The menu at Blend in Long Island City has something for everyone. Latin fusion cuisine, inventive tapas, and homemade sangria – the list is never-ending. Combine this stellar menu with a chic atmosphere and brilliant location, and you’ve found a true culinary gem. Whether you’re looking for a quick after-work bite or a luxurious Sunday brunch, you won’t be disappointed.
Begin your meal with a glass of the house sangria and some “tapatizers” – Blend’s modern take on classic tapa dishes such as calamari, camarones and empanadas. The maduros con queso combines sweet, yellow plantains with cotija cheese and a heap of sour cream. If you prefer tacos, order the taco trio. Chicken, tender braised beef and fresh pico de gallo, a modern, aesthetic take on classic comfort food. For a taste of the most popular tapas, order the tapatizer sampler – complete with chicharrones, crispy calamari, tender maduros, shrimp and empanadas.
Entrees at Blend utilize classic ingredients, yet delicately infuse aspects of modern Latin cuisine. The churrasco is served with white rice, black beans and mixed salad. The presentation is just as impressive as the quality of the food. The pernil combines tender roasted pork with “blend sauce” served over a bed of yellow rice and black beans. If you prefer seafood, order the paella, with yellow rice, shrimp, calamari, mussels, clams, chorizo and peas. I’m not sure if it was the mix of fresh, quality seafood, the memorable combination of flavor or the stunning presentation, but I am sure I will order this dish again.
Side dishes are reasonably priced and represent staple culinary items such as yucca fries, sweet plantains and tostones. If you’re eating light, Blend offers an abundance of salads including the Queso de Cabra, mixed greens, spicy pecans, crispy goat cheese and sherry vinaigrette- very tasty. All salads are available with avocado, chicken or shrimp for a small fee.
The atmosphere at Blend is truly unforgettable, combining deep, rich mahogany with a rustic brick backdrop. Walls are lined with imaginative, modern paintings and there is a contemporary, sizeable bar. Latin American cuisine, tropical cocktails and a sultry atmosphere all come together to create an enjoyable, memorable dining experience. Make sure to stop by Blend on Vernon Boulevard for a delicious, homemade meal in an atmosphere you won’t forget.
Blend
47-04 Vernon Boulevard
Long Island City, NY 11101
Open every day
11 a.m. -10 p.m.
Lunch, brunch and dinner
718-729-2800
www.blendlic.com
Wheelchair accessible
All major credit cards accepted
