Elevate your nightlife with the opening of The Pooldeck at The Empire Hotel. Get a room, take the private elevator up to the top, and unwind with a solid cocktail list, finger food, and your own private cabana (with your own private day bed and flat screen!). Ah, it’s good to be at the top.

The Pooldeck at The Empire Hotel, 4 West 63rd St (at Broadway), (212) 265-7400, empirehotelnyc.com/pooldeck

Dressing like a gentleman gets easier with a weekend John Varvatos Sample Sale. Treat yourself to Spring/Summer 08 sportswear, tailored clothing, and footwear at up to 75% off. Today, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., tomorrow, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. New items added daily!

John Varvatos Sample Sale at 26 West 17th Street, 9th Floor (between 5th & 6th Avenues), no phone, johnvarvatos.com

Spend your Saturday downtown with good friends, good beers, and good oysters at the Stone Street Streetfest. The festivities kick off at Noon and wind down around 9 p.m.

Stone Street Streetfest, Stone Street between Broad Street & Hanover Square, (212) 482-0400

Get animated at the Speed Racer Photo Exhibit at the W New York Times Square. Stills from the Wachowski Brothers’ visual masterpiece will be on display in the Living Room (7th Floor). Catch it anytime (open 24 hours) from today through May 30th.

W New York Times Square, 1567 Broadway (at 47th Street), The Living Room, 7th Floor, whotels.com/timessquare

Treat mom (and yourself) to dinner at STK on Sunday where the dining experience includes a complimentary glass of champagne and a box of Godiva chocolates for her. Or…

STK, 26 Little West 12th Street (near Ninth Avenue), (646) 624-2444, stkhouse.com

Hit Hill Country for their new brunch menu (view it here) and a special Mother’s Day performance by Jan Bell and the Cheap Dates. Sunday, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Hill Country, 30 West 26th Street (near Sixth Avenue), (212) 255-4544, hillcountryny.com

There’s something wonderful about a spirit that manages to be incredibly smooth and satisfying… introducing Café Bohême.

Inspired by the rich cocktails enjoyed in the Salons of Paris during the Roaring Twenties, Café Bohême is a luxurious mix of gourmet coffee, multi-distilled French vodka and premium crème. Blended to be served straight up, on the rocks, or mixed with other premium spirits, Café Bohême also makes a fine after-dinner companion. Its amazing taste (ranked “Superb” by Wine Spectator) and low-alcohol component means it’s great for gifting.

And with Mother’s Day right around the corner (ahem, this Sunday), why not treat her to a little taste of Paris.

Sure it’s not your average gift of flowers or chocolate, but then again you’ve never been the average type.


Visit cafeboheme.com for cocktail recipes, Café Bohême souvenirs, and more.

And that’s fine when you want a little outdoors.

But sometimes you want big waves with your big sky. Fortunately for you, the nightlife gods behind Cain and GoldBar are also feeling the great outdoors… welcome to The Surf Lodge in Montauk. Located on beautiful Fort Pond, just a half-mile from the beach, The Surf Lodge is a modern, 30-room destination with impeccable style and captivating lake views.

The boutique experience begins the moment you enter The Lobby Lounge (perfect for an ice cold beer after surfing) and continues to The Bar at Surf Lodge (perfect for a Long Island Iced Tea). The Restaurant at The Surf Lodge will be cheffed by none other than Sam Talbot (former Top Chef contestant), which means you can count on excellent, seasonally-driven fare and lots of fresh seafood (it is Montauk after all).

You can also unwind at The Spa, watch an outdoor movie after sunset (just like summer camp!), and even catch a live performance by a local group.

Or you can do nothing at all.

At The Surf Lodge, you’re on vacation.


The Surf Lodge Montauk opens to the public Memorial Day weekend.


The Surf Lodge Montauk
183 Edgemere Street
no phone yet
surflodgemontauk.com

You’re the upwardly mobile type, so you can appreciate a fine rooftop bar with perfect sunset views… say hello to HighBar. Perched sixteen stories above and designed to look like a luxe penthouse in St. Tropez, the latest concept from Greg Brier (Amalia, D’Or) is on a whole other level. Opens for private parties next Wednesday (5/7), and to the public on May 20th.

HighBar at Hilton Garden Inn Times Square, 251 West 48th Street, Fl 15, (212) 956-1300, highbar-nyc.com

Jumbo Langoustines. Grilled Lamb Chops. Sultan Kebabs. Meet Savarona, the new stud of Turkish cuisine. Cheffed by the talented Tevfik Alparslan (Gordon Ramsey London, La Tour D’Argent Paris), expect modern Turkish fare (with a French accent) in a spacious setting.

Savarona, 420 East 59th Street (across from the 59th Street Bridge), (212) 371-6300, savaronarestaurant.com

Tap your wilder side with a Dolce & Gabbana and D&G sample sale this weekend. Stock up on Spring/Summer 08 apparel at up to 70% off. Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

D&G Showroom, 85 Spring Street (between Broadway & Crosby Street), dolcegabbana.com

It’s always Cinco de Mayo at Los Dados, where dinner on 5/5 arrives with complimentary Churros and Dulce de Leche dipping sauce. Andalé.

Los Dados, 73 Gansevoort Street (near Washington Street), (646) 810-7290, losdadosmexican.com

Mercadito is also celebrating Cinco’ with a special Cinco de Mayo Tasting Menu. Indulge in varieties of guacamole, ceviche, tacos, and desserts for $40.

Mercadito, 179 Avenue B (near 11th Street), (212) 529-6490, mercaditony.com

Keep your Cinco de Mayo buzz alive at Blind Tiger Ale House for their Pacific Northwest Beer and Oyster Festival. Next Tuesday and Wednesday, from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Blind Tiger Ale House, 281 Bleecker Street (at Jones Street), (212) 462-4682, blindtigeralehouse.com

Break out your Black Card for a special Italian Winemaker Dinner at Alto next Wednesday. Noted Italian wines from Kobrand will be paired with a fine 4-course Italian meal. The evening begins with a Champagne Taittinger Reception at 6:30 p.m. $350 per person, all-inclusive.

Alto, 11 East 53rd Street (near Fifth Avenue), (212) 308-1099, altorestaurant.com

Fortunately, discerning gentlemen have a new place to step up to: introducing Leffot, the new West Village, luxury shoe store just for men.

Conceived by Steven Taffel, a fashion industry veteran of Bottega Veneta and Prada, and his wife Hiroko, a former window designer for Bottega and J.M. Weston, Leffot is a feast for fans of European footwear. Whether your tastes run British (Church’s, Edward Green, Graziano & Girling), Italian (Artioli), or French (J.M. Weston, Pierre Corthay, Aubercy), you can easily find something sharp to slip into.

And for those whose who insist on bespoke, you get to work directly with Taffel for your custom-made creation.

Finally, a well-heeled shop for the well-heeled man.


Leffot opens early next week.


Leffot
10 Christoper Street (off Greenwich Avenue)
Tel: (212) 989-4577
leffot.com

You probably don’t need the gentle reminder that the Tribeca Film Festival has officially kicked off. But you do need to know about David Mamet’s Redbelt, a thinking man’s mixed martial arts film with an Ultimate Fighting Championship edge. Get ready to rumble.

For more information, visit tribecafilmfestival.org.

Now that you’re big time, you can appreciate a fine watch like Patek Philippe. Check out 250 of their most valuable timepieces at an exclusive exhibition at Tiffany this weekend (today, tomorrow, and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.). For more info, visit patek.com.

Patek Philippe at Tiffany & Co., Fifth Floor, Fifth Avenue & 57th Street

Warm weather calls for al fresco dining. Get some (and mojitos too) at Socialista’s just-reopened outdoor sidewalk café.

Socialista, 505 West Street (near Jane Street), (212) 929-4303, socialista.us

Archetype Showroom is celebrating the fine weather with a fine sample sale. Take up to 65 percent off Bureau, Corpus, Fremont, and Black Sheep & Prodigal Sons. Now through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Archetype Showroom, 676 Broadway (between Great Jones and Bond Streets), Second Floor, (212) 529-1407, archetypeshowroom.com

Rogues Gallery is nicely reduced at the The News Showroom sample sale. Spring/Summer 08 tees, hoodies, and other gear are up to 60 percent off. Today and tomorrow, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The News Showroom, 495 Broadway (near Broome Street), Fifth Floor, (212) 925-9700

Some meals sell themselves.

And sometimes it helps to offer a 50-foot-long bar to kick things off. Loosen up your belts… it’s time for some Wildwood Barbeque. Brought to you by restaurateur Steve Hanson (Primehouse, Dos Caminos) and “Big Lou” Elrose (formerly of Hill Country), Wildwood is a carnivore’s paradise perfectly calibrated for Manhattanites.

Whether you’re in the mood for tender Slow Smoked Brisket, a stacked Barbeque Burger, or Spicy Molasses Chicken Wings, you can find something on the extensive menu (view it here) to satisfy your craving. Pace yourself and indulge in sides like buttery mashed potatoes, and desserts such as the decadent 8 Layer Chocolate Fudge Cake, or the Bourbon Banana ‘Nilla Wafer Sundae.

Polish off your meal with with a refreshing Mint Julep or go with the Tequila Sunbolt, a curious mix of white tequila, red pepper water, and limeade.

So much for that Spring diet.


Wildwood Barbeque opens for dinner on Thursday (4/22) at 5 p.m. Lunch service begins next week.


Wildwood Barbeque
225 Park Avenue South (near 18th Street)
Tel: (212) 533-2500
brguestrestaurants.com

The soul of a grand Parisian bistro lived at La Côte Basque. Thankfully, its spirit remains with the opening of Alain Ducasse’s Bistro Benoît in the former Côte space. Indulge yourself in fine French fare, like Escargots with Garlic and Parsley Butter, Garlic Roasted Chicken with French Fries L’Ami Louis-style, and Steak au Poivre with Pommes Soufflés. Skip the Champagne cocktails (you’re not a tourist) in favor of a solid bottle of Bordeaux. Then relax. This is a bistro to unwind in. Opens Monday (4/21).

Bistro Benoît, 60 West 55th Street (near Sixth Avenue), (646) 943-7373, benoitny.com

Over two blocks west, Chef Florian Hugo (a direct descendant of writer Victor Hugo) is also serving excellent French comfort food at Brasserie Cognac. Decompress from the day with a cognac-based cocktail (102 different cognacs are available!) and have the Filet Mignon Flambéed with Cognac or Poulet Rôti.

Brasserie Cognac, 1740 Broadway (at 55th Street), (212) 757-3600, cognacrestaurant.com

Toast Earth Day with a drink at Ten Bells, the new organic wine bar on the Lower East Side. Brought to you by the owners of Le Pere Pinard, expect a global wine list and hearty small plates (venison carpaccio, wild-boar sausage).

Ten Bells, 247 Broome Street (near Orchard Street), (212) 228-4450

Hit Den this weekend for the hot, new menswear collection by Robert Geller. Stock up on sharp, tailored shirts, trousers, and outerwear for Spring.

Den New York, 330 East 11th Street (near Second Avenue), (212) 475-0079, dennewyork.com

Treat your inner Italian to a tasting of almost 200 Chianti Classico wines at The Tuscan Nose. Master the aromas, swill lots of vino, and even bank some goodwill (the $40 fee benefits Slow Food). Monday (4/21), 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The Tuscan Nose at 583 Park Avenue (at 63rd Street), dunnrobbins.com

Frette’s luxurious Italian linens are dramatically reduced. Enjoy savings of up to 75% off retail plus an additional 20% off. Today (4/15), 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and tomorrow (4/16), 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Frette Spring Sale at Soiffer-Haskin, 317 West 33rd Street (near Eighth Avenue), (718) 747-1656, frette.com

Get to know Converse by John Varvatos a little better. Men’s and women’s tees, polos, pants, and jackets are reduced by 50 to 70% off. Through Thursday (4/17), 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Converse by John Varvatos Sample Sale at SSS Sample Sale, 261 West 36th Street (between Seventh and Eighth Avenues), Second Floor, converse.com

A sample sale doubleheader? Yes, that’s right! While you’re perusing the Converse by John Varvatos goods, check out Hickey’s Sample Sale. Shorts, sweaters, trousers, and outerwear are all up to 70% off. Through Thursday (4/17), 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Hickey Sample Sale at SSS Sample Sale, 261 West 36th Street (between Seventh and Eighth Avenues), Second Floor, hickeystyle.com

Rich leathers. Soft suedes. Exotic skins. Lambertson Truex is the real deal for luxe bags and shoes. Get them online at Gilt’s sample sale tomorrow (4/16).

Visit Gilt.com.

Round out the week with a little shopping at BBlessing’s off-site sample sale in Soho. Select gear by Opening Ceremony, Rag & Bone, and Surface to Air is reduced by up 80%. Friday (4/18) and Saturday (4/19), Noon to 7 p.m.

Bblessing Sample Sale, 5 Crosby Street (between Howard & Grand Streets), Suite# 6D, (212) 378-8005, bblessing.com

With a nod to its colorful past, the new John Varvatos Bowery shop (formerly CBGB), has arrived. Adds Arturo Vega, the Ramones Creative Director, “Walking around the Varvatos space at 315 Bowery just confirmed for me that energy doesn’t disappear, it only gets transformed, you can feel it – all over the place!” You can also feel out the complete men’s collection, and an upcoming limited edition 315 Bowery Collection.

John Varvatos Bowery, 315 Bowery (at Bleecker Street), (212) 358-0315, johnvarvatos.com

Loosen your belts this weekend. Dell’Anima has cooked up a family-style brunch menu. Mangia on scrambled eggs, housemade sausages, Anson Mills polenta, broccoli rabe, and ricotta pancakes with maple syrup… Bellinis and a big brunch - what more could you ask for on the weekend?

Dell’Anima, 38 Eighth Avenue (at Jane Street), (212) 366-6633, dellanima.com

As pizza connoisseurs, it brings us great pleasure to introduce you to the artichoke and spinach slice at Artichoke. It’s big. It’s rich. And the crust is just right. It’s even worth the fifteen minute wait.

Artichoke, 328 East 14th Street (near First Avenue), (212) 228-2004

Get to Williamsburg and double your pleasure with a Yoko Devereaux sale and complimentary Svedka cocktails at Trophy Bar. Take 25% off Yoko Devereaux Spring 08 merch from Noon to 10 p.m. Then hop across the street for Trophy’s open bar from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Yoko Devereaux, 338 Broadway, Williamsburg, (718) 302-1450, yokod.com. Trophy Bar, 351 Broadway, Williamsburg, trophybar.com

Mondays at The Volstead mean free booze tastings and 1/2 off drinks from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Happy hours, indeed.

The Volstead, 125 East 54th Street (between Lexington & Park Avenues), (212) 583-0411, thevolstead.com