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April 25th, 2008
Welcome, Gentlemen of Seattle, to the first ever issue of Seattle Picks for Men. Our goal is to provide an entertaining and humorous look at what's new and great out there in our fair city. From drinking & dining to recreation & shopping, we will be conveniently delivering news twice a month that's written for guys, by guys. Also look for great electronics & sports gear, and tips on the weekend's hottest events. We want to bring you the best the city has to offer while supporting local businesses. You can help us by reading every issue, visiting the businesses we recommend, sharing your suggestions, and of course telling your friends (and golf buddies, brother-in-law, dentist, etc.) about us. Enjoy! |
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Seattle Picks for Men: |
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| 1 | Couture for the Masses Our high-school wardrobe was a mix of "everybody wears them" clothes so we didn't get our asses kicked, and a few pieces we selected for "individualism." We actually miss some of the latter items, especially a couple of vintage shirts that we would definitely wear now. But since we're older and less affected by peer pressure, we look for clothes that reflect our improved taste—less vintage, more fashion-forward. Which is why we like Ian. With its spacious interior, great music and welcoming staff that's as knowledgeable as they are laid-back, Ian is a place where one can shop in comfort and confidence for high-end clothes that are still relatively affordable. And while they've been doing it downtown since 2002, one would be remiss in not checking out the newer Fremont location. Expect to find only the best quality and latest fashion inside the store, as what's on display is stylish and happening. We've concluded that if we did have to go back to high school, Ian would be one of those places that the cool kids hang out, only everybody'd be welcome. Ian |
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| 2 | Guten Tag Meine Freunde When Americans visit Germany, it's easy for us to guess what makes the country feel at home; nicely designed cars, men wearing sandals over socks, good beer, and flavorful brats. The problem is that unless you're David Hasselhoff, German guests won't feel particularly at home visiting you ... at least not until you take them to Feierabend. In the already gentrified area of South Lake Union, next to the Greek Orthodox Church, and a block away from Cascade Playground is Feierabend—a pub seemingly designed with equal parts German and Northwest influences. Here you can settle yourself down near the bar or pull up a stool at one of the many communal beer-hall style tables and order one of 18 imported beers from Deutschland in their native glasses. Normal pub food you will not find; but if you like brats, schnitzel, spicy mustard, and umlauts over your letters, Feierabend is a great place for lunch or dinner. Share a glass-made boot filled with great beer with good friends. Prost! Feierabend |
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| 3 | Big Scissors (Buzz or Howl Under the Influence) Looking for a place to get a new hairstyle can be daunting. Rather than face the challenge, many of us will walk around for weeks with outdated ’fros, bushy sideburns, and having to use so much product that our comb lines have more geometric definition than a Zen sand garden. Fortunately, not all salons are created equal. Besides getting rave reviews for stylish cuts and friendly staff, Zero Zero Hair Salon in Capitol Hill adds the right amount of rebellion to the hairstyle experience. You'll immediately notice the pool table and the local artwork to check out, but dig deeper and you'll also find cable TV and Super Nintendo to pass your time. Music and culture magazines sit alongside style magazines, and the staff choose music that keeps a healthy rock n' roll vibe throughout. Shampoo and style starts out at a very reasonable $35. Should you wanna go prepped to save money toward the stylist's tip, you can get a short cut alone for $25, or get your buzz on for only $10. Zero Zero Hair Salon |
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Gratuitous Photo of the Week |
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| Mandatory Gear: | |||
| 1 | Look at That Punim A poor shaving ritual can be the difference between looking like Clooney or a Tolkien Character. Our routine? A must to keep the blade from making actual contact with your skin is a pre-shave oil. Couple that with a moisturizing shave cream. Apply both with a quality brush (to lift the hairs). Shave during or after a shower and follow with a moisturizer. We recommend going top-shelf with this gift set by the aptly named Rituals Skin Care. They provide the most effective products with natural and organic ingredients. |
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| 2 | Buckle Down Belt shopping is hit-and-miss. The leather is perfect, but the buckle is flawed. Plus there's the hassle of breaking one in until it looks just right. Steel Toe Studios is the answer. First, choose your hand patina’d, painted and distressed leather. Next, choose your hand-forged buckle. Even pick up a spare—these belts are designed with a snap attachment to fit interchangeably with different buckles. They make great gifts, too. Think third (leather) or sixth (iron) anniversary! |
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| 3 | Groom Your Room Just because you live in a bachelor pad doesn't mean your décor has to fly solo. A pile of empty pizza boxes does not an end-table make, and though this is Seattle, Bob Marley posters aren't considered "high art." Wallpaper is an easy way to make a statement without redecorating the crib. We're digging the "Hancock" style from Crazy Coconut. At $6.75 a square foot, it's a cool way to add some interest, and let's face it—some class—to your digs. |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | What More Do You Need? Learn about and taste premium scotch, tequila, and spring & import beers at the 6th annual Beer and Scotch Festival and Tasting presented by Northwest Folklife. More than 50 beers and an impressive collection of scotches will be on hand for two days of sipping, learning, and light alcohol poisoning. A six-ounce souvenir cup is included with admission, yo. What: Beer and Scotch Festival and Tasting |
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| 2 | Chocolate University Impress the ladies with your detailed knowledge of everything chocolate at Theo Chocolate's “Chocolate University: Chocolate 202.” Do you know how many varieties of chocolate there are? Can you take a guess at how the origin, genetics, and fermentation process influences the flavor of her favorite sweet indulgence? Didn't think so. Taste and learn, gentlemen. Reservations are suggested. What: Chocolate University |
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| 3 | Learn It, Live It Check out films and learn about everything from climate change and environmental justice to wildlife and sustainable living at this unique and important environmentally focused film festival. Be edified by speakers, films, and workshops. Speakers will also be at the venue for various events and to answer questions. What: Hazel Wolf Environmental Film Festival |
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So there you have it. Please do us a solid and tell a friend to sign up for SPFM at www.SeattlePicksforMen.com. It’s better odds than playing the lottery. |
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Website and Newsletter maintained by Studio Ridge.com |
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