Rare Weekend 8.7.08

Let the Games begin.



He’s mastered Mexican with La Esquina, delivers the scandalous at The Box, and now, Serge Becker strikes again with Café Select. Navigate to Nolita and get ready for Swiss comfort food, a secret dining room, a chef’s table, and a subterranean scene. The action starts in 3…2…

212 Lafayette Street (between Kenmare & Spring Streets), (212) 925-9322, cafeselectnyc.com

Speaking of comfort food, the just-opened JoeDoe is ready for its close-up. Indulge in Veev Cured Scallop, Cod Irish Style, Veal Chops, and an eclectic cocktail list (Martinis, Champagne Cocktails, Cervezas Preparadas).

JoeDoe, 45 East 1st Street (between First & Second Avenues), (212) 780-0262, chefjoedoe.com

Lunch makes a grand entrance at Cercle Rouge with their new Express Prix Fixe menu. Have the hearty Paillard de Bouef, thinly sliced steak served with shoestring fries, and the delicious Crème Brûlée. A mere $15.95 gets you in.

Cercle Rouge, 241 West Broadway (near North Moore Street), (212) 226-6252, cerclerougeresto.com

Get to the Garment District for Helmut Lang’s sample sale. Men’s and women’s apparel and accessories are seriously reduced. Hurry - sale ends today at 7 p.m.

261 West 36th Street (near Eighth Avenue), 2nd Floor, (212) 947-8748, helmutlang.com