The Flushing neighborhood continues to establish itself as one of the most exciting gastronomic destinations in New York, and now it adds a new protagonist: Blu Ember, the restaurant of the Balance Hospitality group, led by K Dong and Steven Chen, the same people behind successes such as MOLI, HINOKI and MIKU Sushi in Connecticut.
Blu Ember’s offering celebrates New American cuisine with an Asian soul, where the flavors of East and West meet in dishes designed to share: a premium meat program, omakase-level sushi, signature cocktails and an elegant space with an outdoor terrace.
The kitchen is in the hands of a trio of chefs with luxury credentials: Alberto Reyes (La Mercerie, Catch Steak), Luis Parreira (Vila Joya, Portugal) and Omakase Chef Charles Ni (Masa, Sushi Nakazawa). Together they give life to a menu that reflects the cosmopolitan spirit of Flushing, a neighborhood where Asian traditions coexist with New York energy.
The experience starts in the Raw Bar, with Atlantic and Pacific oysters, lobster with wasabi and tomato, hamachi raw with yuzu and orange, and the irresistible Nori Bites stuffed with wagyu, uni or squid with the option of caviar. In it Hinoki Counter, a 10-seat bar, serves a seasonal omakase menu with produce brought directly from Tokyo’s Toyosu Market.
Among the hot dishes, the menu offers creations such as the Grilled Octopus with black garlic and Peruvian chili peppers, the Pork Cheek with lemongrass and Nam Pla, or the Beef Tartare with Douban aioli and crusty Chinese bread. The meat program includes prime cuts such as Ribeye, Filet Mignon and Striploin, with classic sauces or with an Asian touch.
The bar, run by William Xiong and Ray Zhou, mixes the creativity of modern mixology with ingredients from Asia. Among its must-sees are the Jungle Juice, with jackfruit rum, baijiu, mango and pandan; and the Alhambra of the Seaan exotic blend of whiskey with black tea, pineapple rum and PX sherry. The wine list, curated by Zhou, spans the globe with labels for connoisseurs and the curious alike.
A space that shines
The design, by the Canadian studio Lemay id, combines modern lines with Asian details. In its 6,000 square feet, the atmosphere moves between elegant and cozy: high ceilings, warm lighting, white leather chairs, emerald green banquettes and a white marble bar that lights up under a floral ceiling. An intimate sushi bar and a terrace overlooking Manhattan complete the experience.
For private celebrations, Blu Ember offers an exclusive ballroom and the MOLI Event Hall, with capacity for 350 guests, ideal for weddings and large-format events.
From breakfasts to brunches, Blu Ember offers options for every moment: pancakes with matcha cream, Eggs Benedict with salmon or spinach, Steak & Eggs, fresh juices such as Coconut Fusion (coconut, watermelon and mint), or brunch dishes such as the Lobster Roll, the Blu Ember Burger and the wagyu or hamachi Nori Tacos.
Located in the new The Westin Flushing LaGuardia Airport Hotel, Blu Ember combines luxury, diversity and flavor, reflecting the spirit of a New York where all cultures find a place at the table.
Blu Ember is located at 137-49 Northern Blvd, Flushing, NY 11354. Reservations: bluember.us
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