We certainly did.

Atmosphere is everything when you step into Apothéke, the new, opulent former opium den-turned-cocktail-temple in Chinatown. From the aromatic light sconces floating the scent of Absinthe, to the intense level of detail in the décor, Apothéke (that’s German for apothecary) exudes a different kind of high. Pull up a seat at the generous marble bar, and peruse a grand drink list divided by apothecary categories (Stimulants, Aphrodisiacs, Euphoric Enhancers), and House Cocktails.

Try the Five Points, a luscious mix of Brazilian sugar cane rum, grapejuice, Italian bitters, Australian Elderflower, and Chinese herbs; or an Opium Uplifter, a potent blend of bitters and South American herbs marinated in rum.

Sip slowly: By Round 3, you won’t even remember you got lost trying to find this place.


Apothéke officially opens September 5th but is now soft-open for private parties.


Apothéke
9 Doyers Street, (between Bowery & Pell Street)
Tel: (212) 406-0400

Death in the Afternoon (Absinthe & Champagne). Absinthe Neat. However you like your Green Fairy, you can count on Sasha Petraske to make it right at White Star, his new LES temple of booze. Know that it’s small inside. Really small. But that should make meeting other beautiful people even easier.

White Star, 21 Essex Street (near Hester Street), (212) 995-5464

With Autumn coming into range, noted designer John Varvatos is clearing the racks. Amp up your Summer 08 style with select apparel, footwear, and accessories at up to 75% off. Today and tomorrow, 8:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

John Varvatos Sample Sale, 260 5th Avenue (between 28th & 29th Streets), no phone, johnvarvatos.com

Looking for the perfect coffee table book? Head to the powerHouse Arena in Brooklyn Heights where fashion and art titles are going for up to 90% off. That’s, like, almost free. Today and tomorrow, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

powerHouse Arena, 37 Main Street (at Water Street), Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn (718) 666-3049, powerhousebooks.com

Minimal design meets minimal reductions at Muji’s Back-to-School Sale. Select goods (stationery, notebooks, and more) are slashed by 10%. Through Labor Day (9/1).

Muji Midtown, 620 Eighth Avenue (entrance on 40th Street), (212) 382-2300, and Muji Soho, 455 Broadway (near Grand Street), (212) 334-2002, muji.com

Cool off with an awesome array of artisanal ice cream at the Van Leeuwen Artisan Ice Cream Truck in Soho. Have the Giandujia, a decadent combo of chocolate and hazelnut, or a refreshing Mint Chocolate Chip.

Van Leeuwen Artisan Ice Cream Truck, corner of Prince & Greene Streets, from 1 p.m. - 8 p.m., vanleeuwenicecream.com

You know what you want after the sun sets.

Let Manhattan’s grandest hotel give it to you… introducing The Rose Club at The Plaza. Inhabiting the hallowed walls of the famed Persian Room, The Rose Club offers a unique, no, full-blown royal experience not soon to be forgotten. Ascend the marble staircase to an oasis of soft pink lighting and mahogany-paneled walls, then settle into French-accented furniture with a relaxed, super-exclusive lounge atmosphere. Tonight’s entertainment arrives from Chef Didier Virot (formerly of FR.OG) and a solid cocktail list.

Indulge yourself in the club’s signature drink, the Park Side Smash: a decadent mix of Hennessey VS Cognac, pressed lemon wedges and organic mint leaves.

Soak up a couple.

Just make sure you stay off the balcony.


The Rose Club
Fifth Avenue at Central Park South
Tel: (212) 546-5311, reservations only after 10 p.m.
fairmont.com

Even supermodels.

So when we got word that the lovely Adriana Lima was boarding a V1 Jet Seaplane to Long Island for an autograph signing, we were intrigued. V1 Jets are known for flying passengers on the “dead legs,” or the unused trips back to their original departure point. Their newest offering, V1 Jets Seaplane, caters to the Hamptons set - making travel to East Hampton a breeze. You, along with seven passengers, depart from the Seaplane Port at 23rd Street and the F.D.R. Drive. Buckle up and in you’re in for an exhilarating forty-minute commute that lands in East Hampton Airport.

All for a mere $495 each way…

Adriana Lima not included.


To plan your getaway to the Hamptons, Montauk, or Martha’s Vineyard by seaplane, visit jetcharter.com/seaplane.


V1 Jet Seaplane
For booking or more info, call (866) 469-5381, or visit jetcharter.com/seaplane.

The road.

Nothing else. Sometimes it all comes together. Like at the brand new, members-only Monticello Motor Club. Boasting a sprawling, 22-curve European-style track on over 175 acres of wooded South Catskill forest, MMC is New York’s premiere motorhead Mecca. The track is perfect for all levels of driving, from gentle touring to time trials to full-fledged racing . Store your ride there or test out some of the world’s most exotic vehicles on your own or with a certified instructor, living out your Speed-Racer dreams of childhood.

And, believe it or not, it gets better. After completing the incredibly selective membership process, you and your family will not only have guaranteed access to the track and racing facilities 200 days a year, but you’ll all also enjoy a luxury clubhouse; complete with a gourmet restaurant serving seasonal delights with exotic wine pairings, full gym, and a full-service spa specializing in hydrotherapy and tranquil water treatments. And with plans for an on-site five-star hotel, shopping center, and world-class karting and off-roading facilities, Monticello will only get better with time.

You like?

Start saving.

When it opens this weekend, initiation begins at $125,000 and yearly fees are $7,500.


Monticello Motor Club opens this coming Sunday. Get your “Taste of the Track” one day pass for just $2,500, and start motoring.


Test drive the hot site at monticellomotorclub.com.


Monticello Motor Club
548 Broadway, Monticello, NY
Tel: 877-578-RACE (7223)
monticellomotorclub.com

Solid dining options. Edgy nightlife. And now, Brooklyn has its very first boutique lodging: introducing the Nu Hotel. Brought to you by the crew behind the Duane Street Hotel, expect chic interiors, eco-friendly styling, and not bad prices (rooms start at $200 per night).

Nu Hotel, 85 Smith Street (at Atlantic Avenue), Brooklyn, (718) 852-8585, nuhotelbrooklyn.com

Dress British, think Alfred Dunhill. The luxe London label (ah, an alliteration trifecta) is easing in to their brand new digs at Madison & 55th Street. Look for more menswear, more high-end accessories, and cool Dunhill artifacts (like Truman Capote’s tux from the Black & White Ball) on the lower level.

Dunhill New York, 545 Madison Avenue (at 55th Street), (212) 753-9292, dunhill.com

Urban Outfitters patrons can finally getting a taste of Steven Alan’s style with the just-arrived Lark & Wolff line. Tailored cuts, cool fabrics, and wallet-friendly prices means it’s worth a look. New pieces delivered every month too.

Urban Outfitters, 526 Avenue of the Americas (at 14th Street), (646) 638-1646, urbanoutfitters.com

Fuel up after shopping, at Jimmy Carbone’s new, little trattoria 1 Dominick. Fresh takes on Italian small plates like the Fig and Ricotta Panino from their breakfast menu, and Scarpetta di Calamari with pinenuts, black olives, spicy calabrian sausage and bread from their dinner menu, may just upstage their destination-worthy neighbor the Here Arts Center.

1 Dominick, 1 Dominick Street (between Varick & Sixth Avenues), (212) 647-0202, onedominick.com

There’s a reason the name sounds like “kinky”. Get her all things lace and silk at Kiki de Montparnasse at up to 75% off. Prepare for a long weekend. Today through 8/15.

Kiki De Montparnasse, 79 Greene Street (near Spring Street), (212) 965-8070, kikidm.com

And that’s exactly the point.

Welcome to Country Club, the Meatpacking District’s swanky, new nightlife destination. Designed by Jeani Ziering (popular with the Palm Beach crowd) as a Rolling Stones remix of the classic U.S./U.K. social club, Country Club is a sophisticated retreat from the expected neon-sparkle-cigarette-parties of its peers. Step inside and you’ll feel right at home (well, assuming you live in an English Manor) with luxe interiors and lots of Old World charm. But don’t get us wrong - sophisticated doesn’t mean boring. Get there at cocktail hour for live performances and a high-octane, traditional club scene at night.

And did we mention the Bellini menu? Get wet with one of twelve signature Bellinis, including the Orange Cardamom and the Roasted Pear purée. You can even graze on one of ten gourmet popcorns (Sweet Georgia Pecan, anyone?).

Break out that seersucker.


Country Club debuts tomorrow.


The Country Club
248 West 14th Street (between 7th & 8th Avenues)
Tel: (212) 367-0822

An Irish pub with nice views? No, you’re not dreaming - you’re just lounging at Brass Monkey, the Meatpacking District’s new, no-frills rooftop bar. Unwind with watermelon margaritas, pineapple-infused vodka martinis, or one of over 75 imported beers while soaking up (over the West Side Highway, of course) one of summer’s best new spots. Low-maintenance perfection.

Brass Monkey, 55 Little West 12th Street (between Washington Street & 10th Avenue), (212) 675-6686, brassmonkeynyc.com

It’s all about the carne at Porcão Rio’s Churrascaria, as they introduce their succulent new bar lunch menu. Indulge yourself in everything from “Linguica com cebola” (Brazilian sausage and caramelized onions on a bun with yucca) to the famous “Picanha Fatiada” (Brazilian sirloin) in smaller and cheaper portions.

Porcão New York, 360 Park Avenue South (at 26th Street), (212) 252-7080, porcaous.com

Sure it’s bathing season, but it’s always lingerie time at La Perla. Spoil her with both at 40% off, plus 60% off all ready-to-wear at the famously sexy boutique.

La Perla, 93 Greene Street (near Prince Street), (212) 219-0999, laperla.com

One more reason to duck into cool air conditioning: Paul Smith’s summer sale. Take 30% off throughout the store and online, and you’ll look as crisp as you feel.

Paul Smith, 142 Greene Street (near West Houston Street), (646) 613-3060, paulsmith.co.uk

So everybody’s been telling you how grand Olafur Eliasson’s The New York City Waterfalls exhibition is. But you don’t really know just how grand. Thankfully, Circle Line Downtown, who offers the official Water Tour of the installation, allows you to see the work as intended by the artist, who also narrates each tour.

For more information, visit circlelinedowntown.com or call (866) 9CLINE1, (866) 925-4631.

And in return, Mexican cuisine keeps on loving you back.

Case in point: the soon-to-open Mercadito Cantina in Alphabet City. Cantina replicates the food and feel of the classic Mexican taqueria without neglecting the neighborhood’s penchant for nightlife. Start your evening at the salsa bar, offering eight guacs and ten salsas featuring ingredients from local organic and green markets.

Then it’s time for tacos and heartier fare: try one of the eight new, exotic tacos never tasted at any of Cantina’s sister establishments, or indulge yourself in grass-fed skirt steak, barbacoa chicken, or pork-belly carnitas. But the highlight of the night could be… Tric-quila™ - a sake-based, brewed Tequila substitute that might just fool your seasoned and refined margarita palate.

And don’t worry about getting there late - Mercadito Cantina is open till 1 a.m.

Perfect for fueling your post revelry recovery.


Mercadito Cantina opens Monday (June 30th).


Mercadito Cantina
172 Avenue B (between 10th & 11th Streets)
Tel: (212) 388-1750

For a trendy yet welcoming twist on New American, get to Forge, Tribeca’s newest boutique-style eatery. Head chef Marc Forgione’s first restaurant boasts a homey, rustic dark wood and black leather interior, where guests enjoy fresh rolls from a vintage oven as an accompaniment to the ever-changing menu. This weekend, indulge yourself in Colorado Lamb with cocoa beans, Free Range Chicken “Nuggets” with smoked onion remoulade, or a leg of suckling pig for two.

Forge, 134 Reade Street (between Hudson & Greenwich Streets), (212) 941-9401, www.forgenyc.com

Perfect soba noodles. Seared fatty Blue Fin Tuna. Kurobuta pork belly. There’s something delicious for everyone at Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s much-anticipated Matsugen. Revamping the old 66 space, the newest food temple from the noted chef and the Matsushita Brothers sports a pristine, modern décor and a long communal table. Plant yourself at the bar and unwind with a Matsugen Moscumur, a refreshing mix of vodka, club soda, lemon and ginger juices, topped with a shiso leaf.

Matsugen, 241 Church Street (at Leonard Street), (212) 925-0202, www.jean-georges.com

Of course, if burgers and bourbons are more your style, may we suggest 5 Napkin Burger, the new comfort food destination from the crew behind French Roast. Get comfortable with a cocktail or one of the twenty different bourbons available. Then choose from a list of seven different burgers. Leave room for dessert.

5 Napkin Burger, 630 Ninth Avenue (at 45th Street), (212) 757-2277

Round up your entourage for the new brunch menu at Bobo. Start things off with a decadent Bloody Lobster cocktail made with vodka, lime, house spices, lobster stock, celery salt and yes, a whole lobster claw. Follow with Gently Scrambled Eggs with Duck Ham and Foie Gras Butter or Crisp Pork Belly with shell beans, sausage and spring garlic.

Bobo, 181 West 10th Street (off Seventh Avenue South), 212-488-2626, bobonyc.com

Take advantage of the mild weather by stocking up at Rag & Bone’s sample sale. Save on all Spring and Summer wear, for men and women. Thursday and Friday, Noon – 8 p.m.

Rag & Bone, 425 West 13th Street, 3rd floor, (between Ninth Avenue & Washington Street), rag-bone.com

Save even more at Obedient Sons sample sale in Soho. Get tees, knits, and jackets at up to 75 percent off. Get there early. Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Obedient Sons, 70 Greene Street (off Spring Street), obedientsons.com