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June 13th, 2008

This June is a lot like hump-day. Well into spring, when the weather should have turned and we should all be out enjoying the bounty of nature, we often find ourselves sitting indoors waiting for our shoes to dry thinking of all the times we tell out-of-towners that it doesn't rain nearly as often as people think. There are no holidays in June, no three-day weekends (unless you’re lucky enough to work for a company that celebrates the wondrous occasion of Flag Day—like we did when pogs were more than just coasters for shot glasses.) 

So here we are, all feeling like it should be summer-ish weather as we say to each other, “It's almost time.” Like hump-day though, we still have a way to go, so … isn't it time for another drink?

       
 

Seattle Picks for Men:

 
  1

Walk Your Dogs

We’re not ashamed to say we like shoes. It may have taken us a while to give up our air Jordans for Chucks, and our Chucks for Cole Haans, but we’re there. We get it. We like shoes, we need shoes, and we’re going to tell you where to buy shoes.

Try Market Street Shoes—they’ve got more than 90 brands under their (small) roof. The Blundstone work boots were the draw for us, as this might be the only retail store that carries the sturdy work boot from "down under." You'll also find Danskos from Denmark—super practical with enough European flair to make them the perfect choice for the stylish man who's on his feet a lot.

Women and men's shoes are available, from eco-friendly to podiatrist-pleasing, and they are slated to open an adjacent athletic footwear store in the coming months. Prices are good, and if you don't see what you’re looking for they can special order just about anything. Plus, being locally owned, you’re putting dollars right back into the community where you're lacing up your kicks.

Market Street Shoes
2215 NW Market St.
Seattle, WA 98107
206.783.1670
www.marketstreetshoes.com

       
  2

Olde English

Let’s be honest, most English chippys serve fish that look and taste like the styrofoam they're served in. This is because they're traditionally prepared to be cheap, fast, and desecrated by vinegar and ketchup before being washed down by a pint of Spitfire. But if you still crave English-style fried fishes, head to Capitol Hill.

Leave your cockney rhyming slang outside—and underneath Fish Fry's comically over-sized umbrella—before you enter this seemingly run-of-the-mill fish joint. Soak in the “atmosphere” and settle in to enjoy a variety of fried or grilled swimmers including catfish, spearfish, and oysters—all covered in your choice of sauce. Feeling adventurous? Throw it all in a sandwich for a dollar extra.

Fish Fry opens at 5 pm and closes late, Tuesday to Sunday, making it a perfect place for those midnight cravings of fried asparagus covered in lemon aioli or just a quick, tasty snack between sets while you're at any one of the neighboring clubs.

Fish Fry
925 E. Pike St.
Seattle, WA 98122
www.pikestreetfishfry.com

       
  3

Horse Picture = Friendly Drinking

“Cheers”? The place where everyone knows your name? We’re not looking for that in a bar. We want to slide in late, pay with crumpled dollar bills, chat up questionable ladies and leave without anyone noticing.

So if you happen to be an illiterate English peasant, or (like us), the one guy who can't quite decipher the words on a small sign halfway through a pub crawl, the White Horse Trading Company will be a sight for sore and slightly crossed eyes. It’s a hidden gem in the heart of the market. Pass under the sign with a horse on it—you'll enter into what looks like someone's living room. Notice now that there is no menu, no tap, and no food.

Not to worry, though. Settle yourself down into a comfortable chair and ask the bartender what he has available today. The selection might be slim and the closing hours might not be posted, and if you still can't see straight enough to dig into your wallet, start up a running tab and make some new friends.

White Horse Trading Company
1908 Post Alley
Seattle, WA98101
206.441.7767

       
  Gratuitous Photo of the Week!
 


 
       
  Mandatory Gear:  
  1

Speaking the Same Language

After some time spent in Manchester a while back, we found that some habits of the Englishmen stuck with us. Not surprisingly, nothing of the culinary variety.  But we found that they rightfully swear by King of Shaves products.

From shave oils and moisturizers to brilliant (and unnoticeable) mattifying products, it's everything to keep your mug in fightin' form, and even with the flailing of the dollar, very affordable. We were so grateful we're considering telling them about dentistry.

www.shave.com
       
  2

Record On

Ask most men and they'll tell you that TiVo and HDTVs are among the best inventions in recent years. Unfortunately, a 100-hour capacity DVR dives to a mere 20 when the content is HD. The answer? Try these boxes by weaKnees.

They've had their hard drives replaced with mammoth ones and have even been re-warrantied. Lots of options are available, but we recommend the big boy unit with more than 144 hours of hi-def storage at your disposal. 

www.weaknees.com
       
  3

Not on the Table, Please

You have to set that cold beer on something, right?  Try these personalized coaster sets; simply choose your theme (golf, billiards, etc.) and the company will grace them with your moniker.  

Each waterproof coaster is around 4"x 4" on a high-quality cork base, just like the ones your favorite uncle had in his basement. Only these will clear up any confusion as to whose house it is when the cards are dealt next poker night.

www.roundtablegifts.com

       
  Book of the Week!
 


"Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close"

by Jonathan Safran Foer

Witnessing life unfold through the eyes of a 9-year-old boy genius as he grapples with the death of his father in 9/11 seems, at first glace, a heavy journey to be companion on. But  Jonathan Safran Foer's "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" is a brilliant mix of mystery and compassionate humor that left us emotionally satiated. We were thankful to be privy to a story of healing and lost innocence in a post-9/11 world. Yes, a heavy read, but worth the weight.

www.powells.com
 
       
 

Hip Happenings:

 
  1

Good Bands, Cheap Food, One Neighborhood

More than 60 locals bands will take to five stages for two days at the Georgetown Music Fest. All ages are welcome, except at the beer garden, which as we all know is the best part of music festivals—sorry kids. Take the bus, ride your bike, or walk to Georgetown; otherwise good luck finding parking.

What: Georgetown Music Fest
When: Friday, June 13, 4 pm; Saturday, June 14, 11:30 am
Where: 6000 block of Airport Way South in Georgetown
Cost: $14–17
Visit: www.georgetownmusicfest.com

       
  2

Love Beer? Thought So...

For Father’s Day, have you ever wanted to go to an abandoned monastery and compete against your dad in a keg-toss contest while listening to live music and the chatter from a nearby craft market while getting tipsy on almost 200 different beers and the occasional cider or wine? Now you can, at the 2008 Washington Brewers Festival.

What: Brewers Festival
When:  June 13–15 (Friday is 21 and over)
Where: Saint Edwards Park
Cost: $15
Visit: www.washingtonbeer.com

       
  3

Insomnia Got You Down?

Whether you have the weekend to kill or if you've ever said "I wish the show wouldn't end," Unexpected Productions' 54-hour, seemingly never-ending, non-stop Improvathon might be what you're looking for. Make it through all 54 hours and get a lifetime pass for any show at Unexpected Productions, and a ticket cost of $0.26 for every hour of laughs before you cry.

What: Improvathon
When: Friday, June 13, 6 pm–as long as you last.
Where: Market Theatre, Post Alley
Cost: $15 at the door, $14 online
Visit: www.unexpectedproductions.org

       
 

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