Rare Weekend 6.19.08

Sun, sand, and now… really long days. Welcome to the weekend.



For a trendy yet welcoming twist on New American, get to Forge, Tribeca’s newest boutique-style eatery. Head chef Marc Forgione’s first restaurant boasts a homey, rustic dark wood and black leather interior, where guests enjoy fresh rolls from a vintage oven as an accompaniment to the ever-changing menu. This weekend, indulge yourself in Colorado Lamb with cocoa beans, Free Range Chicken “Nuggets” with smoked onion remoulade, or a leg of suckling pig for two.

Forge, 134 Reade Street (between Hudson & Greenwich Streets), (212) 941-9401, www.forgenyc.com

Perfect soba noodles. Seared fatty Blue Fin Tuna. Kurobuta pork belly. There’s something delicious for everyone at Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s much-anticipated Matsugen. Revamping the old 66 space, the newest food temple from the noted chef and the Matsushita Brothers sports a pristine, modern décor and a long communal table. Plant yourself at the bar and unwind with a Matsugen Moscumur, a refreshing mix of vodka, club soda, lemon and ginger juices, topped with a shiso leaf.

Matsugen, 241 Church Street (at Leonard Street), (212) 925-0202, www.jean-georges.com

Of course, if burgers and bourbons are more your style, may we suggest 5 Napkin Burger, the new comfort food destination from the crew behind French Roast. Get comfortable with a cocktail or one of the twenty different bourbons available. Then choose from a list of seven different burgers. Leave room for dessert.

5 Napkin Burger, 630 Ninth Avenue (at 45th Street), (212) 757-2277

Round up your entourage for the new brunch menu at Bobo. Start things off with a decadent Bloody Lobster cocktail made with vodka, lime, house spices, lobster stock, celery salt and yes, a whole lobster claw. Follow with Gently Scrambled Eggs with Duck Ham and Foie Gras Butter or Crisp Pork Belly with shell beans, sausage and spring garlic.

Bobo, 181 West 10th Street (off Seventh Avenue South), 212-488-2626, bobonyc.com

Take advantage of the mild weather by stocking up at Rag & Bone’s sample sale. Save on all Spring and Summer wear, for men and women. Thursday and Friday, Noon – 8 p.m.

Rag & Bone, 425 West 13th Street, 3rd floor, (between Ninth Avenue & Washington Street), rag-bone.com

Save even more at Obedient Sons sample sale in Soho. Get tees, knits, and jackets at up to 75 percent off. Get there early. Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Obedient Sons, 70 Greene Street (off Spring Street), obedientsons.com