Like a tongue on a flagpole in February, fusion cuisine results from curiosity and a shortage of popsicles. Rein in restless taste buds with today's Groupon: for $15, you get $30 worth of Latin-infused cuisine and drinks at Blend in Long Island City. Blend serves its Latin dishes with a contemporary twist in a sleek, modern dining room. The menu features an extensive assortment of tapas-style appetizers, or "tapatizers," including maduros con queso, baked plantains with cotija cheese and sour cream ($6), and coconut shrimp with cilantro and pepper aioli ($9). Even diners who can't roll their r's will take culinary comfort in the arroz con pollo, baked chicken mixed with yellow rice, peas, and cilantro flanked alongside pico de gallo and black beans ($12), as well as the pernil, slow-roasted pork with yellow rice nestled next to beans and fried yucca ($14). Blend also offers spice enthusiasts a seafood-studded paella ($19) and a sampler platter of empanadas ($14), which includes five different flavors—one for each chamber of the human stomach. Patrons can tip back a beer or a glass of wine while peeking around the dining room's posh interior that features clean lines and dimly romantic lighting.

Reviews

Yelpers give Blend an average of 3.5 stars, and 74% of Urbanspooners recommend it:

• I live a block down and this place is very convenient and the food rarely ever dissapoints [sic]. – islam-raf, Urbanspoon
• I have yet to be let down by either their brunch or dinner offerings, and their cocktails are super tasty! – Polly Jean W., Yelp