
Spanish restaurant Sangria 71 opens in Commack

Sangria 71 serves paella Valenciana, the Spanish restaurant's signature dish. Credit: Barbara Alper
Since early January, Spanish cuisine has been in demand at Sangria 71 on Jericho Turnpike in Commack.
That’s when brothers Jose Fernandez and Rosendo Fernandez Jr. opened a sibling of the same name as the Williston Park eatery that has been up and running since 2013.
The “71” in the name and the lively menu are carryovers, with almond-stuffed dates wrapped in bacon, or shrimp with guindilla peppers from the Basque region among choices for tapas, priced $7 to $13.
Also on the menu you’ll find crudo, ensalada, carnes and the signature dish, saffron-laced paella — whether it’s the classic Valenciana, the pescetarian-friendly Marinera or vegetarian version — made to order for two, four or ten. Entrees run $18 to $30.
The brothers took over what had been Main Catch, updating the exterior with stone accents and a yellow facade and renovating the interior, which includes an extensive bar and a 200-seat dining room with banquet options. The property also offers plenty of parking.
Born in Galicia, the northwest corner Spain, the Fernandez brothers are no strangers to Spanish restaurants. They grew up working in the industry, cooking under their father at El Rincon De Espana in Greenwich Village, where he had been chef for many years.
Rosendo Fernandez Jr., also owns Cafe Espanol in Manhattan.
Both locations of Sangria 71 now take reservations for lunch and dinner.
Sangria 71 is located at 1095 Jericho Tpke., Commack, 631-670-7606; and in Williston Park at 71 Hillside Ave., 516-246-9778, sangria71.com