Rare Weekend 5.1.08

Mint Juleps and The Kentucky Derby - welcome to the first weekend of May.



You’re the upwardly mobile type, so you can appreciate a fine rooftop bar with perfect sunset views… say hello to HighBar. Perched sixteen stories above and designed to look like a luxe penthouse in St. Tropez, the latest concept from Greg Brier (Amalia, D’Or) is on a whole other level. Opens for private parties next Wednesday (5/7), and to the public on May 20th.

HighBar at Hilton Garden Inn Times Square, 251 West 48th Street, Fl 15, (212) 956-1300, highbar-nyc.com

Jumbo Langoustines. Grilled Lamb Chops. Sultan Kebabs. Meet Savarona, the new stud of Turkish cuisine. Cheffed by the talented Tevfik Alparslan (Gordon Ramsey London, La Tour D’Argent Paris), expect modern Turkish fare (with a French accent) in a spacious setting.

Savarona, 420 East 59th Street (across from the 59th Street Bridge), (212) 371-6300, savaronarestaurant.com

Tap your wilder side with a Dolce & Gabbana and D&G sample sale this weekend. Stock up on Spring/Summer 08 apparel at up to 70% off. Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

D&G Showroom, 85 Spring Street (between Broadway & Crosby Street), dolcegabbana.com

It’s always Cinco de Mayo at Los Dados, where dinner on 5/5 arrives with complimentary Churros and Dulce de Leche dipping sauce. Andalé.

Los Dados, 73 Gansevoort Street (near Washington Street), (646) 810-7290, losdadosmexican.com

Mercadito is also celebrating Cinco’ with a special Cinco de Mayo Tasting Menu. Indulge in varieties of guacamole, ceviche, tacos, and desserts for $40.

Mercadito, 179 Avenue B (near 11th Street), (212) 529-6490, mercaditony.com

Keep your Cinco de Mayo buzz alive at Blind Tiger Ale House for their Pacific Northwest Beer and Oyster Festival. Next Tuesday and Wednesday, from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Blind Tiger Ale House, 281 Bleecker Street (at Jones Street), (212) 462-4682, blindtigeralehouse.com

Break out your Black Card for a special Italian Winemaker Dinner at Alto next Wednesday. Noted Italian wines from Kobrand will be paired with a fine 4-course Italian meal. The evening begins with a Champagne Taittinger Reception at 6:30 p.m. $350 per person, all-inclusive.

Alto, 11 East 53rd Street (near Fifth Avenue), (212) 308-1099, altorestaurant.com