Apparently, Choices Do Have Consequences

Fable II’s exclusive Xbox 360 release represents yet another blockbuster offering in this season’s video game line up. As the sequel to one of the flagship games of the original Xbox era, Fable II takes the original’s formula and improves on it in nearly every way.

In case you don’t know, it goes something like this. You control a character wandering about in a lush open-world environment. As your avatar ages and matures, he becomes good and benevolent if you make positive choices. Make shady ones and watch as your character devolves into a maniacal sociopath. Not unsimilar to your own choices in life. Mix in an immersive story and revamped combat system and you’ve got yourself a barrel full of fun.

Evil fun, perhaps, but fun nonetheless.

Cost: $60

The Duke

Saturday, Fort Walton Beach - 80 degrees in October, not a cloud in the sky… think I’m going to ride. As a gear freak I’m always out and about trying to find the new hotness. On this particular day, I was cruising along the Gulf Coast throwing the deuces to my fellow riders when I came across a KTM dealership. Naturally, I decided to take a look and encountered the awe-spiring KTM 990 Super Duke.

KTM is an Austrian motorcycle manufacturer which began producing motorcycles 1954. They’re most commonly known for their off road motorcycles, and in recent years have expanded into street bikes. By the looks of this beautiful monster they’re off to a good start.

The KTM 990 Super Duke sports a fuel injected 2 cylinder 4 stroke V-twin engine with 999cc’s of displacement. Brembo brakes will make sure you have all the stopping power you’ll need after firing through 6 gears en route to serious ass hauling.

It goes without saying that the dealer probably knew I was up to no good, but the stance on the Duke wasn’t overly aggressive and the bike was incredibly light, almost felt like sitting on an old school Haro.

Editor’s Note: Looks like KTM is making their mark on the street bike world and the 990 Super Duke is a prime specimen.

Cost: $15,000

Also See: More Motorcycles on Gear Patrol

Family Values At Their Best

It’s time to start memorizing a new set of episodes boys. Yup, you can finally own the Griffin clan’s latest set of misadventures on DVD. With a total of 12 episodes ranging from season 5 to 6, and guest appearances by celebrities like Willem Dafoe, Drew Barrymore, Adam Carola, and Neil Patrick Harris (just to name a few), this season doesn’t disappoint.

If you think your downloaded collection has you covered, did we mention the set also comes with over 50 deleted scenes and raucous commentaries by Seth MacFarlane? We’ll see you in line.

Cost: $26

Editors Notes: Looking for an easy way to get it all on DVD? Check out the quintessential Family Guy Freakin’ Sweet Party Pack which also hits stores today. ($116)

Lock, Stock And One Online Grocery List

For those men that declare themselves as foodies (and those that don’t) the concept of grocery shopping is typically an annoyance. Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to automatically jot down a reminder every time you run out of a certain product? Sea salt, import lagers, aged angus beef, free range eggs, 9-grain bread, olive oil, pappardelle, oh and toilet paper.

Enter Ikan. Ikan scans the UPC barcode on any package you’re finished (or not finished) with and automatically adds that product to an online shipping cart. The cart remains stored until you’re ready to make a grocery order thereby eliminating the hassle of going through a mental or physical inventory.

If the barcode isn’t clever enough, you can use the voice recorder to add items (”Q-Tips. Almonds. Beer!”) or the built-in Search & Add feature. Set the Ikan to automatically send email reminders or if you prefer shopping in person, the Ikan can also print out your saved shopping list to take with you.

After all, every man should find himself well-acquainted with the local grocery’s meat aisle and butcher/monger. It’s your god-given right and duty.

Cost: $399 @ Ikan | Check Available Retailers

Also See: 131 Best Grocery Foods For Men @ Men’s Health

Icy-Hot For The Well-Upgraded Man

Post-gym regimen.

You workout hard. Problem is, your body doesn’t respond or heal like it did in high school or college. You can’t pound on your muscles like you did during two-a-days and limping around at this age rarely comes with a funny story involving 2×4’s and Miller High Life.

Jack Black’s got a new solution for men over the legal drinking age with their Body Rehab Scrub & Muscle Soak. I tried it out.

Two weeks into using the Body Rehab Scrub & Muscle Soak my body feels immensely better. The icy-hot-sensation scrub (it’s leaps and bounds better than my old Icy-Hot) has soothed my worn muscles which are addled with knots and aches. Addled may be far reaching, but the soreness is painfully apparent. Jack Black has infused the scrub with ingredients like Arnica, Epsom Salt, Eucalyptus & Rosemary, and Shea Butter & Glycerin. Ingredients that may not mean much to you as you read this article, but just know the combination works wonders.

Keep it in your bag after league games, gym visits and high-impact outings.

Editor’s Note: Follow-up the scrub with a hydrating lotion like Jack Black’s Cool Moisture Body Lotion ($22) and tackle skin blemishes and skin impurifications with the Deep Detox Clay Mask/Spot Treatment ($25). Remember, your face is the first thing ladies notice. Don’t skimp.

Cost: $35 @ Jack Black

Restaurant Review

You too will be in line waiting for House of Nanking    Courtesy: Saturnism

I hate Chinese food… let me clarify; I hate Americanized Chinese food. I categorize venues like Panda Express and PF Chang’s (not good) - laden with overly sweet chicken dishes that feed America’s need to feel cultured and loaded on MSG. But there are exceptions, and good ones at that.

The House of Nanking, lies right on the edge of San Francisco’s Chinatown. Read any San Francisco guide book and it will undoubtedly mention this place. No, its not 100% authentic but in this case it works. You won’t find steamed chicken feet or Mapo tofu (two of my favorites). You’re also not likely to find Chinese families or the melodic tones of Mandarin. What you will find is food that tastes good and is properly tweaked to an American palette.

Yes they do have the ubiquitous sweet dishes like sesame chicken, and of course they have all the appetizers that you’ve grown to love. Better even, Nanking also serves up warm spinach salad topped with beef, peppers, and a dressing that has just the right amount of soy.

You’ll also find an interesting take on Peking duck. The cooks at Nanking’s replace the duck with succulent chunks of pork and roll it up in a pancake with scallions and slices of calabash. As for noodles, try the cleverly named Birds Nest. It’s not an actual birds nest (like Chinese Bird’s Nest soup), but rather a basket of deep fried noodles topped with a sweet and salty sauce served with prawns and scallions.

Just so we’re clear ahead of time, don’t go to House of Nanking expecting to order any of these dishes. In reality, you might not even get a menu. If it’s your first time there, their wait staff will most likely order for you. Trust them and trust me when I say, it’s a good thing.

House of Nanking | 919 Kearny Street, San Francisco

Know of a restaurant we should review? Email tips@gearpatrol.com and tell us.