We find The Black Friday (yeah, you heard us: "THE" ala' Wilford Brimley) a bit crass. We don't know what it is more of...the occasion, or the people who choose to participate.
When folks are still led to big box stores like so many sheep to the slaughter, it pleases us to no end that Portland has so many great local shopping options. From incredible toy purveyors to peddlers of some of the greatest threads around, we're truly blessed to be able to support our local economy without sacrificing style or substance.
Remember, when your folks in other towns don't walk the walk, let 'em off the hook. After all, we have the best of the best.
And remember: you can always tell 'em to support "small biz" by sending 'em a link to businesses in this issue. Just sayin'.
 Bunk Sandwiches
If you are anything like me, then your biggest problem downtown is eliminating lunch options. Plagued with decisions, I simply drown in the sea of cart options, or the countless places I can walk into to escape the rain. Well let me put you at ease, by pointing you in the right direction.
Bunk Sandwiches have expanded. This established east side favorite has headed west, plotting itself in the middle of downtown. Replacing the quirky Southern Bento shop, Bunk offers a delicious variety of sandwiches in a minimal setting. If you haven't had the pleasure of visiting Bunk, let me recommend the highly touted pork belly cubano. A seemingly simple sandwich that boasts an orgasm of flavor, this sandwich earns its salt as being one of the best in Portland. Hosting their selection on a blackboard over a modest counter, Bunk slings enough of a variety to please any eater.
Bunk also provides a few tasty sides to give you the full challenge of eating your entire meal in one sitting. Whether you're thinking breakfast or lunch, simply keep in mind that contrary to it's name, Bunk sandwiches is the real deal.
 Well Suited
The economy has seen better days and so has our wardrobe. If it gets any worse, you might find us clandestinely shopping at outlet stores. In times such as these and with Christmas Shopping to do, thrift can be a true friend. An even better friend is Well Suited.
Well Suited offers new and used men's apparel, accessories and shoes. They focus on meticulously chosen consignment pieces for the best deals on gently worn, high-end fashion. Labels like Prada, Ferragamo and the like are priced at up to 80% off retail. They also offer a great selection of new Italian suits at ridiculously low prices. With details like flat-front trousers and hand stitching, you'll be hard pressed (get it?) to find a better deal on a modern, year-round suit.
Add the fact that they have an award-winning tailor and personalized service, and you can't afford not to go there. So when you apply for that telemarketing job that India has outsourced because the labor is now cheaper here, at least you'll look good.
 Finnegan's Toys
The holiday season is upon us again, and I haven't even started my Christmas shopping. Though I can't provide you with a complete survival guide, here is at least one tip to get you through.
You're bound to score at Finnegan's, one of the many unique shops the city prides itself on. In pointing you in their direction, let me note their new location on the corner of SW 8th and Washington. Showcasing themselves with a large storefront display, you will be pleasantly surprised with the gifts you will discover there. Whether you're buying for a child of any age, (or just a kid at heart) you're bound to find something for someone on your list.
Make your holidays a little easier, and be sure to visit Finnegan's new locale. You're sure to impress any loved one with a gift from among their wide selection of out-of-the-ordinary toys and gifts.
 Beer:: Enthusiasts of any hobby, food, or drink are rarely left on their own to fend for themselves in the world of their passions. What self-respecting birder would be without a field guide? A chef without a cookbook. A beer snob without a companion?
The next best thing to having the renowned beer writer Michael Jackson at your side is having Garrett Oliver's The Oxford Companion to Beer in your bag. Encyclopedic, beautiful, and user friendly, this book is the go-to source things zymology.
Drink Deck:: The bar-enthusiast’s travel & discount guide to Portland’s best bar scenes, this unique idea combines savings, fun, and recommendations for drinks, food, and entertainment in the form of a curated list of a 52-card deck of playing cards. Each card can be used as a $10 or 20-30% discount, with no expiration. When you've used all of your discounts, the deck continues to serve as a nifty travel guide.
Big Weekend Calender:: While we love the idea of you getting all your leisure ideas from our Calender of Events (to your immediate right), we know we sometimes miss a few things. In fact one look at the 2011 Big Weekend Calender revealed that we’ve missed a whole gaggle of fun things to do in our city.
A calender with inspirational quotes or Ziggy cartoons has always been an ill-advised gift for colleagues and acquaintances, but one that’s already filled up with a ton of local events, fests, and attractions is actually something we’d want for ourselves.
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Imbibe:: So, we've done the extensive research on Winter Seasonals and while we'd like to give you a top-ten, we're gonna keep it to two that are relatively easy to find (one Oregon and one import) and an obscure one for the fervent beer snobs. They are 1) Ninkasi's Sleigh'r 2) Samuel Smith's Winter Welcome and 3) Bison Brewery's Chocolate Stout aged in bourbon barrels.
Style:: You gents own a Fair Isle Sweater, yes? Good God, Men! There is no greater staple of winter than this colorful and slightly ugly stalwart of fashion. Unlike the cable knit, it works on both sides of the Atlantic (sorry, Irish Fishermen) and provides that next level of panache and flair.
Grooming:: If you are working off your Thanksgiving feast during your lunch hour and don't have time to shower, you need to have a can of dry shampoo in your gym bag. This miracle in a can will leave your head feeling fresh and sweat free. Check out LabelM's Dry Shampoo at HairM.
December Calendar of Events
Now-4th:: We don't know whether it's the brotherhood of man spirit that abounds around this time of year or the lack of unbearable heat while in a crowded place, but the Holiday Ale Fest is always, hands-down, our favorite beer fest of the year. And maybe the wickedly strong ales factor in too.
Now-24th:: Relive your childhood and get into the spirit when you see Portland Center Stage's "A Christmas Story" at The Armory. A great holiday date night or family outing.
Now-31st:: Take care of all the guys on your holiday list (clients, doormen, relatives, friends, yadayadayada) with Gift Cards to HairM. With one order you can have gift cards mailed out and your shopping list a bit more manageable. Save 10% on HairM Gift Card orders over $500.
3rd:: If you don't know Agave Denim, you need to. This world renowned maker of all things fashionable happens to have it's headquarters and warehouse adjacent to our fair town and are spending Saturday opening it up to the public so we can see 40-80% off of jeans, knits...the works! Food, live music and a 10% off denim exchange program should be enough, but the real draw is a great deal on gifts we couldn't normally buy en masse.
4th:: A little bird told us there's a pick up flag football game at Irving Park at 3pm on Sunday. You could stay home and watch the pros, or strap on some cleats and take the armchair out of armchair quarterback.
11th:: If laughter is what you crave on a Saturday night, and SNL won't deliver, we recommend setting aside the following night for Portland's premier improv troupe, The Liberators. It's like a high-wire act, only funny.
16th:: If you're into seeing seminol rock acts playing their seminol albums, check out Dinosaur Jr (aka the loudest band we've ever witnessed) play BUG in its entirety at the Crystal Ballroom. If you're not into that sort of thing, well...there's always Lawrence Welk.
16th-26th:: A local holiday tradition not to miss is Michael Allen Harrison's Christmas at the Old Church.
21st:: Members and friends of HairM are cordially invited on December 21st for Oregon Ballet Theatre’s performance of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker. Use the special offer code “HAIRM” to order your tickets and save 20%.
25th:: Sure, sure, it's Christmas. More importantly, Santa left a remaining NBA season under the tree. Plan accordingly.
31st:: The time has come to start thinking about where you will bring in the New Year. The Champagne Ball is one of Portland's best venues with all the music, glitz and small dresses any guy could want.
All Month:: Every Thursday this month, all Smart Park garages are offering free parking from noon to midnight. So there's no excuse to hit the big box stores now. And with a ton of great holiday events, there's no reason to not shop Local
All Month:: We can't think of a better way to pass the time on a dreary Monday night than Bingo & Bourbon every week at the sublimely charming The Woods. Go easy though, or your Tuesday Morning isn't gonna be so hot.
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