Accent

Tucson's own java and more

Serious "Friends" fans will have to nurse a broken, empty heart after this 10-year relationship ends. But instead of heading off on the rebound, Tucsonans can bridge the gap by re-creating some of the memorable moments and holding on to some of the show's more lasting legacies. Even the most casual "Friends" watcher catches offhand references to the gang's favorite hangout, Central Perk. Raging Sage, 2458 N. Campbell Ave., might not have Rachel in a green apron, but it does have a cool, laid-back décor. Pretty, trendy-looking people with laptops sit at the coffee bar, looking busy, and the caffeine comes in huge, white cups that Phoebe would love. And, if Central Perk had a patio, it'd probably look a lot like this one, which has vintage-looking tables and chairs, brightly colored petunias, and orange trees that shade sippers. Oh, and the mochas and rum cream cake are more than pretty good. If you're over the age of 21, you've probably walked in to your favorite hairstylist and asked for the "Friends" cut popularized by Rachel. The full, shaggy layers are no longer the only locks a trendy girl will sport, but the ladies still know how to wield a brush. To get the picture-perfect hair the girls always seem to sport (how do those chopsticks Phoebe wears work anyway?) and to feel famous for a day, head to Gadabout, Salon de Nouveau or Rex, all of which cut hair and provide spa treatments. Remember when Ross had a Mississippi-sized accident with the spray tan? Go more for Monica's golden brown instead of Ross' bicolor body at Sun Mist, 3013 E. Speedway, or Hotzone Tanning, 6330 N. Oracle Road. Single tans are about $28, with discounts for first-timers and packages. Rachel once gave a date a dinner to remember when she wore her nightie as a dress, and her breast was, shall we say, misplaced when the waiter accidentally spilled a drink on her. If you, too, would like to create a date to remember, head to Frederick's of Hollywood at Tucson Mall. The store has everything from a sweet, pink and black polka-dotted cami and boy-cut boxer set to racy red numbers that would make even Chandler's mom (and dad) blush. Rachel might be Ross' lobster, but everyone knows Marcel is Ross' true love. You can't keep a live monkey (legally) in Tucson, so you'll have to comfort yourself with a stuffed one from Amy's Hallmark, 4811 E. Grant Road. It doesn't dance, but it does tremble and make funny noises. When we first saw the gang, they were jamming to "I'll Be There for You," wearing matching black and white and dancing (badly) in front of a fountain. To make your own fountain portrait, head to Tivoli Fountains, where, for about $1,300, you can purchase a smaller, but respectably close representation of the water slinger. Or you could just use Photoshop. "Smelly Cat" has got to be one of the worst songs ever to hit television, but Phoebe imbued it with such feeling that its off-key tune will never be forgotten. To score your own guitar, with which you, too, can write a terribly memorable folk song, head Downtown to Chicago Music Store, 130 E. Congress St. Chandler and Joey didn't have an oven that worked, but they did manage to acquire free porn and vibrating chairs. We can't help with the free TV, but you can get your very own "massage chair" at Brookstone in the Tucson Mall for $599-$3,500. ° Erin White