Strip by Strega to Open April 18

The newest concept from the Varano Restaurant Group will open on April 18, the Boston Herald reports. Strip by Strega will be a "glammed up steakhouse" from big personality Nick Varano and has been in the works in the Park Plaza Hotel for more than a year. Varano recently told CBS Boston that Strip by Strega will "bring a little bit of Las Vegas to Boston."

The menu is "a dramatic departure" from Varano's other locales, including Strega and Nico Ristorante in the North End, Strega Waterfront in the Seaport, and Strega Prime Steakhouse in Woburn, according to the Herald. Executive chef Farouk Bazoune's (Grill 23 & Bar, Strega Prime) menu is centered on traditional, prime beef steaks with a la carte sides. During the preview feast, Herald writers enjoyed the "pretty and primitive" roasted bone marrow dish, serve on a wooden board with roasted garlic, barolo sauce, dolce Gorgonzola, tomato marmaletta, and grilled bread. The reporters were also treated to a "phallic," deconstructed porterhouse dish with the steak sliced off the bone in the kitchen and presented "with the meatless T-bone standing at attention in the middle of the plate." Because sex sells steak. Don't expect the same display once Strip opens to the public, though; the Herald notes this special plate was for the sneak preview only.

Another thing mere mortals will miss: Mary J. Blige and Kool & the Gang performing during Strip's invite-only grand opening on April 17.