New York

60 3rd Ave, between 10th and 11th; 212.254.0888

Cheffed by a Flay protégé, this austerely swank, date-friendly bistro's serving up well-spiced, meat-heavy "New American" (Serrano-wrapped rabbit loin, smoked paprika pork tenderloin), plus frothily obscure micros like Old Peculiar, La Brasseur De Gayant, and Arcadia Scotch Ale. Oddly, the place doubles as a showcase for contempo French furniture co. Ligne Roset, though you must hit their Long Island/NJ franchises to actually purchase (begging the question: if IKEA had a Manhattan meatball restaurant, would anybody drive to Red Hook?).

Now in a 5 1/2in-wide, book/PSP/OE800-friendly size, these Bklyn-made, ruggedly chic satchels come in two versions: pure Argentinean leather, and eco-conscious reclaimed industrial felt -- cutting down on the environmental scourge of pool-table landfills.

118A E. 15th St, near Irving; 212.677.6300

From the Village Pourhouse guy and a former Patria chef, this minimalist-chic cafe (exposed brick walls, L-shaped bar evocative of a bureau) slings small plates like beef tenderloin carpaccio and foie gras w/ apple-peppercorn tart tartin, plus 26 craft beers and boutique liquors (Tito's Handmade vodka, Four Roses 100-proof bourbon, etc). More booze: four absinthes (Absinto Carmago, Lucid, Versinthe, and Kubler) served w/ sugar cube & spoon -- limited to two per customer, after which you'll have to settle for 100-proof bourbon.

Choose a cuisine and this locals-edited/Yelp-bolstered GMap'll return Billburg restos: large red icons for rec'd spots (Bonita: "has awesome white-person Mexican food") and small blue for the rest. There're also tips, e.g., for Silent H ("the strong Viet espresso with condensed milk is a good hangover cure"), and the meat-free joint Bliss: "It's vegetarian, what do you expect?"

Remember that Florida State fan who was all over the Internet because she was hot? Well, she works for Gang Green now (what, you thought Favre came here to play with Thomas Jones?).

11am Saturday at Equinox: 521 5th Ave, at 43rd St; 212.972.8000

Don't be on the wrong side of history when "world's fittest man" Paddy Doyle competes for the Non-Stop Strength Endurance Record: one-minute max-outs of back of hands push-ups, step-ups, height climbed, treadmill distance run, and shuttle sprints, all while carrying a 40lb backpack -- the equivalent of two 3yr olds, or one Krang.