Gossip More Absorbing Than The iPad.

[February 3rd, 2010]

• TENDER LOVING MOVERS: After nearly three years occupying a shoebox-size storefront on Northwest 18th Avenue and Lovejoy Street, local record label/handmade-craft boutique Tender Loving Empire is upgrading to some seriously awesome digs. The new TLE store, run by musician Jared Mees and his wife, Brianne, will open in May at 412 SW 10th Ave. near like-minded independent businesses Reading Frenzy, Radish Underground and the Independent Publishing Resource Center. “We’ve always wanted to be in that neighborhood because I feel like it’s the heart of the city,” Brianne says. “No one that lives here or visits here doesn’t know where Powell’s is.” The location will also feature a loft area that will double as an office for the TLE record label, and Brianne says the couple plan to expand the local music section, host First Thursday shows and hire their very first employee.

• RINGSIDED: The RingSide Steakhouse is remodeling its flagship location on West Burnside Street, and may temporarily relocate to the former Harrison space in Fox Tower. Pinot American Brasserie, a new venture by Ralph Matt, owner of Salem’s Center Cut Chop & Steakhouse, has applied for a liquor license for a space in the 12West building. Beloved Slabtown bistro Carlyle will serve its last meal Feb. 14.

• NAKED: The costumes for Hand2Mouth Theatre’s show Everyone Who Looks Like You were stolen from company member Erin Leddy’s home last week. Insurance will cover the loss, but Leddy nevertheless requests, “If you see someone wearing a neon rainbow sweater or a pink thong around Portland, let us know.”

• DON’T CALL IT A COMEBACK: In a town where sports celebrities are either injured (Greg Oden), frankly creepy (Tonya Harding) or apologizing for being naked (Greg Oden again), there is still hope—Ahmad Rashad. The Portland-born former UO running back turned pro wide receiver turned sports broadcaster turned ex-hubby to Cosby Show actress Phylicia Rashad is back in town. The Shad was spotted Jan. 29 at The Nines hotel downtown, after surfacing at the Nike employee store in early December. If Rashad’s Rose City forays are bankrolled by his current wife, wealthy New York socialite Sale Johnson, he might just single-handedly cure the city’s financial funk.

• PAMMYS REDUX: Jay Horton and Sarah Dylan survived last Thursday’s third annual Portland Music Awards, and videos of their adventures are going up on wweek.com/PMA10 all this week. Expect red-carpet antics, backstage banter and at least one Baldwin. Sure, the Pammys are no Grammys, but Horton and Dylan found that the “stars” look good nonetheless. “Dress for the awards show you want,” Horton says in the first video installment. “Not the awards show you have.” IMAGE: Leslie Montgomery