Rare Weekend 4.17.08

Don’t forget to Earth Day.



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