Un-tied! What to get Dad for Father's Day

First off, let's get one thing straight about shopping for dear old Dad this Father's Day. No ties.

If all the answers somehow involve a tie, please disregard the first paragraph and motor on down to Nordstrom. Problem solved.

GRILLS GONE WILD!

Seems like just about every other Father's Day ad I've ever seen involves grilling, as if all American males are born with an innate desire to char flesh over hot coals and wear aprons with "kiss the chef" stitched across the front. This is a myth. Our exhaustive research indicates that only 71.27 percent of American males actually have an active "grill gene." For these men, the desire to grill is not so much the pursuit of a hobby or even the perfect steak, as it is an undeniable echo from the primordial past that simply cannot be denied.

Outfit the grilling dad at Sutter Home and Hearth in Ballard and Woodinville. These folks are to outdoor cooking what "Q" Branch is to James Bond. No matter the need or the budget, Sutter's got grills covered from the full line of stalwart Webers to ultimate custom designed and built patio kitchens. And you can depend on old reliables like Crate and Barrel and Williams-Sonoma for great accessories, kits, and cookbooks.

GO ON A STEAK-OUT

Now what about the other 28.73 percent of dads who, sadly, make up the Grilling Impaired category? Many of these dads may not have a recessive grill gene but still love a fine cut of charbroiled flesh - and he certainly wouldn't say no to a thick, aged porterhouse on his special day.

Seattle's got no shortage of great steak and chop houses, and for what you'll pay in many of them, some of you may feel it would have been cheaper to raise your own small herd of cattle. But never fear: JaK's Grill in West Seattle will put a smile on Dad's face without leaving a frown on yours when the check arrives. On the pricier side, the upscale charm and monstrous slabs of aged beef at Daniel's Broiler are worth the indulgence. If Dad is a proud member of the old school, he'll love the Rat Pack vibe of Morton's, sipping classic cocktails while Frank and Deano croon in the background.

The Brooklyn is Seattle's answer to Peter Luger's, and it's a damn good answer at that. The ambience is a spot-on homage to New York's legendary steak house, and there's no better place in town to take an oyster lover. Start off with a baker's dozen but make sure Dad saves room for the Filet Roquefort. This meal will more than make up for all the trouble you caused him during your formative years, seriously. That fender-bender on the way to the Prom? Forgotten.

If Dad is not a big fan of red meat, no problem – all of these fine establishments do wonders with fish as well. If seafood's more to Dad's liking, the Oceanaire Seafood Room is simply unbeatable.

HAND ME THAT WRENCH

Statistics vary and research is ongoing, but indications are that a great many fathers appreciate tools. It seems that even males with a recessive grill gene often have a dominant tool gene. This is gifting made easy. No Tool-Time dad is going to frown at a sizeable gift certificate from Sears, Home Depot or Ace Hardware. And by a strange coincidence all three have special deals on shipping for Dad's special day. Imagine that!

TURN THAT DOWN!

Maybe it's time Dad pumped up the volume and rocked the neighbors with a new home theater system. The fine folks at Magnolia Hi-Fi can remove all the confusion about Hi-Def, plasma screens and whatever else has you mystified. They'll custom design a state-of-the-art system to fit your home. The only problem is Dad may never want to leave the TV chair once everything's installed, and there's a distinct possibility that the remote may fuse to his hand.

MAN, MEET NATURE

Perhaps your dad is more of a man of action – the outdoorsy, athletic type. Seattle's legendary REI has all the gear and apparel a camper, hiker, climber, cyclist, kayaker or triathlete could ever want or need. G.I. Joe's also caters to the fisherman and mountaineer that dwells in the heart of every paterfamilias.

GO LONG

For the avid sports fan, there's nothing better than season tickets. Unless, of course, your dad's a Mariners fan. But seriously, folks, if Dad is a die-hard bid watcher, there's no better time to hook him up with tickets than this Father's Day weekend, when the San Francisco Giants come to town. Love him or hate him, Barry Bonds has passed the Bambino, and is on pace to break Hank Aaron's all-time home run record. This is history, people. Chances are good he'll launch a few out of Safeco. Take Dad out to the ballpark and make some memories.

If the old man's still hacked about the officiating at this year's Super Bowl, consider putting him on the sidelines for the Seahawks' 2006 campaign. The home schedule looks like the next best thing to a cakewalk, and season ticket holders get priority for the playoffs. Sweet.

And if Dad's a Sonics fan, um, maybe a Metro pass to Renton would be in order.

CAN I BORROW THE CAR?

And finally, if money is no object, we've got one last suggestion for the man who loves his toys: the tricked-out, limited edition Mini Cooper S with the John Cooper Works GP kit. Oh yeah. You've heard the expression "wolf in sheep's clothing"? This is the wolf that ate that wolf. Better hurry, though. Only 415 of these little nasties will be sold in the U.S.

Whatever your choices and your budget, just remember the golden rule of Father's Day: no ties.

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