The Gazette is proud to welcome Blackbird's to the neighborhood. Blackbird's opened on June 20, just in time to herald the first day of summer. This upscale pub combines traditional elements such as light wood floors and brick walls with a modern twist from the sparkling curved glass facade. Owners Bobby Clifford, Lynne Ruggiero and Ken Mitchell created a comfortable place for casual dining and sports enthusiasts, but with a decidedly classier atmosphere, making it an ideal place for a cozy dinner for two, or a group of friends. The long, sleek bar provides ample seating for friends to enjoy a refreshing pint or cocktail while they view the flat screen televisions or just chat. The rear wall is covered in recovered barnyard wood from upstate and holds a dart board for friendly competition. Dozens of micro-brewed beers from Germany, Ireland and the U.S. are available on tap and in bottles at reasonable prices, while the wine list covers all your favorites.

Blackbird's menu reflects the best of American and international dishes. The international influences are evident in the starters and Chef Steve wowed us with a dazzling array of Blackbird's delectable appetizers while we sipped on glasses of wine. For light snacking, try the Windjammer salsa with sweet corn and black beans served with tortilla chips. The spinach and cheese dip was also great and all their great appetizers are meant for sharing. My dining companion and I were very impressed with the mushroom caps stuffed with pure crab meat and no breading ($7.95). Delicate puff pastry was filled with spicy chorizo sausage and mushrooms, drizzled with sherry cream sauce ($9.95). Blackbird's vegetable Napoleon is both a visual and gastronomical treat. Tender grilled vegetables are layered in a stack with creamy goat cheese in a zesty dressing. Beef skewers are tender and served sizzling hot, as are the chicken satays with their Thai spicy peanut sauce. The friendly staff includes Dina, who serves every dish with a smile. The hamburger sliders are popular with everyone, including kids, since these 3 mini cheese burgers are served on French bread with a secret sauce and are very easy to eat. The Sparta pizza, also baked onto crisp French bread, gets a spicy kick from sliced jalapeno peppers that go very well with icy cold beer. Next time I'll try the crispy fried calamari or the grilled calamari in a curry marinade.

If you're hungry for a full meal, Blackbird's prepares great entrées on the spot with the freshest ingredients. The "elegant pasta" is replete with fresh, grilled vegetables, atop an incredible mound of penne, with a light pesto sauce that does not overwhelm the flavor of the vegetables. This dish was delicious and provided more than enough for another meal ($11.95). The Niagara is a warm roast beef sandwich on French bread with au jus for dipping, and is served with a side of horseradish, French fries or healthy broccoli slaw ($9.95). Blackbird's burgers are 8 ounces of heaven, and can be topped with a number of different cheeses, avocado, bacon, sautéed mushrooms or onions ($8.95). One of the evening's specials was a juicy steak, served with creamy mashed potatoes and vegetables. They even make a grilled Portobello mushroom that tastes like steak, topped with roasted tomatoes, muenster cheese, baby greens and a balsamic reduction.

Diners can also eat light with Blackbird's fresh tossed salads, such as the Caesar, with or without grilled chicken, baby spinach salad with avocado, feta cheese and tomato, traditional Greek salad or tender mesclun salad with radish and raspberry vinaigrette.

Blackbird's is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner and the kitchen stays open until 2am with a special "Last Call Menu" served from 11pm until 2am. You can still get a burger late night, or a BLT served on a sandwich or a wrap, a classic grilled cheese with tomato, bacon and avocado, or an egg sandwich with bacon and cheese on an English muffin. If you order an item from the Last Call Menu, you'll receive a free pint of beer.

Ask about the daily desserts and coffees. The chocolate mousse was lighter than air and the créme brulee was light and creamy. Stop by any day or night for a light snack, a full meal or just a drink with friends. There's a warm and friendly vibe at Blackbird's that makes it very inviting. Neither the music nor the televisions are loud, so you can be assured of a relaxing meal and pleasant conversation. Visit Blackbird's soon and help welcome them to the neighborhood.