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The new Back Bay steakhouse from Nick Varano (Strega Ristorante, Strega Waterfront, Strega Prime, Nico), Strip by Strega, opened inside the Boston Park Plaza Hotel on Saturday, April 18.
The night before, the Varano Group threw a Las Vegas-style blowout, complete with a trapeze artist and flappers, at the hotel to celebrate the opening, the Boston Herald reports. Among 2,000 guests were Governor Charlie Baker, Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, coach Bill Belichick, Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz, Celtics player Kelly Olynyk, R&B singer Mary J. Blige, Kool & the Gang, and actor-singer-comedian Jamie Foxx. The latter, who served as emcee during the Friday night fete, pulled a muscle in his derriere while dancing to "Gold Digger," the Herald notes.
Strip is inspired by the "'sexy,' lounge-like" atmosphere of high-end restaurant brand STK, which has locations in Vegas, Los Angeles, and Milan, Zagat noted last week. Varano said he wants the vibe of his new place to feel as exciting as a first date.