Fusion Latino To Open Sunday In Previously Troubled Restaurant Space On 7th Avenue

A new Latin fusion restaurant serving up paella, pineapple-infused tequila, and more is about to have its grand opening next weekend.

Fusion Latino (364 Prospect Avenue at 7th Avenue) will welcome in the neighborhood on February 21. Owner Harry Tavares describes his new creation as a “casual family restaurant.”

Tavares tells us he’s originally from the Dominican Republic, “but I was born and raised here in New York City.” While there will be Dominican dishes served, the menu will span Latino-style food from many part of the world.

“We’ll be serving dishes like Dominican Mofongo (mashed plantains) with choices of chicken, beef, or shrimp,” says Tavares. “[Our] Paella has seafood mixed rice, with includes shrimp, calamari, mussels, and clams. Also, we’ll serve churrasco — skirt steak — with chimichurri sauce.”

The restaurant does not have a liquor license, but they will serve wine, beer, and wine-based cocktails. “We have tequila-wine based, vodka-wine based, and rum-wine based [mixes]  to make margaritas and mojitos,” adds Tavares.

Tavares is aware of the previous ownership — which did not fare well. Neither the most recent Sips N’ Bites — which only lasted a year — nor Fellucio’s lasted very long. The shuttered restaurant sat dormant since last Spring.

“Yes, I am aware of the previous non-success,”  says Tavares. “And [I have] no concerns… just thinking about and making sure Fusion Latino stays consistent regarding food, service, and quality.”

Tavares tells us he has introduced himself to the schools near the restaurant (P.S. 10 is directly across the street). And he’ll be providing discounts to welcome them.

Tavares plans to provide a 15% discount off for “all city, government, or school employees,” he adds. There will also be a happy hour between 12pm-5pm each day “for working people in the neighborhood.”

And for the kids, Tavares will offer $1 slices of pizza for school children between 2pm-5pm weekdays.

The new owner says “the neighborhood has been very welcoming and thankful for me opening a Latin restaurant. They all say ‘this what the neighborhood needed.'”

Fusion Latino (364 Prospect Avenue at 7th Avenue) will be open seven days a week.  The hours are Mondays-Fridays, 12pm-10pm, Saturdays-Sundays, brunch from 11am-3pm, and dinner from 3pm-10pm. You can contact them at 718-788-3086 or fusionlatinonyc@gmail.com.