Rare Weekend 10.09.08

Because weak economies call for strong drinks and long weekends.



There’s no debating your crush on Italian comfort food. So this weekend, consider heading up to Midtown to meet Lugo Caffè. The reward for your journey? Think Wild Mushroom Pizza with Truffle Oil & Sea Salt, Berkshire Pork Chop with Tuscan Kale & Pancetta, or Roasted Cod with Sausage Ragu.

Lugo Caffè, One Penn Plaza (33rd Street & Eighth Avenue), (212) 760-2700, lugocaffe.com

Of course, if Soho is more your speed, you can always check out the ambitious Italian fare at 508, located at… 508 Greenwich Avenue (formerly Giorgione 508). Indulge yourself in a Roasted Pork Belly with Caramelized Apple sandwich, Black Spaghetti with Shellfish, or Truffled Mushroom Cremini with Sage and Garlic.

508, 508 Greenwich Avenue (near Spring Street), (212) 219-2444, 508nyc.com

For even more Italian, hit the Food Network’s NYC Wine & Food Festival. We hear Giada will be hosting a special culinary demonstration with Viking Range on Saturday. And you did have some questions about Viking right?

For more information visit nycwineandfoodfestival.com.

The white-hot Bar Blanc is rolling out a special prix-fixe menu for Sundays. Have the Half Dozen Oysters with Black Pepper Mignonette and Lemon, then maybe some Homemade Gnocchi or Whole Roast Chicken for Two (may the best entrée win). Finish with Warm Beignets with Bittersweet Chocolate Jam.

Bar Blanc, 142 West 10th Street (near Waverly Place), (212) 255-2330, barblanc.com

Noted menswear designer Joseph Abboud is clearing the racks. Starting next Monday, select suits, shirts, ties, and coats are deeply discounted. Sale ends next Thursday. Monday through Wednesday: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Thursday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Joseph Abboud Sale at Soiffer Haskin, 317 West 33rd Street (off Eighth Avenue), (718) 747-1656, soifferhaskin.com