In some ways, the fact that Blend is open at all is a success story.

STAFF PHOTOS BY MICHAEL KARAS
Blend offers a tapas menu in the lounge, above. On executive chef Bruce Nubile's dinner menu, two appetizers of note are the grilled chicken arepa, right, and dumplings stuffed with crimini, porcini and shiitake mushrooms. On the dessert menu, flourless chocolate cake is a standout.
The popular nightspot on Chestnut Street in Ridgewood abruptly declared bankruptcy and closed last year amid a mess of unpaid taxes and millions owed to creditors. It eventually emerged with a pair of new owners, Zvia Barlev, owner of the nearby La Piazza restaurant, and landlord Edward Sullivan. Both pledged to keep Blend's name and enhance its reputation as a bar, lounge and restaurant.
In June, the 14,000-square-foot facility reopened with a facelift. Its restaurant and lounge were reversed, so that the lounge is now the dim, spacious spot that you walk through to get to the more intimate restaurant (there also is a rear entrance into the adjacent back bar). You can choose from a sassy cocktail list with drinks called the Desperate Housewife, the Cougarita and the Ridgewood Express. And your dinner is under the direction of executive chef Bruce Nubile, who was the executive chef of the Ho-Ho-Kus Inn and Legends Steakhouse in Midland Park, as well as a veteran of such big local names as Café Panache, the River Palm Terrace and Valentino's.
NorthJersey.com: Eating Out: Blend in Ridgewood