Vernon restaurant Blend facing staunch opposition to getting liquor license
Blend on Vernon Blvd @ 47th, LIC
The Latino fusion restaurant, Blend is jumping through hoops of fire with the community board to get their liquor license, and seems to be getting burned. Which is too bad, because one really does crave wine with their food. Not to mention, it really sucks for a restaurant business to not get those precious alcohol sales…which is where they make the bulk of their money.
It seems though, from a fervently supportive tipster and general word on the street, that the trouble is not with the board itself, but with a disgruntled neighbor(s) brandishing a conspiracy theory:
“…the owners of Blend took over a year to open up and can’t get their liquor license - not because of permits or construction delays, but because of a neighbor who delusionally insists the fine dining establishment is a devious cover for an illicit night club. As if anyone can really hide a nightclub on Vernon Blvd. Blend was forced to open without a liquor license and still operates without one. This is truly a shame! How can anyone say that there are too many bars/restaurants on Vernon Blvd? A strip that is probably 30 somewhat blocks long where you can almost count the restaurants on one hand. Now they’re going up against the community board again, with a strong chance that they’ll get denied. Why oh why are some people so primitive in their way of thinking… ? This restaurant is without a doubt fantastic, and they deserve to be able to complement their great food with some gorgeous Spanish wine. And we deserve to be allowed to drink it!”
What’s interesting about yesterday’s Daily News article about the matter (which has now been mysteriously removed) is that the alleged accusing neighbors are referred to as ‘activists’. ? And noteworthy, is commentary from the CB2’s chairmen Joe Conley: “”There’s a saturation of bars and restaurants in Long Island City, people are saying enough is enough.”
Also noteworthy, is commentary from one of the opposing neighbor/activists: “We’re not anti-business. We’re not even anti-bar. But the next thing you know, Vernon Blvd will become a mess like the Lower East Side.”
Is Vernon Blvd the next Rivington St? Hmmm… seems unlikely.
I’m for the petition too. Blend should get on this, work a little more to get signatures on a petition. do they even have one at the restuarant? I’d sign it.
I wrote an e-mail to CB2, Eric Gioia and Cathy Nolan showing my support for Blend’s license. Hope, more people do the same. Click or cut and paste link below for CB2 contact info.
http://www.queenswest.com/neighborhood/discussion/869709001/conversation_view?b_start:int=0
Does anyone have a better link for the Daily News article?
WTF is wrong with people? Who doesn’t want as many bars and restaurants as possible?
This post seems to be suffering from some technological difficulties. It was reposted this morning from yesterday due to a commenting bug, and all the article links worked fine. It appears that Daily News has removed the article… if you google “long island city” and filter for News, you can find the search result leading to the now dead link. Interesting. Wonder what that’s about.
you know, i really like blend… their food is delicious, and yeah, what sucks is i’d rather settle for less than great food that served with a mimosa…
my only gripe with blend is that they have some strange rules… when ordering brunch- toast and drink is only included if dining in, they often run out of items on the menu… but whatever, their food is still great
I also agree that the restaurant should get a fair hearing with its booze license. However, I find the overly dramatic (”distressing news”?) and hostile personal tone of the remarks (”WTF is wriong with people?”) and LIQcity’s original post a bit uncalled for. I don’t know much about this story, but I like to keep an open mind and think that maybe the people opposed to the license have a legitimate reason for their complaint. Let’s hear about it. I wouldn’t immediately jump to the conclusion that there must be something wrong with them or that they are conspiring to keep others from having their Pursuit of Happiness.
In the meantime, why not just bring a bottle with you to the restaurant? People do this all the time at many other restaurants in the city. If this petty business dispute is all you folks have to complain about and sign petitions for, you are clearly living charmed lives!
#5. The old people who run the show in LIC, and the long time ‘lifers’ who wish LIC was still an abandoned wasteland.
#8. Some if us do know the story and have seen this merry-go-round before, with Blend’s original license application and with Lounge 47. So, no, we’re not jumping to conclusions. You call this a “petty business dispute.” Did you pause long enough to think that this petty dispute might cost several people (employees and owners) their living??
As for BYOB, its illegal for a restaurant with more than 17 seats to allow it. That’s why Blend discourages you to bring your own bottle.
Yup. State Liquor Authority rules. Under 17 seats = OK to bring your own wine/beer. So all the restaurants that allow BYOB (Tuk Tuk included) are breaking the law. Blend used to allow it, but are now fearful of their vindictive neighbor watching their every move (told to me by the owner) and can’t afford to have any violations as they reapply for a license.
#8, please note that we said ‘alleged accusing neighbors’. They may have some valid issues, who knows? If you managed to read the Daily News article before they pulled it, it was highly biased towards the neighbors/activists. This whole thing seems to be the common nyc circumstance of neighboring residents upset by the inevitable noise caused by a busy restaurant, and who can’t understand that? Is there more to it? Probably. But at the same time, LIC needs good restaurants and lounges (as echoed by the wish list post), so the difficulty Blend is facing is relevant as community news.
This post is really about a few things: 1) obstacles restaurants/bars face in LIC especially on Vernon, 2) what is the mentality of the community board regarding new commerce (based on quotes from Chair people in the press), and through the commentary 3) what is the diverse mentality of LIC residents regarding such an issue. Point 2) which really references Joe Conley’s remarks (if they are true) about how no one wants bars and restaurants in LIC has nothing to do with the problems Blend faces with their neighbors.
Wow. Joe Conley’s comment is off the chart. Saturation? Is he serious, with the thousands of people moving into the neighborhood? I guess he wants LIC people to spend their money in Manhattan. Local business owners must be making too much money. Way to go, Joe!
LiQCity, you posted comments from your anonymous tipster that refers to opponents as delusional, devious, and primitive. Ouch. I think there’s a surprising and unnecessarily nastiness of Curbed in your post, which is why I objected. If the story stands on its own, you don’t need to slander people. The Daily News named an opponent by name, so for balance you should tell us who your tipster is. It wouldn’t be the owner of Blend, would it?
I’m all in favor of Blend getting its license. The more places to eat and drink out, the merrier. I guess I don’t understand the inches this story is generating. What business isn’t forced to jump through a few hoops in this city to get what they want?
And I wouldn’t be so confident that Vernon Boulevard won’t morph into Rivington Street some day. There are plenty of empty storefronts and, evidently, lots of boozers with cash to burn eagerly waiting for bars and restaurants to open up.
Give Joe a call and let him know how you feel about his ridiculous comment.
Queens Community Board 2
43-22 50th Street, 2nd Fl.
Woodside, NY 11377
Phone: 718.533.8773
Fax: 718.533.8777
Email: qn02@cb.nyc.gov, commboard2@nyc.rr.com
Chair: Mr. Joseph Conley
District Manager: Debra Markell-Kleinert
#8 & #14, we will always post emails from tipsters. (not every one of course, but if subjectively deemed relevant.) It’s not slanderous - it’s a reposted email that’s meant to provoke debate. Most of the liQcity readers seem to be intelligent people - use your filters. All tipsters have protected anonymity always. If you are the neighbor (who is also anonymous now since that article is offline), leave a rebuttal. You know, let it rip. Again, this is a blog. We have no responsibilities to report or divulge anything. It’s opinionated media where people can leave anonymous commentary. As you yourself are doing. How do we know you’re not the neighbor? We don’t. And that’s just fine.
liQ, against better judgment, I have to reply. You assume I’m the neighbor because I didn’t agree with the tone of your post? How silly. I said in my posts I think Blend SHOULD get its license. I hope you didn’t just say this to open me up to attack by other posters.
Just because your blog, which I like, encourages open opinions doesn’t mean there aren’t at least some rules of fairness. Spreading wild characterizations of this neighbor’s mental state of mind seems uncalled for. Why can’t you can be in favor of Blend without saying that those against the place are certifiable? Seems a little heavy-handed to me, that’s all!
I love Blend, and they totally deserve to have their liquor license. They have great food, atmosphere and service. As a resident of LIC, I feel the area is seriously lacking when it comes to restaurants and bars and we need more places like Blend. I live here because I don’t want to spend all of my time in Manhattan, but we need these commercial businesses. I see condos flying up on every corner, but who will want to live in this neighborhood if there are no amenities to living here? I’m forced to shop at an overpriced and over crowded deli everyday, this town needs a little variety as far as I’m concerned. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love living here, but it’s ridiculous to think that Vernon Blvd. is “over saturated.” Are these people for real?
Basically, the cranky neighbors don’t like the fact that they bought a “house” on a commerical street and now find that they have commercial neighbors. That was the risk they took and were foolish to think that some day someone would want to open a restaurant or other business next door.
In the meantime the rest of the neighborhood is held hostage to the fact that they are now the squeaky wheel.
Again, the hyperbole of this thread is unreal. “Held hostage”? For god’s sake, one restaurant is having some trouble getting a liquor license. Honestly, who cares. It’s not like the Taliban has taken over LIC. Is that all the problems you folks are juggling with right now?
The squeaky wheel with a whole lotta power. Many of the ‘neihgbors’ are from families who’ve been here for years and years and are on the board and have a whole lotta say in what happens around here. They could actually kill Blend as a business… and if they do, then what we have is throngs of people moving to a neighborhood where they longtime residents have power and are attacking the commerce. This spells trouble if the rumor about the ‘neighbor’ is true. Which I’m inclined to believe because I know Lounge 47 has a ‘neighbor’ issue as well.
Hm. It’s sad that I even thought this, but as soon as I read this post, and the comments from Joe, I wondered whether there would have been as much opposition to a restaurant with another theme getting a license.
The Taliban has taken over LIC?
I’ve Blend but am subjected to realize I dont have the right to compliment my dinner with wine (by my old fashioned habits). I havent really went back too often for dinner for this reason but prefer lunch and deliveries as I dont drink during the day. I somewhat have noticed that 3 Asian Fusion restaurants have got their liquor licenses in the neighborhood which I call a slap in the face to Blend if you ask me. Furthermore how can we qualify this neighborhood to have fine dining without the wine ammenity. Its pretty conceivable that theyre a full scale restaurant primarily serving food (not a nightclub, lounge or barstop as indicated by opposition) for the simple fact they have operated well for 6 mos straight. Liquor licenses in this case should be granted and revoked if they are violating local ordinances. Its like they say innocent until proven guilty. The sad case with Blend they are GUILTY without the chance to be proven innocent.
I too just wrote my support for Blend. Everyone who cares should do the same. There’s no point in complaining about it, if we’re not willing to take action. This neighborhood needs more places like Blend!!!
You can write an e-mail to CB2, Eric Gioia and Cathy Nolan showing support for Blend’s license. Hope, more people do the same. Click or cut and paste link below for CB2 contact info.
http://www.queenswest.com/neighborhood/discussion/869709001/conversation_view?b_start:int=0
Would you give the Taliban a liquor license?
I just wrote too. If you are too busy/lazy to think of an appropriate email, please feel free to make appropriate edits to the below:
Dear Mr. Conley,
I am writing to formally express my support for Blend’s application for a liquor license. I have recently moved to Long Island City, and have eaten at Blend twice. The service was impeccable, and the food excellent. Unfortunately, I believe their commercial viability is being threatened because of the fact that they do not currently have a liquor license. This is a great pity, as it is an excellent restaurant, and the people involved have obviously invested a lot of time and effort into their business.
Further, I was quite shocked by your comments reported in the Daily News regarding the “saturation of bars and restaurants” in Long Island City. In my experience, this could not be further from the truth. In fact, it is the very lack of such local establishments that prevents many of my colleagues from venturing into LIC, despite all the wonderful qualities the area has to offer.
I urge you to reconsider your position, and support the efforts of new business owners in Long Island City.
Sincerely,
Alas #22 - I’m afraid you are correct. When people heard “Latin”. they immediately thought loud noisy nightclub. Small town people with small minds.
#22 and #29 . I agree. I have always detected a whiff of … anti-Latino bias in the whole affair. Perhaps not so much with the neighbor, since he seems to have a personal agenda, but with the people he has corralled into fighting his cause. Have the Asian fusion places received their liquor licenses?
Maybe the neighbor is a Taliban with a plantain allergy.
Is this the same CB that granted the Water Taxi Beach their liquor license? And yes, the other Asian restaurants either have their licenses. BANY’s I think is on the way.
Does Joe even live in the neighborhood or is he mistaking Sunnyside with LIC?
I think Blend is a joke of a restaurant. Who runs out of syrup at brunch? Also it would have been nice to have gotten our coffee sooner than a 1/2 hour after ordering. Most of our LIC friends who have eaten there have had a similar experience.
They are lucky to have a captive audience.
To the person who is so self centered and unable to appreciate the importance of this matter must be very narrow minded. Corporations are flooding this nation, and I will whole heartedly support any small business trying to make it happen. You are obviously missing the big picture…what happens to the next bar or restaurant that wants to open on Vernon? It’s called being progressive. The people who opened this restaurant have probably invested their entire lives to make this place happen. Have you ever gone out on a limb like that and put your entire self into making something happen? My guess is no, because you would understand why everyone else cares so much. I think it is very sad that people like you can’t look past themselves and help others in need. Not to mention, you obviously have nothing better to do than bash the people here that are trying to make a difference.
#34, what new restaurant doesn’t have some problems? Or established restaurant for that matter. I too, have experienced the frequent absence of items on the menu, but can always find something good to eat. They should take some of this as feedback though. They have amazing potential if they can overcome this liquor license obstacle and tighten it up a bit.
I would probably go and hang out at the bar a lot after work if you could drink wine there. Sometimes Lounge 47 is filled up. They are absolutely losing tons of potential business without the license. NYC in general is very much a drinking town.
I went to Blend two months ago and they still have some kinks to work out here and there but it wasn’t anything a few drinks couldn’t have solved. I would love to see Vernon turn into the UN of restaurants.
I think some people wold like to see NYC turn into Salt Lake City. People fight for your right to drink.
Queens Community Board 2
43-22 50th Street, 2nd Fl.
Woodside, NY 11377
Phone: 718.533.8773
Fax: 718.533.8777
Email: qn02@cb.nyc.gov, commboard2@nyc.rr.com
Chair: Mr. Joseph Conley
District Manager: Debra Markell-Kleinert
When and where is the meeting of the Community Board? I’d like to go there and ask a few questions!
To #34, you want a joke of a restaurant, go to Lucky Mojo’s!
Wasn’t Lucky Mojo’s gving away free food this weekend on Vernon? Anyone get some? (food that is…)
At least Mojo’s has liquor!
Actually Lucky Mojo’s is good, the food is terrific.
I think someone should e-mail Community Board 2 this entire comment thread.
Yeah, warm sushi…mmmmm…I wonder how long that was sitting out?
Lucky Mojo sucks!
Lucky Mojo’s has terrible food. Their only redeeming quality is that they actually have a liquor license. Now, if they could only get some competent waitstaff and decent cooks.
It’s just a shame when a place like Blend has great food, staff and atmosphere, and can’t get a liquor license. And then you have a pitiful restaurant like Lucky Mojo’s with a full bar. Luck Mojo’s has the worst food I’ve ever encountered, and I love to eat out.
We ate at Blend a month ago. I believe they had been in business for 6 months at that point. Also the restaurant was only 1/2 full.
Regarding our experience the caramelized banana pancakes we ordered were missing their caramelized bananas and the french toast with berries had no berries. There was no explanation and the staff was not particularly apologetic. The owner was on premises and they did not call him over. We got 10% off our bill. We could have gotten the same pancakes and french toast anywhere (with the coffee we ordered).
Also I think it’s sad that a little booze seems to make a restaurant passible to most people on this list.
P.S. agreed on Lucky Mojos. Another restaurant that is lucky to have a captive audience.
No. 47, watch out. Someone on this blog might organize a lynch mob for criticizing Blend. I know — you must be “the neighbor”!
Hey #35,
You’re so right! I’ve never done or risked anything. Nothing gives me more pleasure than to piss on other peoples dreams.
Wouldn’t it be great if the only restaurant choices we had were McDonald’s, Applebee’s and Taco Bell? Guess that why I’ve been living in this neighborhood…
I’m all for blend to be great. It has a very nice atmosphere and it would be great to have dinner there with a drink. But as a customer I do expect more when I’m paying $10-15 per person for brunch. 6 months is more than enough time for a new restaurant to work out kinks of this sort.
I have to say I have been to Blend a few times and I think the Food is great and the atmosphere has a great feel I would love to enjoy a nice glass of wine with my dinner I am for them getting license.
How did this thread become a Luck Mojo’s thread? This not about which restaurant sucks or not it is about how CB2 is hindering LIC’s progress.
I’m 34 you are now 49.
The tragedy is that CB2 is meeting the day after tomorrow, and yet no organized effort by Blend to present its supporters. They half-heartedly gave me a card to fill out at the end of dinner, with no mention of the upcoming license application. If they don’t get a license, its their own damn fault. Surely they can do a better job at mobilizing part of the community who have their best interests at heart.
No. 51, get off your high horse. It’s a freeflowing web chat, not an on-line political strategy seminar.
Let’s not forget that the same CB2 approved the QW project and the rezoning of LIC, which led to the growth and vitality in the neighborhood you see today. If you really want to complain about CB2, why not join the one or two other people who even bother showing up at their meetings?
Hey #49, I was referring to the comment made on #20
I thought this thread was about the Taliban’s new BBQ / Chinese sushi restaurant.
Taliban don’t eat pork, idiot.
That’s what made it weird.
#54 CB2 did a great job in QW, it allowed Avalon to build higher and we still don’t have a library. I have actually attended some of the meetings but unfortuately I have a job that does not allow me to go bitch on every meeting they have.
What is wrong with building higher? Why are some people so afraid of tall buildings?!
Tall buildings have shadows which inhibit old LIC residents’ brain growth.
I don’t mind tall buildings so much. Unfortunatley most of the ones in LIC are pretty tacky looking to me.
I don’t know, the Powerhouse looks pretty impressive.
The tall building in LIC are dangerous because living at such high altitudes seems to give some new LIC residents and inflated sense of entitlement.
To get back on topic, I just read the full article by the Daily News, these old time residents are completely delusional. You would think they would be happy to live in such an up and coming neighborhood. I always thought making a community better was a good thing. What do I know. It will always be a battle between the old and the new. People are scared of change and progress I guess.
The article lists one of the activists, Tim Lee. If anyone would like to visit his website and e-mail him your thoughts, now’s your chance. Go to tkleephoto.com
To crystallize the issue here, because I think there is a lot of buffoonery going on here as well as people taking a myopic view of this. The issue is do we want to discourage small business from setting up shop and doing business in LIC. That really what the question is - not whether you like Blend’s food. Today it is Blend, tomorrow its Water Taxi Beach, and then it is Duane Reade, etc. etc. These are place that I and many others enjoy going to. What sort of precedent are we setting here?
#65, progress, schmogress. Some people don’t mind late-night noise from restaurants, and some hate it. It’s as simple as that. This is the same problem being played out in neighborhoods all over NYC.
I completely agree. No one will want to move into all of these condos that keep on flying up on every corner if the neighborhood’s commercial end can’t keep up. I’m excited for a little variety in the restaurants I have to choose from, but that will never happen if we have to keep facing these old residents who are afraid of change.
Isn’t that what living in NYC is all about? If you don’t like it, then move to the suburbs!
Maybe the tall buildings remind the old-timers that they don’t have a dictatorship over what happens in the neighborhood.
“The issue is do we want to discourage small business from setting up shop and doing business in LIC. That really what the question is - not whether you like Blend’s food. Today it is Blend, tomorrow its Water Taxi Beach, and then it is Duane Reade, etc. etc. ”
Uh, Duane Reade is not a small business. Shouldn’t we be supporting L.I.City Pharmacy instead?
“To get back on topic, I just read the full article by the Daily News, these old time residents are completely delusional. You would think they would be happy to live in such an up and coming neighborhood. I always thought making a community better was a good thing. What do I know. It will always be a battle between the old and the new. People are scared of change and progress I guess.”
To be fair to these “old time residents”, and I think this has little to do with whether some restaurant can serve wine or not, I don’t think it’s fair to simply paint your idea of “progress” and “making a community better” as absolutes. And seriously, the term “up and coming” should be banned from the English language. I hope you can understand, at least, that maybe for these people a place serving $15 brunch is not improving their quality of life. Maybe the things that were once here that served basic needs at an affordable cost were more useful. Again, this has nothing to do with one restaurant’s liquor license (the place is there, the booze thing seems irrelevant from a “neighborhood activist” perspective)… I think your unsympathetic sort of “get out of the way of progress” characterizations have a manifest destiny tone to them that is of little help, though.
Also, I think it’d be sweet if nobody moved into these condos. They are pretty lame, oversanitized, and overdesigned and seem to be marketed to those who aspire to be gentry, not citizens. Just sayin’.
I too think the number of condos is ridiculous. Have you ever seen pictures of LIC 10 years ago?? It was a waste land. I’m not saying that we should brush these people aside and totally take over with big businesses. As a resident of LIC for 2 years now I would like to see more variety in our bars and restaurants but that will never happen if these people keep getting in the way of letting these small business flourish (Like Blend). I think you may have misunderstood me.
Blends brunch menu is actually cheap by my standards. For your information the price is 7.95 for most egg plates (including the GREAT HUEVOS RANCHEROS) which is cheap for a restaurant. And the pancakes are 6.95. big difference from 15 dollars. Brunch is very busy at times but well worth the wait. Maybe one day I can get a mimosa with that
Brandon the point is not that Duane Reade is a small business, but if Blend is too noisy, then maybe DR generates too much traffic, or maybe BCH generates too much trash. Where does it end? The point is do we want to be hostile to business?
Sorry you have no use for a $15 brunch, or live the new condos enought to move into them, but plenty of people do. No one holds a monopoly on what LIC should be. There are plenty of new timers here, and by now we may certainly outnumber the old-timers. Should we not have a voice in what goes on in our neighborhood? Or should we put LIC into a time capsule in deference to a vocal minority?
The ‘activists’ are _ and his cadre: the two ‘activists’ quoted, _ is his tenant and _ is his ‘friend’. If that’s the extent of the ‘activists’, then no one has to worry. He’s only interested in his personal fiefdom. What goes on beyond his front and back yard has never been his concern.
“No one holds a monopoly on what LIC should be. There are plenty of new timers here, and by now we may certainly outnumber the old-timers. Should we not have a voice in what goes on in our neighborhood? Or should we put LIC into a time capsule in deference to a vocal minority?”
Totally, but I guess also just make sure you respect where these people are coming from and why and not completely brush them aside as outmoded and in the way of “progress”… I dunno, I just try to think about my grandparents, what the heck it would be like if they place they knew their entire life, lived, raised a family, was suddenly innudated with glassy towers and restaurants that seem totally bizarre and overpriced to their eyes… it’s gotta be disturbing for the place you built and life and community to be seemingly sold out from under you and given over to a more “desirable” group of people with a completely different set of values and lifestyle in the name of, well, profit. Seeing the community you made completely and rapidly be replaced… it’s gotta be painful.
This has nothing to do with whether some place can sell wine though (not sure how a liquor license makes a difference in terms of a restaurant’s disturbanceyness).
Does anyone realize that Blend is located in a Commercial Zone for God Sakes there is a Taxi station across the street from them and a fire house half a block away open your eyes if people are so concerned about noise move to one of the side streets. Next I guess people are going to start asking if the fire trucks could lower the sirens.
Brandon - get over it. LIC was a wasteland years ago. The people that live there probably had some quiet and maybe nice street, but the entire area was lacking. Now there are new and nice tall condos that are bringing in active people that want nice amenities beyond dumpy neighborhood places. This wasn’t like some rustic paradise that is being converted into soviet-style buildings. The area was bland and dumpy and is changing to something nice and exciting. When you live in NYC you can’t expect a quiet dull neighborhood to never change. The old-timers can enjoy it, keep to themselves, or find someplace else that they like that isn’t in the middle of New York City. What they cannot and should not do is try to make it difficult for new businesses that the existing (and new) residents want to have in the area.
Well said, 78 (Brandon). This dismissive tone against “old-timers” is exactly the kind of divisive crap that these people have long resented. Do any of you people even know any of the old-timers? Do you even bother to say hello? For the most part, they are sweet, good-hearted folks who love their neighborhood, just like you. Let’s ease up and not inflate a new, small restaurant’s battle with NYC bureaucracy into some kind of civil war with an imaginary enemy.
I suspect that Liq’s original poster is the person leading the charge here.
No. 80, I hope the Taliban comes to NYC, puts you on a spit, and roasts you over hot coals.
I think everyone is still loosing focus on everything everyone keeps saying that Blend is going to be a nightclub with music blasting I have been there and that looks nothing like a club it’s a restaurant duh. Most in the community enjoy the food and go there for the food not the music and I would like to have a drink with my dinner just like most of us do.
It’s not about old timers new timers it’s about a blend trying to open up a restaurant yes I said it restaurant and allowing them to offer there customers a drink with there meal. Let me ask the people who are against them getting a license do you enjoy a drink with your meal??
“Now there are new and nice tall condos that are bringing in active people that want nice amenities beyond dumpy neighborhood places. This wasn’t like some rustic paradise that is being converted into soviet-style buildings. The area was bland and dumpy and is changing to something nice and exciting. ”
“active people” “nice amenities” “dumpy neighborhood places”
And anyone wonders why “old timers” might really fucking hate yuppies, brokers, and developers…
I’m ALL ABOUT the HUEVOS RANCHEROS.
Sorry Brandon. I appreciate that you are opinionated and have the balls to name yourself in your posts, but $7.95 for a huge plate of excellent food is GOOD VALUE in anyone’s language, old timer or new timer.
Heck, I was paying more for a similar plate at Taqueria Coatzingo in Jackson Heights. And they ain’t serving Yuppies, let me tell you……
84, you said it. Throw those nice, active people out the windows of their exciting condos.
Is the pizza at Junior’s any good?
I’m sure its great! Henry Hill loved it ….
At least the Taliban didn’t take over LIC. whew! I was worried there for a second.
“saturation of bars and restaurants,” “a mess like the Lower East Side” - And anyone wonders why newcomers think the old-timers are just a bunch of narrow-minded cranks.
#86, I wasn’t commenting on Blend’s food or prices, just the tones/attitude/language of the poster I quoted. I’m sure it’s great and I hope people can booze it there. I am somehow paralyzed from walking into a place called “Blend” though, so I’ve yet to try it. Same goes for “Lucky Mojos” and “BANY.”
Junior’s: Best Pizza in Town, so I hear.
In any case, I’d love it if it was like Rivington Street around here, but I think it’ll unfortch end up more like, uh, Chelsea or Soho or Murray Hill or something instead.
Srrsly, this whole having to refer to poster “#__” thing is annoying…
Word, Brandon. I don’t think I’ve lived here long enough to be an “old timer” but some of these newbies really need to check themselves.
As to Blend, I hope they get their license. I’m not a fan of the restaurant - very, very bland - but, seriously, Blend deserves a chance to thrive, people need places to hang out and enjoy, and Vernon is a commercial strip. We need businesses that can cater to newbies, old timers, and the rest of us. So, Blend, I’m sending in my support (and maybe you can spice up some of your dishes in exchange)!
First off,
If you want to accuse people of being racist, you should know that the BEST Bodega was replaced by lounge 47. The family who ran the place were hard working, sweet, kind and served a mean taco! This is not a racist issue. development has displaced many a minority from this neighborhood. This is a quality of life issue/development issue. We are in a mixed use district and that means it should work both ways. Commercial business must respect that they co exist with neighbors. Having a garden restaurant is a HUGE strain on a residence. Talk to the people in the East village who’s lives have been ruined by uncontrolled bar noise. Unfortunately Blend is paying for Lounge 47 crimes. For your information only 2 people who actually live in LIC are on the community board. And they basically null each other’s vote out. I wish that everyone would look at the bigger picture. The fact that they intend to put another 300,000 people in this neighborhood. And we want services…and variety…not all bars. We also need responsible development that respects zoning. So that we avoid false inflation. With 23 million gallons of sewage going into the Newtown creek a year, and the flooding last year due to the several thousand extra residents we had without sufficient infrastructure…I would say that we will eventually be dealing with a lot of (literally) shit. The Gantrys was under water last year. So getting back to the issue at hand……Blend is a small microcosm of the larger problems we face as a community that gets an influx of 1000 people in a months time. How are we going to handle another 300,000 on the #7 every morning? We need to understand this one and work it out.
What’s ruining this neighborhood is Mid-westerns wishing it was dirty and saying it’s over-stanized! Please move to East New York or Bushwick. Plenty of dirty people like yourself over there who don’t want to work hard and make a good living. Why bother when you can drink PBR all day and book bands no one cares about?
And please do something with your hair instead of keeping it greasy and wearing tight-fitting black jeans. That’s what your grandparents are most worried about. Their little angel is smoking pot at Willow Creak at all hours instead of farming those Michigan fields for gas for the plow.
Can someone answer me why do people keep saying that Blend is going to be a bar it is nothing like a bar> I think people should just be a little more open minded and give these guys a chance. I am actually going with my girlfriend this friday to blend to enjoy a nice piece of Churasco with some Empenadas but I sure wish I could have a glass of wine with it but I guess we are going to have to see what happens.
If you must excuse me I am reluctant to consider myself an old timer due to age. I by far am a foodie that indulges myself in zagat ratings to head over the bridge at times to enjoy my evenings. Blend as an establishment as I said before (#24 )is not in the running as my pick on dinner due to its lack of wine. Point is as a long time resident I disagree with most stereotypical comments on this blog as I (an old timer) am for Blend having a liquor license to expand my local selection in ammenities to sit back and rest-to-get-what-i-want = restaurant.
Btw I am not the only old timer voting in on Blends liquor license. I was invited to a birthday lunch by other old locals at Blend last week and I am sure they wouldnt have minded adding on to that celebration!! Good night
#94 can you explain what about that rant has anything to do with Blend? Not sure what the 7 train and oil spills have to do with anything at hand. What flooding are you talking about? I’ve lived here for 10 years and never experienced a flood. you think all that will be solved by denying Blend a liq. lic.? And for the last tiem Blend is not a bar. Just because you keep saying it doesn’t make it true.
Commercial business must respect that they co exist with neighbors. Well how about residents respect that they co exist with business?
94 has no clue. People in the East Village love the back outdoor gardens at the bars and cafes.
OMG all these poor middle class Midwesterners are totally ruining the neighborhood with their farming and Pabst. They are polluting the scenery in front of my pet spa.
#95 wears Dockers.
Where’s the pet spa? Under the elevated subway line where all the dirty people live?
LOL. Dockers suck.
No. 95 wears PLEATED Dockers.
#94, lives are not ‘ruined by uncontrolled bar noise’ in the East Village. Ever heard the garbage trucks of nyc at 4am? people just adapt and deal with it because it’s such an amazing place to be. I think some people are trying to recreate the EV in LIC a bit, and others are trying to keep it like the secretly quiet small town it’s been for decades. And others are trying to turn it into Midtown or Hoboken.
The Taliban made him do it.
To All of our Blend Patrons and the Long Island City Community,
Blend is currently seeking an on premises beer and wine license: no liquor. We feel that wine and/or beer would become a nice complement to your dining experience with us. As most of you know, we have received some criticism during this time. And we do appreciate all of your comments and feedback. It is with your continued feedback that we are able to make Blend a wonderful dining experience and we would like to continue this tradition. We are hoping that with the help of the community, we may obtain this license and continue to provide the community of Long Island City with a wonderful place to gather and dine. We currently have a petition at BLEND 4704 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City (718) 729-2800. We would greatly appreciate anyone who would like to stop by and sign this petition as well as leave us any feedback. Once Again, We thank you for all your continued support! If it weren’t for the wonderful community of Long Island City, we would not be able to continue to provide you with Great Food and Great Conversation!
If you would like the petition emailed to you, please email us at info@blendlic.com
Thank You
Blend Management
As I recall, even if they get voted down by CB2 they can still take their case to SLA.
That’s why it would be important to continue signing the petition.
I cannot read another word of this foolishness . Although, I tried desperately to not respond to remarks about the “old-timers”, my primative “LIC” upbringing will not allow me to remain quiet.
To Anonymous #80 and the like,,
Please stop referring to the oldtimers of LIC as though we are a heard of beef with mad cow disease that must be destroyed for the well being of man kind.
Contrary to your belief, there are only a handful of “oldtime” residents that object to blend getting a liq. lic. , although, I cannot tell you who may have signed petition, because at a community meeting someone would not let me see the list. Although, I do know of “old-timers” that regret signing. They signed because they were mislead by the neighbor’s follower.
Furthermore, I (an old-timer of 55 yrs.) went to the community meeting and voiced my opinion, then, I stood on a corner gathering signatures from those in favor of Blend obtaining a license. Yes, Anonymous #80, I did that for all the world to see, not “Anonymously”.
Why don’t you come to the next Community Board meeting and voice your opinion openly? You just may learn something.
LIC_Eloise
Eloise, no. 80 is a fat ass backward Republican dealing with a rage problem. Don’t rile the dope. As you may have noticed, when their kind have something to prove, the entire planet pays the price.
I have no interest or stake in Blend, but you can also support them by eating there- even if they don’t have their liquor license. Sign the petition and keep them up and going.
I have eaten there a couple of times and have really enjoyed it. I’m not a drinker, so I don’t really care if they get their liquor license. But it would be nice to be a place I can also go out with friends.
Way to go Eloise! Does 15 years here sort of qualify me as an “old timer”?
I must admit that at the outset I was misled by neighbor and Gang - but it didn’t take long to see through them and change my tune. I prefer to remain anonymous on this blog, but I know that you know who I am.
Alright already. This is really getting a bit over the top. WE GET IT.
This has become curbed. All Anonymous postings.
Start the log-in posting already liQcity, you know you’ll have to do it eventually.
So I went to Blend to sign the petition. Did anyone else go yet?
#111 I totally understand where you are coming from. I took one of my visitors there about a month ago to eat. I am not a fan of drinking and eating at the same time so I dont mind but my company asked the waiter for a drink and was notified that there was no liquor license at the establishment. She shortly turned to me and said “what kind of restaurant is this”. I kind of felt embarressed for the restaurant considering the decor and feel of a fantastic establishment unable to serve alcohol. Hope they get their license so I can relive the experience appropriately.
Sign the petition at the restaurant then #116. And have your friend do it too. I’m bringing people from all over the area to sign.
Show those NIMBY’s for once and all!
login features will come soon. have no fear.
Went to Blend for dinner last night and was still not asked to sign a petition!! What’s up with that, Blend Management? Do you want support from the community?
I think its a matter of perspective here. People can’t seem to even IMAGINE caring about residents over bars (portrayed here as “the struggling small business man”). Its not that I don’t see the “greater good” things here — if you’re thinking that a few cranky old complainers are keeping a wonderful vibrant new establishment from flourishing — you’re sort of misguided. What makes a neighboorhood a good place to live has more to do with variety than how many bars you can fit on a block. And why is it more acceptable to ask people to move out of and or sell their homes, than it is to restrict the liquor license? I realize that most of you probably rent an apartment and are accustomed to the more transient lifestyle of New York, but many people have actually settled down and purchased apartments and property, especially in neighborhoods like this.
Everyone is SO concerned about the livelihood of these small business owners and not at all about the lives of the people whose quality of living and property investments are being actively degraded by noise pollution — all because they want a glass of wine with their meal? The issue isn’t whether or not Blend is a great restaurant — it could be the best restaurant in the world or the worst — the issue is that it opened its doors less than 15 yards from another restaurant/bar in a neighborhood that is still very much residential because of its mixed zoning. No one would argue that Blend, as a dining establishment, shouldn’t be allowed to exist — but as a bar, and a bar with outdoor space (where people can smoke of course) people get drunk and people get loud (and stay loud until 4am every night in warmer months especially) — then many of the people who DO live in this neighborhood suffer.
I’m all for development, I’m all for change, I’m all for shiny new highrise condos (even if they are often filled with douchebags), and moreover, I’m all for Blend as a restaurant being able to thrive. But the impact that alcohol + outdoor space + younger clientel, is going to be very negative for neighborhood residents. If you remove any one of these elements, then the problem solves itself — but I don’t think its reasonable to tell these residents to go fuck themselves so you can have a beer. I think its much more reasonable to go to a good restaurant like Blend, get a meal — and then go get drinks at a bar. I think its fair to ask a place like Blend to make a business based on food in the interest of benefiting the neighboorhood around it. Problem solved.
No. 120, you make the assumption that there is a spirit of cooperation in LIC. There isn’t. The whole vision of LIC that has been sold is that they will tear down the “dumpy” neighborhood and re-create an urban utopia for the “nice, active” people. Judging from their comments, these people could give a rat’s behind about whether their noise or whatever is an inconvenience to some old “crank.” That being said, it’s nuts that a restaurant can’t serve a glass a wine to its patrons. There should be a middle way that accommodates everyone. But that isn’t where LIC is right now.
#120, I don’t think serving drinks makes the place a “bar”… I don’t think anyone is going to go there primarily to drink. If you were concerned about a bar, it’d be another matter, maybe, but I don’t see a restaurant like this becoming particularly rowdy.
#120 Why do you keep saying that Blend is a Bar when it clearly is not. It’s not like you walk into Blend and all they have is a bar with no food people still go and enjoy the food without there being Beer and Wine so clearly they are a resturant. It’s like asking a clothing store to sell jeans but no shirt’s Fine dining goes hand in hand with wine that’s just the way it is.
#13-Of course it doesn’t feel like a bar, they don’t have a liquor license yet!
#120- Finally someone with some sense speaks out but no one gets it. What I want to know is who is selling LIC as the re-creation of a Utopian neighborhood with anyone that has lived here for any length of time whatsoever be cast out into suburbia?
JLB
To #119
Firstly, I am not a “transient lifestyle renter”, I actually own in the neighborhood and not in the new condos. “Residents over bars” isn’t entirely correct statement. Renters are just like you – residents. They pay taxes (probably a lot more than people who would be considered old timers) and by law entitled just as much representation as you are. And since there are lot more renters than non-renters it should really say “a very few residents over bars”. You seem to be clouding the issue here. It’s all very simple. The block where Blend is located zoned “commercial district” - http://www.nyc.gov/html/dcp/pdf/zone/map9b.pdf. Hence, it’s should be all about commerce – bars, restaurants, stores and other commercial establishments. And, yes variety is all about different places to eat, drink, dance and etc. This is New York City if you choose to live in the commercial district you will be putting up with certain amount of noise. And if you have a problem with that – I suggest moving to different area and I don’t care how long you lived there. Since, Vernon has been designated commercial area buildings on those blocks got a huge jump in value. Vernon storefronts are pure gold. I don’t know what degradation of property investment you are talking about. “alcohol + outdoor space + younger clientele” equal high rent per commercial square foot.
Now, Blend is a business and restaurant without liquor license isn’t going to survive in New York City. How would you like if some one would ask you to take an 80% pay cut? I suspect you would say “NO”.
I don’t see how Blend not serving alcohol benefiting the neighborhood around it? I believe that not having a glass of wine with Blend’s food is a travesty and so do other people. And guess what? They all live around it! So it’s all boils down to this. Two residents who live next to Blend and very few others who were brain washed by them are protesting Blend’s liquor license. They also convinced Community Board which doesn’t seem to represent the community at all but just a few loud mouths. And this is all being masqueraded by words like “many residents”, “benefiting the community” and “saturation of bars and restaurants”. Meanwhile, 3 or 4 restaurants within a few blocks got their liquor license just fine.
I hope as many people as possible who expressed support for Blend in this forum show up the community board meeting and help Blend get long awaited liquor license!
It’s wrong to assume it’s the old-timers versus the new. It’s simply about those who want the neighborhood to have more drinking choices and those who feel that too many bars may impact their quality of life.
Why do these issues become an outlet for people to trash each other? On this blog it seems there are only a few who are willing to be thoughtful toward both sides. I frankly feel they are the only voices worth reading all the way through.
I also note that the majority of insensitive statements seem to come from those who favor more bars. It’s unfortunate that they don’t get there is a perfect mix of old and young here who certainly enjoy drinking and certainly enjoy partying but think that we have reached a point where we will have too many.
And the idea that it’s racist is absurd. This is one of the most multi-ethnic neighborhoods in New York in terms of people who live and work here.
How we got here…. The law regarding a liquor license is clear - no more than three within 500 feet unless the owner can prove a special community benefit. (Change the law if you don’t like it.) Everyone who showed up last year for or against exercised their right. Blend lost primarily because the SLA felt they misrepresented (lied) on their application.
In the course of the hearings promises were made to the local Board the SLA etc as to how the owner wouldl interact with and work with the community. In terms of the issues that concern neighbors, they don’t and they won’t. On the other hand they did not mind spamming local mobile phones with ads.
All some of us want now is that they not use the back yard and that this become an enforceable stipulation on their beer & wine license.
This thread really has me shaking my head. As much as I enjoy having a drink with my dinner and wish Blend luck, I can’t help but feel that many of the pro-drinkers/development crowd commenting above are displacing some serious aggression. Their anger and sense of entitlement are what blow me away. There’s no room for compromise or understanding, just this selfish rush to label anyone who doesn’t follow the herd as primitive, a crank, a lunatic, a FILL IN THE BLANK. How did your parent raise you people? Do you even have an ounce of empathy for your neighbors or does everything in your rigidly controlled world have to revolve around What You Want? Jesus, I just wonder how you folks would ever deal with a real crisis in your life, like (god forbid) another attack on NYC.
May I suggest you all give LaVuelta on 44th Drive a try. They have good food and serve drinks. They also have outdoor space.
Vernon Boulevard is zoned for “mixed use”.
Long term residents are not opposed to development, but if you are going to have a community you need more than a bar every twenty feet.
That’s what side streets are for.
This is distressing news. Blend is a perfectly legitimate restaurant with great food, yet they get denied a liquor license because of a disgruntled neighbor - who lives on a commercial strip, Vernon Blvd. If its quiet he seeks in our neighborhood, he should be living on one of the side streets which is zoned for residential use. The owners of Blend need to be more proactive in getting support from the community. There are plenty of us who would like to have a glass of wine with our chuletas! Bring on the petition!!