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October 24th, 2008

Halloween is once again around the corner. And it's one of a select few days out of the year when we regress completely, and embrace a holiday that we once shunned as being “too childish.” Yet we enjoy it now because we rediscovered it entirely. 

Candy has been replaced by booze; scary costumes have been replaced by ironic ones. It's a whole new holiday, yet we can still dress up as a pirate, superhero, or even Joe the Plumber and feel good about ourselves. Just like when we were kids. 

       
 

Seattle Picks for Men:

 
  1

Lost and Found

The problem for us men with most boutiques in town is the troublesome “total men's selection/I would wear that” ratio. The latter is generally a constant 10%, while the former is all too often below two dozen items. This usually nets us only two to three articles of clothing that we seriously want to wear.

Thankfully, we've found MoMo. On the surface it's very similar to other boutiques in Seattle—great space, good brands, and a relaxed atmosphere. What caught our attention and makes us come back is the aforementioned ratio. Simply put: we really like what MoMo has to offer, from the limited-edition Iolani Sport Hawaiian-made shirts to the Spiewak outerwear and just about everything in between. 

Located off Jackson in the International District, MoMo can be a destination in itself (though grabbing some Chinese BBQ beforehand is always a good idea). Check out the apparel, accessories, shave products and socks and then tell us what you think! For us, what came to mind was serendipity. 

MoMo
600 South Jackson St.
Seattle, WA 98104
206.329.4736
www.momoseattle.com

       
  2

The Warm, Snowy Embrace

Here's the situation: You and the girl get into a bit of an argument. You grab your jacket and signal to your dog that it's time to head out for a walk and clear your mind. As you and man's best pal venture through uncharted territory in your neighborhood, battling the elements of fall, you stumble upon this Bavarian-esque pub. As you enter, your dog quickly heads off to the warm fireplace to curl up next to a group of people playing cards. You make your way over the bar and just as you get your drink, you notice all eyes are on the television—the game is on tonight. 

Well, of course, not every neighborhood could be blessed with such an ideal escape as Sully's Snow Goose Saloon. This friendly pub has plenty of your favorites on tap, plus a cozy fireplace, a couple pinball machines, and some captivating animal artifacts scattered throughout. So if you can get there, it's the perfect hideaway for escaping reality.

And remember, just like in Heaven, your best friend is welcome.

Sully's Snow Goose Saloon
6119 Phinney Ave. N
Seattle, WA 98103
206.782.9231

       
  3

We Heart This Place
 
Haircuts have become a chore for us. We schedule them between meetings or at lunch—anything we can to do avoid the weekend appointment, where screaming children vie for the last seat in the lobby. And due to our last-minute approach, we often get stuck with “stylists” who are bitter, ready-to-vent ex-wives, the kid who dropped out of court-reporting school, or army veterans brandishing clippers.
 
At Valentine's Men's Grooming Salon, leather chairs replace stools, and visits begin with a consultation about the cut that best suits your lifestyle, work, and fashion. Owner Thaddeus Valentine's reputation has grown his business from a one-room shop to the hip, elegant space it inhabits today off Greenwood. Valentine believes in attention to detail and is as meticulous with his shears as with the imported espresso (it’s complimentary) and sleek tunes that enhance the relaxed mood.   
 
We recommend upgrading to the King of Kings Treatment, which includes a Sirotzki Shave, or the Groom's Treatment, which may leave you second-guessing previous commitments after the attention you’ll get from the lovely manicurists. 
  
Valentine's
7912 Greenwood Ave. N.
Seattle, WA 98103
206.706.6303
www.valentinesseattle.com

       
  Gratuitous Photo of the Week!
 


 
       
  Mandatory Gear:  
  1

Worth Every Penny

We recently were told by the "warden" to streamline our grooming products. We get stuff to review and we procrastinate sometimes in trying new ones out for fear of disappointment… until now.

Biogel is formulated with PSP, the most complete protein blend of human growth factors. What does this jargon mean? We don't know. But this Swiss “cosmeceutical” serves as a daily moisturizer, an after-shave, and an anti-aging formula. Our job of streamlining just got easier.

Neocutis

       
  2

Lighten Up

Here's the thing about guys and candles: We use 'em when the power goes out or to "set the mood." We're generally not into aromatherapy and as such, we like the most utilitarian candle we can find (vs. the best-smelling).

We've found the perfect solution in Candela Lights. Put 'em in the charger until a power failure, when they'll turn on automatically. In the case of the romantic dinner, you'll have to turn them (and her) on manually.

Candela Lights
       
  3

School Pride

For university graduates here in the Northwest, there are three things that are essential to have. The first is a diploma, the second is at least one marketable skill, and the third is a way to show off your school pride.

We can't help you with the first two, but for the third, nothing beats a fun and functional way to stick it to your other-educated friends or your campus rival with this College Board game. Alternate drinking rules encouraged.

www.up2ugames.com
       
 

Hip Happenings:

 
  1

Second City in the Jet City

The people who brought you Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, Mike Myers and many more hugely hilarious comedians are coming to Seattle. None of the people previously mentioned will be here, but you just might discover the next great comic—and your new favorite act.

What: Second City Comedy Troupe
When: Sunday, Nov, 2, 7:30 pm
Where: The Moore Theatre
Cost: $22–33
Call: 206.467.5510
Visit: www.theparamount.com

       
  2

Seattle Food and Wine

Do you like wine, but you don't know your Cote d'Rhone from your Cote de Nuits? Check out the food and wine tasting this weekend—more than 800 different wines from around the world, plus great food and cooking demonstrations—all covered by your admission. And Qwest Field gives the whole thing a manly edge.

What: Wine and Food tasting
When: Saturday and Sunday, Oct 25–26, 11–7 pm
Where: Qwest Field
Cost: $59
Visit: www.seattlefoodandwineexperience.com

       
  3

Cool Jazz

We tried to watch the movie “Chicago” and found the first five minutes completely intolerable. Thankfully, musicians like jazz bassist Phil Sparks restore our faith in the beauty and sorrow of it all. He’ll be performing tonight at the Latona Pub in Greenlake, and every Friday they have Happy Hour Jazz. Great way to start a weekend.

What: Happy Hour Jazz
When: Fridays, 5:30–7 pm
Where: Latona Pub, 6423 Latona Ave.
Call: 206.525.2238
Visit: www.3pubs.com

       
 

Hope you have enough juice to last you til the next issue of SPFM rolls off the presses. Drop us a line at picks@seattlepicksformen.com to tell us what you think so far.

       
       
 

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