Kick off your Friday festivities with the debut of Salon de Ning, Manhattan’s finest, new rooftop bar. Formerly the Peninsula’s Pen-Top Bar, Salon de Ning takes it names from Madame Ning, a celebrated Shanghai socialite with a thirst for eclectic art and refreshing cocktails. Try the Rose Champagne (made exclusively for the bar by Maison Deutz) or the signature Ning Sling, a refreshing mix of Absolut Mandarin with lychee and passion fruit juices. Oh, and the views… best in Manhattan. Opens tomorrow.

Salon de Ning, 700 Fifth Avenue (at 55th Street), 23rd Floor, (212) 903-3097, salondening.com

Speaking of elevated nightlife, A60, 60 Thompson’s members-only rooftop lounge has just re-opened for the season. Unwind with a cocktail, downtown views, and appetizers from Kittichai.

A60, 60 Thompson Street (near Broome Street), (212) 219-2000, 60thompson.com

Soak up the night’s refreshments at Taste of Tribeca on Saturday. Indulge in first courses and desserts from Bouley Bakery, Chanterelle, Dylan Prime, and 50 other restaurants. All proceeds benefit Tribeca’s public elementary schools. Tickets start at $40.

For more details, visit tasteoftribeca.org.

With Memorial Day weekend coming into range, it’s time for Blue Crab Nights at The Hideaway. Feast on oversized Maryland Blue Crabs, Spicy Peel and Eat Shrimp, perfect French Fries, and Corn on the Cob. Polish it all off with spiked Summer Ale. Sundays and Mondays through Labor Day.

The Hideaway, 185 Duane Street (near Greenwich Street), (212) 334-5775, thehideawaynyc.com

Head out for Spring in Ralph Lauren and save at their online Private Sale. Use the code “MAY15″ at checkout to score an additional 20% off already reduced prices.

Visit RalphLauren.com.

The typical restaurant markup on wine has nothing on the most expensive bottle ever sold. Delve into the $156,000 Thomas Jefferson Bordeaux scandal, dig into wine and cheese, and hear author Benjamin Wallace recount the tale from his new book The Billionaire’s Vinegar at Bottlerocket tonight. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., free.

Bottlerocket Wine & Spirit, 5 West 19th Street (off Fifth Avenue), (212) 929-2323, bottlerocketwine.com

End Monday with a grand tasting of more than 500 (yes, 500!) wines and spirits at Wine Enthusiast’s Toast Of The Town at Lincoln Center. Complementary fare from over 30 top restaurants will also be served. Monday (5/19). The VIP Tasting begins at 5 p.m. The Grand Tasting begins at 7 p.m. Visit toastofthetown.com or call (800) 847-5949.

Wine Enthusiast’s Toast Of The Town at Lincoln Center’s New York State Theater, 63rd Street & Columbus Avenue

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, 44 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

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

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

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

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

Thanks to Gilt, the land of luxury sample sales has been good to women. And with the arrival of Samples Sales For Men in less than two weeks, let’s just say scoring discount threads by John Varvatos (4/16), Dolce & Gabbana (4/22), and Rag & Bone is going to be a lot easier. Starts (4/16). Need an exclusive invitation to Gilt?

Visit gilt.com.

Speaking of shopping, Jack Spade’s spring sale has just begun. Use this flier to score 20% off briefcases, weekender bags, and wallets. Now through Sunday (4/6).

Jack Spade, 56 Greene Street (near Broome Street), (212) 625-1820, jackspade.com

Robert De Niro’s much anticipated Greenwich Hotel is open. Relax in one of 88 rooms sprawled over 8 floors. Or go all out with the 2,500 square foot penthouse, featuring a media complex and roof top garden with private hot tub and views of the city and Hudson River.

The Greenwich Hotel, 377 Greenwich Street, (212) 941-8900, greenwichhotelny.com

Ever wish you could kick back with a nice coffee-table book after dancing? Well, now you can: introducing powerHouse Library at Mansion, the new literary gallery from powerHouse books in ultra lounge Mansion. Think of it as the first library where being loud… is allowed. Opens tonight.

Mansion, 530 West 28 Street (between Tenth & Eleventh Avenues), (212) 763-9131, mansionnewyork.com

Of course, if you’re biased to the big-screen, head to the Gen Art Film Festival for their week-long celebration of movie premieres and parties. What’s better than 7 new films, 2-hour parties, and lots of liquid refreshments? For ticket information, visit genartfilmfestival.com/2008.

Learn more about Gen Art.

The best thing about Pichet Ong’s new dessert shop Batch? Well, that’s hard. The new truffle line EM Chocolatier by Public’s pastry chef Ellen Mirsky… that’s easy. Indulge yourself in fresh Butter Caramel Chocolate Truffles, Dark Chocolate & Pistachio Bark with Malden Salt, and Milk Chocolate Turtles. Available at Batch, 150b West 10th Street, (212) 929-0250, and made to order.

EM Chocolatier, (646) 872-4886, emchocolatier.com

It’s looking like a vintage year for wine bars. Set to uncork early next week is Bowery Wine Company, the new 55-seat drinkery by Lenny Linar, Chris Sileo (formerly beverage director at The Plaza), and Bruce Willis (yes, Bruce Willis). A toast: Yippee Ki-Yay.

Bowery Wine Company, 13 East 1st Street (between Bowery and Second Avenue), (212) 614-0800, bowerywineco.com

A new season. A new Park Avenue restaurant. You know the drill. Introducing Park Avenue Spring, the next big thing from talented Chef Craig Koketsu and award-winning Pastry Chef Richard Leach. Try the new seasonal signatures like Peekytoe Crabcake with Raspberries and Avocado, Grilled Lamb Chops with Apricots and Toasted Cumin, or Roasted Leg of Lamb.

Park Avenue Spring, 100 East 63rd Street (off Park Avenue), (212) 644-1900, parkavenyc.com

Sometimes the sequel is better than the original. Like at the new Duane Park, formerly known as Duane Park Café. Indulge yourself in Louisiana-style crabcakes, Bacon Wrapped Trout, and Garlic Roasted Hangar Steak. Take the edge off with a Duane Park Manhattan, a potent mix of Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Punt e Mes and black cherry juice.

Duane Park, 157 Duane Street (near West Broadway), (212) 732-5555, duaneparknyc.com

Spring for some new threads at Elie Tahari’s sample sale. Enjoy savings of up to 80% off men’s and women’s collections. Next Tuesday (4/1) through Friday (4/4), 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Saturday (4/5), 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Elie Tahari, 510 Fifth Avenue, Entrance on 43rd Street, Ground Floor, elietahari.com

Art is in the air this weekend. Check out Pulse at Pier 40 and Art Now at Hotel 30/30 for two smart collections of contemporary art. Today (3/27) through Sunday (3/30).

Pulse New York is taking place at Pier 40 in Tribeca at West Side Highway (at West Houston Street). Art Now New York can be viewed at the Hotel 30/30, 30 East 30th Street (at Madison Avenue).

Unclutter your space with a little help from the new storage valet service experts at The Box Butler. You order the storage container you need. They deliver it, pack it, pick it up, and store it. How easy is that?

Visit theboxbutler.com for more information.

You’re a VIP. You’re used to a little upgrade here, a little complimentary Champagne there. So you’re going to like Rare Perks, our new VIP benefits program that rewards you with special offerings and discounts from our roster of esteemed partners.

To celebrate Spring, we’ve partnered with: the stylists at Frédéric Fekkai, the sartorial specialists at New Dandyism, the grooming experts at Truman’s, the tanning pros at Sundara, and the professional shoppers at Coup de Coeur, to bring you exclusive deals and promotions (with even more to come).

A little indulging just got a lot easier.

Check out the complete list of Rare Perks here.

Semi-private. Semi-hidden. And fully entertaining… add Antik to the short of list of cool places that serve solid drinks by well-dressed cocktail waitresses. View the cocktail menu. Opens tomorrow (3/21).

Antik, 356 Bowery (off East 4th Street), (212) 388-1655, antiknyc.com

The coffee connoisseurs at Joe are going West… to Chelsea. Expect more award-winning cappucinos and drip coffee tasting flights by Summer. Opens Monday (3/24).

Joe, 405 West 23rd Street (between Ninth & Tenth Avenues), (212) 206-0669, joetheartofcoffee.com

Rock some Hermès at their annual Spring sample sale. For gentlemen, ties and suits are nicely reduced. For ladies, shoes, apparel, accessories, and handbags are also reduced.

Metropolitan Pavilion, 123 West 18 Street (between Sixth & Seventh Avenues), 4th Floor, metropolitanevents.com

Magnolia is baking up limited-edition cupcakes for Easter. Treat yourself to their signature butter cream frosting and adornments in the shapes of eggs, bunnies and more.

Magnolia Bakery, 401 Bleecker Street (at 11th Street), (212) 462-2572, and 200 Columbus Avenue (at 69th Street), (212) 724-8101, magnoliacupcakes.com

The lure of white, milk, and dark chocolate Easter figures (bunnies and eggs) awaits you at Ceci Cela Patisserie.

Ceci Cela Patisserie, 55 Spring Street (between Lafayette & Mulberry Streets), (212) 274-9179, ceci-celapatisserie.com

And if you’re uptown, indulge in Payard’s decadent array of Easter treats.

Payard, 1032 Lexington Avenue (between 73rd & 74th Streets), (212) 717-5252, payard.com

It can’t be steak for dinner every night (well, it could but…): complement your proteins with the organic and seasonal goodness of the recently opened Broadway East. Order the hearty Roasted Winter Vegetables in Bed and the Red Beet Tataki and Golden Beet Tartare. Minimalist calories meets maximum taste.

Broadway East, 171 East Broadway (near Canal Street), (212) 228-3100, broadwayeast.com

What’s better than Eggplant Parmigiana at 1 a.m.? Try Saltcod Fritters with Meyer Lemon Mayonnaise and apple walnut crisps with rum raisin ice cream. The new late-night menu (serving until 2 a.m.) at Allen & Delancey has arrived.

Allen & Delancey, 115 Allen Street (near Delancey Street), (212) 253-5400, allenanddelancey.net

Caviar. Vodkas. Russian Constructivist era films. It’s just another Sunday night at Pravda. Sneak a little Russian flavor into the weekend at Pravda’s Sunday night Russian Constructivist film fest.

Pravda, 281 Lafayette Street (near Prince Street), (212) 226-4696, pravdany.com

Dressing British is easy with a Paul Smith sample sale. Select tees, shirts, and suits ($375 suits anyone?) are reduced up to 75 percent! Today (3/15) and tomorrow (3/16), from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday (3/15), from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Paul Smith, 76 Greene Street (near Spring Street), paulsmith.co.uk

In honor of St. Paddy’s Day, Hill Country is channeling their inner Irish cowboy. Feast on Texas-style “corned beef and cabbage”, special cocktails (the Dublin Two-Step and the Irish Cowboy), and live music.

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

For more traditional Irish revelry, hit P.J. Clarke’s for bag pipers, authentic Corned Beef and Cabbage, Shepherd’s Pie, Irish Beef Stew, and a proper Guinness.

P.J. Clarke’s 55th Street, 915 Third Avenue (at 55th Street), (212) 317-1616, P.J. Clarke’s Lincoln Square, 44 West 63rd Street, (212) 957-9700, and P.J. Clarke’s on the Hudson, 250 Vesey Street, (212) 285-1500, pjclarkes.com

Whet your appetite for the finest single malt scotches, whiskies, and cognacs at Keens Steakhouse for a celebration of F. Paul Pacult’s new book Kindred Spirits 2. $100 gets you ten of the very best spirits that money can buy. Wednesday (3/19), 7 p.m.

Keens Steakhouse, 72 West 36th Street (at Sixth Avenue), (212) 947-3636, keens.com