Photo: QueensPost
Nov. 24, 2011 By Christian Murray
Another French restaurant is opening in Sunnyside and this one will be owned by the former proprietor of Bliss Bistro, Alim Maruf.
Maruf, with his business partner Abu Khan, is opening up “Tapenade” at the location of the former Rose Restaurant on Queens Blvd. “The menu will be larger and more affordable than what Bliss Bistro was,” Maruf said. Bliss was a French bistro located on Skillman Ave. (46th St.) that closed earlier this year
Maruf will be in competition with the recently opened Bliss 46, which is a French restaurant run by Bliss Bistro’s former chef. However, he is not concerned about the competition, saying he has another expert chef—and that his restaurant will pay particular attention to ambiance, music and decoration.
Tapenade will offer typical French fare: from calamari, escargot, quiche, duck legs, pate and cassoulet. He will also offer pastas, shell steak, lamb shank, wine and beer.
There will also be a children’s menu.
While Maruf misses the neighborhood feel of Skillman Avenue, he said he likes his new space. “Queens Blvd is the heart of Sunnyside where people come from all over…there is the subway and it is accessible to people from both sides of the blvd.”
The restaurant will be able to cater to 55 diners inside and as many as 40 in the patio out the back.
Maruf is confident of his success, despite the closure of Bliss Bistro. “If everyone supports me, it will do well.”
The restaurant will be open during weekdays from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
On Saturdays and Sundays, the hours will be 11 a.m. through 11 p.m.
The restaurant is schedule to open at the end of December.
