Thursday, July 16, 2009

Home National Sports Business Lifestyles Religion Arts & Culture Pulse Spice Editorial letters Opinion Foodie Sportscope Real Talks Weekend Report PDF's Classifieds Contact About Us Archive Weather

Forget the tie By THEA RUTHERFORD ~ Guardian National Correspondent ~ thea@nasguard.com: The countdown to Father's Day is on. In less than a week you'll face the task of showing dad how much you care, and the list of ways to bring a smile to his face hardly seems to waver. The search for the perfect gift may result in an awesome grill, a new flat screen television, trusty power tools or that special polka dot necktie. There's no need to shy away from the classics. Embrace what has always worked and get dad what you know he likes. Guardian Lifestyles has done a bit of window-shopping on your behalf to get you started on your search. Is dad a snazzy dresser? Then why wrack your brain trying to think of anything other than another tie, pair of shoes, or dress shirt to get him for Father's Day. After all, the one thing he can always use is an item of clothing, so says Bonneville Bones proprietor Edward Robinson. "Clothing is one of the bare essentials," he says, making the case for getting that dress shirt or tie. When the novelty wears off on that fad gift, your classic dress items will still keep dad happy. "You always need clothing," he says. "It's a timeless gift." The menswear store is offering up to 15 percent off on selected items until Sunday, June 21. Bonneville Bones Bay Street, Marathon Mall Tel: 328-0804 or 394-2746 Is dad a wine connoisseur? Surprise him on his special day with a bottle of his favorite wine. Wine expert Rusty Scates at Bristol Wine & Spirits recommends in reds — Beringer Founders Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, California; the Ravenswood Red Zinfandel Vinters Blend, California; the Marques de Casa Concha Merlot and the Antinori Tignanello, Tuscany, Italy. In whites, Scates recommends the Fontana Candida Pinot Grigio, Italy; the Conundrum, California; the Monkey Bay Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand. Bristol Wine & Spirits is also raffling a $400, 4.5L bottle of Grey Goose for Father's Day exclusively for Grey Goose customers. Bristol Wine & Spirits Gladstone Road, Bay Street (British Colonial Hotel), Blake Road, Coral Harbour, East Bay Street, Paradise Island Tel:341-9300 Is dad a couch potato, a tool freak, a grill master? Make his time on his favorite seat in the house more interesting with a new flat screen TV. You know he'll thank you for it. Flat screens start at $799.99 at Kelly's Home Centre. If TV;s not his thing, consider the latest power tool or a hot, new grill. "Grills are definitely a popular gift item," assures Susan Glinton, a buyer at Kelly's. "We have a wide range from charcoal to gas in all price ranges." Other gift ideas include stereos and DVD players, she says. Selected items are now on sale at the store. "We do have some specials on some tools in the hardware department that are already marked down and they will stay marked down until Father's Day." Kelly's Home Centre Marathon Mall Tel: 393-4002 Is dad a cologne, watch or briefcase fan? Beauty advisor at John Bull, Renee Brown, offers a few picks from the latest colognes in the store's fragrance department. Chanel's Allure Homme Sport, Yves Saint Laurent's La Nuit de L'Homme and Burberry's The Beat all score top points with Brown. Ranging from $46 to $61, the scents go from subtle and masculine to woody and spicy. If a watch is what you think dad is really looking for this Father's Day, the Tag Heuer store carries the Link Caliber S and the Grand Carrerra. With easy-to-read chronographs, 200m water resistance and stainless steel features, Tag Heuer representative Inga Moree recommends the choice. "It's a very durable timepiece," she says of the Swiss luxury brand. Don't forget briefcases and wallets. The Leather department offers a selection of Kenneth Cole attachés and laptop and messenger bags. The department has also just received the coveted Black Townsend Cross pen, the brand of pen U.S. President Barack Obama uses. John Bull Bay Street, Harbour Bay, Palmdale, Marathon Mall Tel: 302-2800 Is dad a techie? For starters, there are definitely the iPod, iPhone and the Macbook Pro to consider for Father's Day. Custom Computers offers an array of Apple products to choose from to make dad's day bright. "Father's deserve the latest and the greatest," says Sean Grezette, Apple line manager at the store. "Give him a gift that he really wants." Custom Computers East Bay Street, Cable Beach Tel: 396-1100 Lunch on you! Take dad for a scrumptious meal at the Conch Fritters Bar & Grill. The restaurant will be hosting its Father's Day buffet special. A hit on Mother's Day, the Bay Street restaurant returns with dad's version. The Father's Day menu offers a variety of delicious and hearty Bahamian favorites, including minced lobster, steak, white rice, cole slaw and guava duff. The buffet is $25 per person. We want our Bahamian families to have a good lunch and enjoy lunch and dinner with us, says Jenny Pikramenos, the restaurant's manager. Conch Fritters Bar & Grill Bay Street Tel: 323-8778 If you're not sure exactly what dad will like, you can always get him a gift certificate to most of the stores above and let him do the choosing! Tuesday, June 16, 2009