Are you from New York originally?
No. I was born in The Dominican Republic and I've been in the US for 18 years.
How long have you been bartending?
I've been bartending for 16 years, beyond that I am a mixologist and sommelier.
That's a long time. Can you remember the biggest tip you got in one night?
Some time ago I got a $400 dollar tip... but it wasn’t here (at Sortie).
Speaking of Sortie, how long has it been up and running?
I opened up Sortie three years ago.
One of the major concerns of bar owners is the changing landscape of Manhattan, are you concerned?
Of course I’m worried. Number one, everything that goes around in the city and the economy effects my business. The fact that real estate isn’t doing well at all, it reflects on my customers.
What sort of people come in to Sortie?
The crowd here is mixed but the best customers are the ones that ask questions.
I'm a big fan of infused vodka. Can you tell me one I should stay away from or something you wouldn't serve?
I really can't name bad infused liquor....a bad one [would] taste like moonshine from Hell. It has to be made just right with the proper amounts of ingredients, passion and creativity (points to three bottles behind the bar). We make our own. We have cucumber, basil and hibiscus.
Besides being a bar owner and sommelier what's your other passions?
I love being a DJ. It's about being creative and working with your passion and that's why I love it.
Do you have any advice for the aspiring bartender? Should they go to school or just start working?
I didn’t go to bartending school, I went to school to for wine to be a sommelier but what I learned comes from practice…practice is what makes a bartender.
Sortie
395 W. 51st St.
212-265-0650
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