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Top 20 Restaurant of the Week: Blend Tea and Crepe Lounge BY JOE SZYNKOWSKI FOR THE SOUTHERN
The art of perfecting a crepe is one that requires patience and discipline – two attributes Ming-Wei Huang possesses in abundance. The dedicated owner of Blend Tea and Crepe Lounge in Carbondale puts in 70 hours per week to ensure his eatery’s success, and he wouldn’t have it any other way. “I love it,” Huang said. “We’re bringing a lifestyle and a cultural influence to Carbondale.” Originally from Taipei City, Taiwan, Huang operated a successful crepe business in Virginia before relocating to Carbondale and opening Blend in 2011. He describes crepe-making as a labor of love, one comprised of spreading batter into a thin circle over a flattop skillet, and then filling it with fresh fruits, peanut butter, ice cream, meats, cheeses or other items. Blend offers a wide variety of crepes – from the sweet ones filled with Nutella and ice cream to the savory options loaded with ham, egg, cheese and spinach. A diverse, easyto-navigate menu has been critical to Blend’s success in drawing a large customer base, which like many
food offerings is matched by the excitement surrounding its extensive selection of teas, slushies and smoothies. For less than $3, you can enjoy a tall glass of shaken iced tea with bubbles and a splash of your favorite flavor. Popular options are honey, peach, mango and strawberry, but feel free to choose another from Blend’s large list of flavor STEVE MATZKER / THE SOUTHERN options. Blend Tea and Crepe Lounge in Carbondale offers a variety of Huang also offers fruit or savory crepes, grilled chicken, fresh teas and smoothies. seasonal drinks like cinnamon chocolate milk Carbondale tea, as well as healthy drink establishments, is made options like skim or soy primarily of Southern milk. Illinois University “We try to have students. something for everybody,” Blend’s interior is Huang said. colorful and open, with With a diverse menu and plenty of seating and room a comfortable atmosphere, for customers to enjoy their DETAILS Huang wants Carbondale’s favorite crepe. Guests can business community to also enjoy a meal or cold tea What: Fruit or savory know that there is room at in the outdoor dining area. crepes, grilled chicken, Blend for lunch meetings Free Wi-Fi is available, fresh teas, smoothies or special events. making Blend the perfect Where: 719 S. University “Our target market is place to study or socialize. Ave., Carbondale definitely the college “We hold a lot of events Hours: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. students, but we would like for the student Contact: 618-300-1088 to expand,” Huang said. organizations,” Huang said. “We want to continue to “We’ve done live music and get good business in the we have a lot of summer and winter when willing to listen to menu promotions.” the students aren’t here.” feedback. Huang cares about his Anyone interested in “We now have the grilled customers, and is focused staying current with on reaching new ones with chicken that is very Blend’s upcoming specials, menu updates and popular,” Huang said. promotions and menu “People tell us they really loyalty programs. Blend additions can find and also sends special coupons like it. We’re always looking to add new things.” ‘friend’ the lounge on to customers on their Facebook. Enthusiasm for Blend’s birthday and is always
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