Rare Weekend 3.8.07

More sun. More fun. Spring begins… now!

OPEN BAR
Arrive by midnight on Saturday (3/10) at Obivia and get a Daylight Savings Bracelet for the Spring Ahead Party so you can drink free for the first hour on Sunday.

Obivia, 201 Lafayette (between Broome and Kenmare Streets), (212) 226-4904, obivia.com.

Tiswas Records and Filter Magazine celebrate the release of The Strokes’ Albert Hammond’s first solo project at The Annex with an open bar from 10 p.m. - 11 p.m. on Saturday, (3/10). $10.

The Annex, 152 Orchard Street (between Rivington and Stanton Streets), (212) 673-3410, theannexnyc.com.

WINE BAR
François Payard and Philippe Bertineau have turned the front of their Nolita restaurant, inTENT, into a casual yet sophisticated post-work, pre-party wine bar and lounge. Tie yourself over until dinner with “Tiers of Tastes” or one of François’ fabulous desserts.

inTENT Lounge, 231 Mott Street (between Prince and Spring Streets), (212) 966-6310, intentny.com.

STINKY CHEESE
Only the French could make a festival out of odorous cheese. Bring a strong stomach (and cologne) and celebrate the Culinary Tour de France Restaurant Group’s Stinky Cheese Festival at L’Express, Nice Matin, Café d’Alsace, and other restaurants.

Visit Culinary Tour de France Restaurant Group’s website at tourdefrancenyc.com.

BOTTOMLESS SANGRIA
Keep Saturday night’s party going at Calle Ocho’s Sunday brunch with a bottomless glass of ten homemade sangrias. Varieties like the tropical white wine “Havana Banana” and red Bacardi Raz-kissed “Red Berry” warmly compliment Chef Alex Garcia’s Latin brunch menu.

Calle Ocho, 446 Columbus Avenue (at 82nd Street), (212) 873-5025, calleochonyc.com.

SHOP TALK
Atelier has reduced Jack Spade messenger bags, briefcases, weekenders, and other accessories by 50%. Now until the end of the month.

Atelier, 125 Crosby Street (between Prince and Houston Streets), (212)-941-8435, ateliernewyork.com.

THE PARTY
A rustic wooden hideaway (fastened from 13 different kinds of wood) and bar maidens slinking around in sexy cashmere getups are having us head for Retreat.

Retreat, 37 West 17th Street (between Fifth and Sixth Avenues), (212) 488-6600.

Galapagos Art Space in Brooklyn throws another LAWLESS evening, featuring the best in underground dance music. Tonight (3/10), 10 p.m. $5 with RSVP, $8 at the door.

Galapagos Art Space, 70 North 6th Street (between Kent and Wythe Streets in Williamsburg), (718) 552-6055.