For many people in LIC, especially those without kids, the number one topic of importance is local restaurants, or lack thereof. In Manhattan, this could actually be a whole article, as 40-50 big restaurant names open every season. But here in LIC all it takes is a new hot dog cart to get the whole town talking: we’re starving for culinary attention. Thus we bring you the LICtalk 2014 restaurant round-up.
RECENTLY OPENED
Blend on the Water – like Blend on Vernon, but on the water …and different. Deep Purple’s favorite hangout.
The Shannon Pot – much like the restaurant right above, this is really just a new location. Yet at the other end of the spectrum atmosphere and food-wise, from the restaurant right below.
M. Wells Steakhouse – steaks, offal, and other. Despite its nascency, it is already’s LIC’s top dining destination due to press coverage that would make the White House envious.
51st Bakery & Cafe – unlike the above, there are no reviews in the press. But I’ve heard from numerous supermodels who frequent the place, that the baked goods and sandwiches are so delicious, that they are considering career alternatives. Oh, and here’s a little insider’s secret: though currently only open for breakfast and lunch, Thursday night they do a takeout dinner. To add your name to the dinner menu list, email fayehess@earthlink.net.
Mu Ramen – a pop-up restaurant from former Bouley hands, serving Japan, and New York’s, hottest cuisine: Ramen! Currently located inside Bricktown Bagel, they are looking for investors to help fund a permanent location in LIC. So if you want to go into the restaurant business with a man named Smookler and his wife, or if you just want to make a reservation(highly recommended), click here.
COMING SOON
Hibino – Japanese by way of Cobble Hill. They’ve got “Con Ed coming in next week, and hope to open by month’s end.” Get excited…
Litizio – the newest pizza joint on Vernon, whose owner is keeping his fingers crossed for an April opening. Abbondanza!
COMING NOT SO SOON
Jora – a Peruvian Restaurant on the corner of 48th and 11th. Several times over the year, there has been mention made that this was opening imminently. Alas, no work has been done on it in quite awhile.
Trattoria L’Incontro LIC – these guys are pulling a Sargent Schultz and denying everything, but rumor has it they are coming to a TF Cornerstone building on Center Boulevard.
Beer Hall on Jackson – Beer + Hall, what more is there to say? How about when?
? Mediterranean Restaurant – located in the condominium building across from Tournesol. My only guess on an opening date, is not before the Mets are out of playoff contention this summer.
In other news…
Architect Named to Transform MoMA Courtyard – in order to enhance the effects of whatever one’s on for the Warm-Up series
Modern Spaces 2013 LIC Market Report – “Read all about it, condo prices going up!” Gives all the stats on sales and rentals that occurred in 2013
$16 million Debt Deal for Wyndham Garden Hotel – get your fill of local real estate financing right here.
Investors Double Down on Queens – more real estate investing news
New Middle School Coming to LIC – sort of
Film Studio and Production House Open in Court Square – unleash your inner Scorcese
LIC4evr says
February 7, 2014 at 7:34 amStill waiting for a good Chinese restaurant.
LICnoob says
February 7, 2014 at 8:52 amThey actually restarted some work on Jora yesterday (2/7/14), and the restaurant has now installed their awning.
Anonymous says
February 7, 2014 at 10:40 amWhat about places near the bridge? Crescent Grill and The Baroness..
Anonymous says
February 7, 2014 at 11:00 amI’ve heard Crescent Grill was good.
Anonymous says
February 7, 2014 at 11:16 amAny word on opening date?
anonymous says
February 7, 2014 at 1:05 pmBlend on the Water is TERRIBLE! Tried it twice. Both times we waited FOREVER for our food to arrive to the table and it was cold! Apps arrived at table with entrees. Bartenders can’t make any drinks not on their list!
Dan says
February 7, 2014 at 3:41 pmCrescent Grill also has a free shuttle service to and from its restaurant if you live within the designated Pick-up and Drop-off area in LIC and parts of Astoria. Call 718-729-4040.
Anonymous says
February 7, 2014 at 5:23 pmcrescent grill is amazing.. Duck confit parpardelle is to die for and the baroness is a cool atmosphere..
Anonymous says
February 8, 2014 at 4:45 pmI agree about Crescent Grill! One of the friendliest staff anywhere, bar none. Family owned too, which is nice. Prices need to come down a bit
adamp@gmail.com says
February 11, 2014 at 11:02 pmBlend on the Water is awful! The food is fine. Tasty, but nothing to write home about, but the service is amazingly bad. It’s actually quite sad, because the space and location are lovely. Additionally, the pacing of the food is all wrong. We ordered starters and entrees and the entrees arrived first. And we never received the drinks we ordered. The place is a hot mess.
Anonymous says
February 12, 2014 at 8:57 ami hope the service gets better at BLEND ont he water. They have a good feel, awesome view, nice bar – but as previous posters explained….the service is bad. Its almost like the staff have never worked at a restaurant before. Very child like in the attention to detail from the hostess all the way down to waiters. hopefully it gets better.