Rare Weekend 7.3.08

The most comforting two words ever? Holiday weekend.



An Irish pub with nice views? No, you’re not dreaming - you’re just lounging at Brass Monkey, the Meatpacking District’s new, no-frills rooftop bar. Unwind with watermelon margaritas, pineapple-infused vodka martinis, or one of over 75 imported beers while soaking up (over the West Side Highway, of course) one of summer’s best new spots. Low-maintenance perfection.

Brass Monkey, 55 Little West 12th Street (between Washington Street & 10th Avenue), (212) 675-6686, brassmonkeynyc.com

It’s all about the carne at Porcão Rio’s Churrascaria, as they introduce their succulent new bar lunch menu. Indulge yourself in everything from “Linguica com cebola” (Brazilian sausage and caramelized onions on a bun with yucca) to the famous “Picanha Fatiada” (Brazilian sirloin) in smaller and cheaper portions.

Porcão New York, 360 Park Avenue South (at 26th Street), (212) 252-7080, porcaous.com

Sure it’s bathing season, but it’s always lingerie time at La Perla. Spoil her with both at 40% off, plus 60% off all ready-to-wear at the famously sexy boutique.

La Perla, 93 Greene Street (near Prince Street), (212) 219-0999, laperla.com

One more reason to duck into cool air conditioning: Paul Smith’s summer sale. Take 30% off throughout the store and online, and you’ll look as crisp as you feel.

Paul Smith, 142 Greene Street (near West Houston Street), (646) 613-3060, paulsmith.co.uk

So everybody’s been telling you how grand Olafur Eliasson’s The New York City Waterfalls exhibition is. But you don’t really know just how grand. Thankfully, Circle Line Downtown, who offers the official Water Tour of the installation, allows you to see the work as intended by the artist, who also narrates each tour.

For more information, visit circlelinedowntown.com or call (866) 9CLINE1, (866) 925-4631.