Submitted by Melissa Howsam — Correspondent
Fresh on the bar scene, this savvy 22-year-old Sono sipster may be a relative rookie behind the bar, but he's a born natural — bumping up from barback to bartender in a few short months, no doubt for a combo of skills and that perma toothy smile. When he's not serving up Saki and shaking up 'tinis with a smile? Until this year, you'd find him on the diamond. "I played baseball out of the womb," he said with that token grin. Now? Find the Saint Aug's senior hitting the books — he's double majoring in biology and engineering mathematics — or taking a break with some video games. But if you need a break, you should probs roll over to Sono for some sushi and cop a squat at "Jandro's" bar. There's few places where you'll feel more welcome — or eat as good of food.
Q&A
Hometown: Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
When did you roam to Raleigh? 1995 (from Santo Domingo).
How you landed at Sono: Where everyone gets their jobs — Craigslist.
Sono in three words: Sleek. Sexy. Sushi.
What Sono brings to the scene: A new modern and intrinsic sushi restaurant.
Your go-to bev: Jandroskie Mamoskie.
Drink you could make with your toes: Dirty martini.
You're anywhere you want to be right now. Where can we find you? On the beach.
Which of your coworkers are you most likely to ask for bail money? Sherry Ray.
Coworker you're most likely to slap? Angel Sams.
If they made a movie about your life, who would play the bad angel on your shoulder? Jameson Irish Whiskey.
If you could live in any fictional place, where would it be? Atlantis.
Occupation you probably had in your past life: Masseuse.
Trip you'd clean prison toilets to take: All-inclusive cruise around the world.
Last book you read: "Deception Point" by Dan Brown.
Movie you can recite the lines to: "Stepbrothers."
The last thing that made you want to run red lights to get to: Sono.
If you didn't know better, you'd think this song was written about you: "Alejandro" by Lady Gaga.
A pop culture phenomenon you could live without: 98 Degrees.
A book that made you want to be a better person: "Who Moved My Cheese."
A piece of advice you got that's good enough to pass on: You win some, you lose a lot in life. Get over it.
Something from the last decade that stuck with you: September 11.
Hidden talent: I speak multiple languages.
Weakness: I care too much about people.
If we paid you enough, you'd: Put it in the bank.
Most ridiculous thing you've been asked to do while bartending? Take off my shirt.
Something that makes you want to poke people in the eye: When you place a person's tab in front of them and they refuse to pick up their own credit card and put it on there, but instead just keep pointing at it.
What one thing do you wish you could tell people about patronizing any bar? Take care of your bartenders and servers.
If you're not at work, you're most likely: In class.
Other bars in the Triangle you have worked: This is my first bartending gig.
