The latest piece of the growing restaurant empire of Boston restaurateur Nick Varano, Strip by Strega (64 Arlington St., 617-456-5300, stripbystregaboston.com) recently debuted at the Back Bay’s Boston Park Plaza Hotel. The menu at Strip expands beyond the classic Italian cuisine of the original Strega Ristorante in the North End, offering fresh seafood, creative sandwiches and indulgent steakhouse fare for lunch, dinner and late-night snacking. The space is not only a sophisticated spot for dining, but also a sleek lounge featuring cutting-edge cocktails made with premium spirits, fresh herbs, exotic liqueurs and house-made syrups. To enhance the energetic atmosphere, there’s even a built-in DJ booth in the bar area, as well as an ultra-modern, sexy decor. As Varano has stated, he wants his new space to capture the excitement of a first date. With a vibe like that, your first time here likely won’t be your last.