. They have custom sofas you’ll want to curl up in (don’t mind us when you see us in a lump in the corner—just say hello). Just one visit to their store will inspire your creativity and turn your house into a home. Justin & Burks |
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| 12 | It Suits You Poppi Swim is the Portland swimwear boutique with custom retro suits that are made just for us. These suits make us look like we have a cute figure even though we don’t. They are so stylish…think Copacabana in the 40s…and they’re all made by local designer Pamela Levenson. We would actually tromp through a public place in these suits without a towel draped around our bum, they’re that good. In fact, everyone looks good in Poppi Swim. You can be stylish, and show off your assets with confidence. Poppi Swim and Sport |
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| 13 | You are Hot Portland is a happening city filled with indie boutiques and small businesses with great design that make Portland pulse. And to add to our sizzle factor, Hot Box Betty arrived! It’s an upscale women’s boutique with the latest designs, trends, and wardrobe must-haves like Citizens of Humanity, AG Jeans, Rock and Republic, Trunk Ltd., Splendid, Antik and so many other faves. Get your hot booty to Hot Box Betty and do some shopping. (Lucky Magazine loves them…go find out for yourself!) |
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| 14 | Babes in Toyland There’s a kid in all of us and we like to keep it that way. That’s why we love Missing Link—part toy store, part gallery, part book store, and all fun! But these aren’t your kiddie’s toys. No, these are toys for grownups, and slightly twisted, like us. It’s a morph of toys and art, or toys as art. These are conversation pieces, to say the least. They are mostly toys to look at, display, collect. They have a gallery of funky art, uber-creative murals (even in the loo); it’s a feast for the senses (ahem). And don’t miss their gallery shows with an ever-revolving and evolving roster of artists and artist receptions. |
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| 15 | Lucid: Easily Understood; Intelligible Michael and Michelle Lindars' new contemporary craft boutique opened in the Pearl, and this wee little shop is filled with BIG design that’ll leave your eyes wide open (and your heart palpitating). This shop is filled with modern marvels, select contemporary handmade crafts, stationery, and unusual products. They offer a carefully selected collection, efficiently just presenting the cream of the crop, items you’re not likely to find anywhere else, from home furnishings to fashion to unusual papers and cards and amazing handbags. Stay strong! Stay lucid. |
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| 16 | Seeing Red Our wedding anniversary was in a couple of days and while we had the gift, we didn’t have the card. But then we found redbird studio and its wondrous selection of cards, stationery, silk-screened shirts and pillows—all handmade, and delicate and fun without being overly precious. The store even contains a small, comfy-couched performance space, called “haiku,” that can be rented out on a donation basis. And best of all? It saved us from another year of heading to Hallmark and enduring Maxine’s non-rapier “wit.” redbird studio |
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| 17 | Blinded by Delight Pix Patisserie makes all your chocolate dreams come true. This is not a place for the faint of heart. Between the entire glass case devoted to truffles and chocolates and the one devoted to glorious individual desserts, there is no hope for you here. Run away! Run away! Because they also have a bar where you can order dessert wines and brandy and port and espresso…and the place itself is so cute and fun to hang out in. It’s open-air on one side, and filled all day with decadent-minded folks who like their dessert with a bit of glamour. |
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| 18 | Your College Bar Lives Again When we found The Florida Room it was just like walking into our college watering hole all over again—except grown-up, like us, and with cleaner restrooms. We loved the super-laid back atmosphere, the pleather booths, the picnic tables outside, the genius jukebox (old Brit-pop, indie rock and a little soul) and Sopranos pinball. There’s a menu, too, with tasty, booze-friendly treats like unique sandwiches & salads, and you have to try the odd-sounding but delish Deep-Fried Avocado with Chips and Salsa (sounds ridiculous, but it’s truly tasty!) |
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| 19 | Sip and Kranz, Sip and Kranz Welcome Sip and Kranz...a new hot spot for hot moms and their hep kids. This place is the bomb—an amazing, swanky modern space with delectable snacks (not your typical milk and cookies). They have an entire glass-enclosed play area, where mom can relax and sip a latte (and even have a glass of vino) while the kids busily play around them. And you don’t even have to have kids to go here. Since the kiddles are in their sound-proof room, other “regular” people (and hot guys!) sip their coffee and strum their computers in mod easy chairs. Sip and Kranz |
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| 20 | Paradise Found Now we have a new place to find that perfect sumpin-sumpin for just about everyone—bella lulu’s—ready to serve you with a wide variety of home accessories and gifts including Vietri Italian pottery, recycled glass tableware by Fire and Light, and other lovelies like fragrant candles and soaps, bamboo-fiber bedding, pajamas and bathrobes, jewelry, stationery, dog beds, cat dishes, kids’ clothes…oh, the list goes on and on. And bella lulu’s takes great care in selecting their stash, so you can be sure that you’ll find something thoughtful and unique—whether you keep it for yourself or not! (We won’t tell.) |
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| 21 | Trend Alert! It's not every day that Portland's on the cutting edge of a major trend. You heard it here first—our own fair city has joined the likes of New York and San Francisco with the opening of the Camellia Lounge, a swanky space featuring tea-infused cocktails, cleverly known as mar-tea-nis. Like Irish coffee before it, tea is taken to new heights with the addition of spirits. From mango black tea vodka to yerba mate mojitos and green tea liqueur, the combinations are intriguing and, we're pleased to report, quite delicious. |
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| 22 | For the Grown-Up Fashionista in You This trés chi-chi store, with its impeccable service, carries faves like Milly, Nina Ricci, Kors, Givenchy, Zac Posen and Three Dot. And just in time for those holiday galas that are surely filling up your calendar, Jeri Rice has the most luscious, elegant eveningwear that will knock your heels off. If you’re in the market for a trés magnifique dress, look no further! They also carry gorgeous lingerie, coats, t-shirts, handbags, shoes and other luxe products that fill our dreams. |
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| 23 | Won’t You Be Mon Ami? When we go hunting for fabulous vintage finds, we are always drawn to housewares. Delicate china, fancy cake plates, embroidered table linens—these things always catch our eyes, and we have an overstocked kitchen to show for it. Andrea, owner of Mon Ami Antiques, seems to have a similar "problem," filling her ultra-cozy little shop with some of the sweetest treats around. While larger furniture is featured, Mon Ami really shines with the smaller items. Cut glass abounds, and each tableau follows a pleasant pastel color story...plus they offer free wine on Friday afternoons—we can't think of a better way to end the week! |
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| 24 | She's a Gypsy Bohemian Babe meets Lucky Magazine at Gypsy Chic, and it's affordable, too. You can walk out with a new outfit for under $100 and feel like a million bucks. (Check out their sexy/cozy sweaters, sharp jackets and hip knit tops that fit just so.) They also carry accessories like leather belts, gloriously rich scarves, shell earrings, wood bangles and silver jewelry with semiprecious stones. Plus there are tons of original designs, and some of the clothes are fair trade and eco-friendly, too. So PDX! Gypsy Chic |
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| 25 | The Press Club Here’s a mouthful: The Press Club offers wines by the glass or bottle, bottled beer, high-quality sodas, French-press Stumptown coffee, Pearl Bakery pastries, snacks like crepes, sandwiches and desserts, and a selection of magazines and literary journals. Really, it’s just like Paris on the Willamette! You’ll also enjoy their free wi-fi and rotating art displays; The Press Club is part of the Clinton-Division Street area’s “First Friday.” The owners, Kevin Friedman and Pete Stolis, are two of the nicest guys who also live in the neighborhood, and they are committed to making and keeping the area one of the coolest in P-Town. |
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Thank you for being a part of Portland Picks! Our numbers almost doubled in 2006 and it’s all thanks to you. We don’t promote ourselves, which means you’re part of a grassroots effort to share the best of Portland’s shopping and entertainment with other savvy & fashionable locals. Your encouragement has helped us grow from a tiny email sent to a few friends to what we are today—a real player in Portland Media—and the most exclusive one, at that, since the only way to know about Portland Picks is to KNOW about Portland Picks! (Forgive our tacky outburst…we just watched about 5 episodes of MTV’s "Sweet 16," so we feel the need to toot our own horn.) HAPPY NEW YEAR! Here's to an epic (and decadent) 2007. |
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