Rare Weekend 7.10.08

This weekend is going out with the French girlfriend.



New York has one of everything. And now, we even have our very first Paella bar. Say hello to Jesus Manso’s new Socarrat. Set the mood with a Corona (a Sangria menu is in the works) and tapas. Then indulge yourself in one of Manhattan’s finest Paellas or try some fideuas (think Paella with noodles, not rice).

Socarrat Paella Bar, 259 West 19th Street (between 7th & 8th Avenues), (212) 462-1000

Speaking of Spanish food, Rayuela has a new little brother… Meet Macondo. Grab a seat and sample perfect arepas, empanadas, and the restaurant’s signature Bocadillo de Chimichuri Chico, a superb sandwich of short ribs, julienned peppers, Manchego cheese, green cabbage, and onions. Wash it all down with Avocado + Mezcal or the U.S. premiere of Escanciar Sidra, an explosive and effervescent presentation and pouring of hard cider.

Macondo, 157 Houston Street (between Eldridge & Allen Streets), (212) 473-9900, macondonyc.com

Turn down the left-over July 4th nationalism. Crank up the francophilia for Bastille Day at Le Gigot, where a $45 prix-fixe ($60 with wine pairings) gets you such succulent choices as Lobster and Avocado Frisée Salad, Duck Confit, Steak au Poivres, and what Gourmet Magazine calls the best Bouillabaisse in the country. Il n’y a pas de raison pour le manquer!

Le Gigot, 18 Cornelia Street (between Bleecker and West 4th Streets), (212) 627-3737, legigotrestaurant.com

For another July 14th fête, try the $45 prix-fixe at Payard, the UES Bistro and Pâtisserie of Chefs Philippe Bertineau and François Payard. Dine on Crispy Pig’s Feet with Haricots Verts and Frisée Salad with Shallot-Mustard Dressing, Maine Monkfish with Barigoule of Baby Artichokes, Carrots, Pearl Onions and Fava Beans in a Basil Pesto Broth, and a Vanilla and Raspberry Baked Alaska with Bastille Day “Fireworks” and Blueberry Sauce. Remember, the fourth isn’t the only red-white-and-blue excuse for les feux d’artifice.

Payard, 1032 Lexington Avenue (at 73rd Street), (212) 717-5252, payard.com

For you closeted history buffs, toast the ghost of Aaron Burr on the 204th anniversary of his infamous duel against Hamilton. Better yet, do it in his former West Village home - now the restaurant One if by Land, Two if by Sea. The eatery is offering “The Duel”, a mixological masterpiece made from dark and light “dueling rums”, fresh pineapple juice and pureed strawberries. Perfect for pairing with Monkfish Cheeks “Bang Bang”, Fresh Maine “Shrimp Toast” Chorizo, or Venison and Pork Sausage.

One if by Land, Two if by Sea, 17 Barrow Street (between Bleecker & West 4th Streets), (212) 255-8649, oneifbyland.com

Head to OAK for savings on everything from Comme des Garçons to Y-3. Clothing and shoes for men and women are currently 30% off, prices will drop another 10% next Monday, and again the Monday after that.

Oak, 28 Bond Street (at Lafayette Street), (212) 677-1293, oaknyc.com