Worth the Tassle

Marisa Ferrarin sure knows how to spice up a place. After completely re-doing Duane Park Café (now simply Duane Park) last spring, the former rock-band manager has turned the restaurant into a 1920s-style Parisian salon on Friday nights for late-night dinner, live jazz and--what?!--burlesque shows. The best part? The show is free, which means you can spend more on food and wine.

And you'll want to. The menu, executed by New Orleans native and Five Points alum Beau Houck, blends classic bistro dishes (steak with caramelized onions) with provocative touches (Creole-spiced fries to dip into a garlicky aioli). The tightly edited wine list, courtesy of partner Frank Locker--the proprietor of East Village shop Is Wine--offers deep bargains; most bottles run $30 to $60.

But back to the burlesque: So far, acts have included Darlinda, Legs Malone, Gal Friday and Perle Noire, while the Brian Newman Jazz Trio has become the house band. Ferrarin plans to add Saturday and Sunday night shows soon, but only Friday will remain free of charge. Book early; tables fill up fast.

Duane Park, 157 Duane St. (between W. Broadway and Hudson St.); 212-732-5555 or duaneparknyc.com