Blend soon to be wining and dining downtown

The team behind Serrano’s Salsa Company and the Edible Event, Andy Blouin and Sean Malone, are teaming up with Mike Labat, owner of Puncher’s, and turning their winning combination to a new wine bar concept downtown: Blend. Although it will inhabit the space formerly occupied by the Wine Loft on Laurel Street, the concept “is very different from the typical wine bar,” according to marketing director Celeste Landry.

The plan is to feature boutique wines from small vineyards in Napa, Sonoma and France—wines most guests wouldn’t be familiar with. “We hope to really awaken their taste buds,” says Landry. Blend’s bartenders will also serve up signature cocktails made with fresh fruit and muddled spices. Drinks won’t be the only things available, however, as patrons will be able to avail themselves of a tapas menu with light dishes like salads and flatbreads, and a chocolate menu that features delicious wine and artisanal chocolate pairings, much like other restaurants would offer a cheeseboard. Signature desserts will also be a feature of the menu. Blend is set to open tentatively between May 24-26. Join the mailing list at blendbr.com for more information.—Rachael Upton