A Q&A with Tessa Leung of Sontes
5/30/2007
Q: What would encourage someone to dine at Sontes?
A: We serve Tapas-style. In Spanish it means small plates. You really can have a little bit of this and a little bit of that. Order what sounds new and exciting, then pass it around and share it with your friends.
While you dine, you can change food and wines as the mood hits you. It’s an entertaining way to dine because it encourages discussion.
Q: Anything special you’d like a patron to know?
A: We have a wine cuvee system – it preserves a bottle of wine for 3-4 weeks and it’s the only one of its kind in the state. We have 40 different wines in the cuvee system that you can enjoy by the glass. You can experiment and try a glass of wine from a bottle that you may not want to purchase. You can feel adventuresome, but safe.
Q: What’s the best way to get to Sontes on foot from downtown?
A: We’re just south of the Holiday Inn on Broadway. It’s the old Wong’s building. We’ll send you a Google map in email.
Q: Where should a person park?
A: There is street parking right outside the restaurant. Valet parking is available. Or you can park in the First Street ramp. Parking on the street and in the ramps is free after 5pm and on the weekends.
We also offer a car service when you make your reservations.
Q: What’s your favorite seat in your restaurant?
A: There’s a booth under the stairs for dining alone with my husband – it’s romantic. I like the big round booth in the corner when dining with friends. And I like to be next to the fireplace when alone.
Q: What is one particular thing you want people to know about Sontes?
A: Local artists have pieces hanging in the restaurant. Artists can call, email or drop in to inquire about exhibiting. We have sold some pieces off the wall; it was exciting to be able to do that.
Q: Do you have features or specials?
A: We have weekly tasting menus created by the chef every Thursday through Saturday with a corresponding wine.
The menu changes every three months and seasonally. We also offer a car service when you make your reservations – we’ll pick you up and take you home when you’re done.
Q: What are some things Sontes has that can’t be found everywhere?
A: A lounge, formal seating, a business area and outdoor seating all in one place. We have a room for multimedia use. You can reserve it for your business meetings and customize it to your liking. Make it formal or informal as your needs dictate.
Q: What do you provide to the community of Rochester?
A: We provide an outlet for local artists to exhibit and market their work. We try to buy our food and ingredients from local growers as much as possible to keep the commerce local.
Q: What is one interesting fact about Sontes that more people should know?
A: Well … the word ‘tapas’ – not topless. In Spanish it means small plates. You can dine with friends, try something new and share around the table. It’s a completely different way to dine.
Q: How long has Sontes been in Rochester?
A: Opened the restaurant November 20, 2006.
The building was built around 1855. It was one of the first banks in Rochester area. The current wine vault is the original bank vault. The Union National bank on the Union Street block.
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