Transcendental Hair
 
We are usually a discerning bunch. We appreciate it when folks (businesses, products, politicians, etc.) go the extra mile and take the time to do it right—whatever "it" actually is. For some of us, though, we have fallen behind with this principle when it comes to hair.   big part of this is due to the perceived barber/salon dichotomy. 
 
First off, we prefer a barber in a classic (and masculine) setting that is no-nonsense. On the other hand, we appreciate the range in style of a salon. So what do we often do? Forget it all and go to Supercuts. Thankfully for us, there are now more and more places like Emerson Salon on Capitol Hill. Combining the atmosphere of a classic barber shop with the range and service of a salon, we are forced to accept the fact that there is really no reason to lower our standards again. 
 
Jump online, book an appointment, and enjoy the feeling of getting what you want in a relaxing place for a great price. 
 
Emerson Salon
909 E Pike St.
Seattle, WA 98112
www.emersonsalon.com

The Tin Man's Table
 
For a while now, there has been something missing around Broadway and Pine; specifically someplace beautiful and clean to go when you get the 1 am munchies for Champagne and venison gnocchi. 

Thankfully, with the restoration for the Odd Fellow's building comes The Tin Table—a gourmand's playground featuring tasty Northwest fare, and open very late. Contained in a wonderfully relaxed wood and brick space, The Tin Table offer a well-rounded menu with a carefully selected seafood and meat section sporting (among other options) delectable fish tacos, New Orleans BBQ Shrimp, venison gnocchi, and slow-roasted pulled-pork sandwiches. Shoestring frites with truffle salt, rotating specialty soups, and an extensive cheese menu alongside carefully designed garden-based offerings ensures something for every taste. 
 
Be sure to ask about the Champagne, and remember to make a reservation—seating is limited, even well into the night.
 
The Tin Table
915 Pine St., 2nd Floor
Seattle, WA 98112
206.230.8458
www.thetintable.com

If The Shoe Fits
 
When looking for shoe stores, we often have to pick a place that is either A: affordable, or B: stylish. For a while now, we've known that there must be a place that is equal parts A and B, and now we've found it in the U.D. 
 
Five Doors Up offers the best of both worlds. The store itself may be small, but it is completely filled to the brim with shoes of all kinds. The well-edited and oft-updated men’s section features smart-looking leather lace-ups and slip-ons (J. Shoes, Sperry), classic canvas sneakers (Converse, Vans), and newer styles in wholly unique color schemes (Asics, Puma). Despite the huge selection, we never feel overwhelmed. The staff is extremely knowledgeable and very friendly, and they aren’t interested in selling you a pair of shoes you don’t want. They will make sure you like what you’re getting, and recommend anything you may have missed. 
 
Five Doors Up never fails to deliver stylish, high-quality shoes and prides itself on stocking obscure designs and special colors. Even better? Special orders—just ask.
 
Five Doors Up
4309 University Way NE
Seattle, WA 98105
206.547.3192
www.5doorsup.com

Photo courtesy of www.janesvanity.com.

Day Tripper

Whether you’re sitting in on a big meeting or just at the coffee shop catching up on some correspondence, the bag you walk with says as much (or more) about you than the clothes on your back.

One of the best lines is right here in the Northwest. Rian Men’s unparalleled commitment to quality in every detail shines through on their handcrafted goods. Behold our fave for Spring: the Day Tripper Messenger bag. Worthy of that new laptop.

Rian Bags

Man Food
 
With the sun beginning to shine again, we’re growing anxious. We love the pasta and stews of winter as much as the next guy, but it’s high time we got back to smoking, BBQ-ing, and grilling meat.

And we were stoked that Nicky Farms, maybe the Northwest’s finest purveyors of wild game, have just introduced a whole range of sausages. From wild boar brats to Sicilian-style rabbit and chicken sausages, you’ll be a rock star at the grill this year.
 
www.nickyusa.com

Better Than Bottled

We got on board with ditching those bottles of Fiji long ago. The immense waste of everyone drinking bottled water is certainly not lost on most folks. So we’d fill our Nalgenes until it was reported they caused the plague or some such nonsense.

We’re pretty sure we’ve now found the solution. The Wellness H2.O is a reusable water bottle that not only filters toxins and fights free radicals, but enhances the water with Japanese minerals for further hydration. How refreshing.

Wellness H2.O

Hard Liver Barleywine Fest
 
In the Northwest, every season is beer season—and now it’s Barleywine season at Brouwer's Cafe in Fremont. Join the ranks of the beer geeks and taste the best of the best for two days straight. The list is long and beer is strong; we hope to see you there.
 
What: Barleywine Festival
When: March 21 & 22
Where: Brouwer's Cafe, 400 N 35th St.
Call: 206.267.2437
Visit: www.hardliver.com

March to The Match
 
Whether you love soccer, have something to sell, have something you want signed, or are just hoping to start a football riot; a free pre-game party to start off the Seattle Sounders season is for you. Hooligans will gather an hour before the opening game at Occidental Square.
 
What: Opening Game Kick Off Party
When: Thursday, March, 19, 4:30 pm
Where: Occidental Square, Pioneer Square
Visit: www.soundersfc.com