Rare Weekend 5.15.08

This weekend is looking up.



Kick off your Friday festivities with the debut of Salon de Ning, Manhattan’s finest, new rooftop bar. Formerly the Peninsula’s Pen-Top Bar, Salon de Ning takes it names from Madame Ning, a celebrated Shanghai socialite with a thirst for eclectic art and refreshing cocktails. Try the Rose Champagne (made exclusively for the bar by Maison Deutz) or the signature Ning Sling, a refreshing mix of Absolut Mandarin with lychee and passion fruit juices. Oh, and the views… best in Manhattan. Opens tomorrow.

Salon de Ning, 700 Fifth Avenue (at 55th Street), 23rd Floor, (212) 903-3097, salondening.com

Speaking of elevated nightlife, A60, 60 Thompson’s members-only rooftop lounge has just re-opened for the season. Unwind with a cocktail, downtown views, and appetizers from Kittichai.

A60, 60 Thompson Street (near Broome Street), (212) 219-2000, 60thompson.com

Soak up the night’s refreshments at Taste of Tribeca on Saturday. Indulge in first courses and desserts from Bouley Bakery, Chanterelle, Dylan Prime, and 50 other restaurants. All proceeds benefit Tribeca’s public elementary schools. Tickets start at $40.

For more details, visit tasteoftribeca.org.

With Memorial Day weekend coming into range, it’s time for Blue Crab Nights at The Hideaway. Feast on oversized Maryland Blue Crabs, Spicy Peel and Eat Shrimp, perfect French Fries, and Corn on the Cob. Polish it all off with spiked Summer Ale. Sundays and Mondays through Labor Day.

The Hideaway, 185 Duane Street (near Greenwich Street), (212) 334-5775, thehideawaynyc.com

Head out for Spring in Ralph Lauren and save at their online Private Sale. Use the code “MAY15″ at checkout to score an additional 20% off already reduced prices.

Visit RalphLauren.com.

The typical restaurant markup on wine has nothing on the most expensive bottle ever sold. Delve into the $156,000 Thomas Jefferson Bordeaux scandal, dig into wine and cheese, and hear author Benjamin Wallace recount the tale from his new book The Billionaire’s Vinegar at Bottlerocket tonight. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., free.

Bottlerocket Wine & Spirit, 5 West 19th Street (off Fifth Avenue), (212) 929-2323, bottlerocketwine.com

End Monday with a grand tasting of more than 500 (yes, 500!) wines and spirits at Wine Enthusiast’s Toast Of The Town at Lincoln Center. Complementary fare from over 30 top restaurants will also be served. Monday (5/19). The VIP Tasting begins at 5 p.m. The Grand Tasting begins at 7 p.m. Visit toastofthetown.com or call (800) 847-5949.

Wine Enthusiast’s Toast Of The Town at Lincoln Center’s New York State Theater, 63rd Street & Columbus Avenue