Rare Weekend 2.21.08

This weekend is Oscar worthy.



In a city of superlatives, it’s only fitting that Gotham has the ultimate Haute Barnyard restaurant. Introducing Eighty One, the just-opened fine dining masterpiece by Chef Ed Brown (The Sea Grill). Indulge yourself in the world’s (yes, we said world’s) finest ingredients for dishes like New Bedford Sea Scallop and Foie Gras Ravioli, Chatham Codfish, and Lamb Three Ways. Save some room for those cinnamon sugared peanut fritters.

Eighty One, 45 West 81st Street (between Central Park West & Columbus Avenue), (212) 873-8181, 81nyc.com

To Chef Al Di Meglio (Osteria Del Circo), food is art and his brand new Flatiron restaurant Olana is his canvas. Named after a fortress treasure-house in ancient Persia, Olana is the kind of place you to go for the 38 oz. Dry Aged Côte de Boeuf and Orange and Licorice Lacquered Duck, and stay for the drinks and artwork.

Olana, 72 Madison Avenue (between 27th & 28th Streets), (212) 725-4900, olananyc.com

Not jetting away this weekend? Catch up on your art quota with Brian Finke’s new Flight Attendants exhibit at ClampArt. Through March 29th.

ClampArt, 525 West 25th Street (near Tenth Avenue), (646) 230-0020, clampart.com

Settle in to Oscar Night with a big bucket of gourmet Garrett Popcorn. The envelope goes to… Macadamia CaramelCrisp. Or CheeseCorn. You decide.

Garrett Popcorn, 560 Fifth Avenue (at 46th Street), garrettpopcorn.com

You won’t find it on the menu but every Friday night (and only on Friday night), the pit masters at Hill Country are serving the finest chili-rubbed lamb chops in Manhattan.

Hill Country, 30 West 26th Street (near Sixth Avenue), (212) 255-4544, hillcountryny.com

Paul Smith’s end-of-season sale is winding down: Stock up on remaining Fall/Winter button-downs and tees at up to 50% off.

Paul Smith, 108 Fifth Avenue (off West 16th Street), (212) 627-9770, paulsmith.co.uk