Interview with CERN - World Famous Artist who painted the mural at Ferona

CERN Interview

When you think of world famous artists – you think of wining and dining, fabulous gallery openings, etc. So when a mild mannered man wearing a T-Shirt and shorts walked in through the door, I was a little surprised. Friendly and engaging, he bounded up the stairs at Ferona, introducing himself as he went.

ME: “How did you get hooked up with Ferona?”

CERN: “So In 2012, I did a mural for the Wall Therapy Project here in Rochester. Raffa (The owner of Ferona) was supporting the project and so I got to meet him there. I got to visit the old Rio location and saw his commitment to art and he made a big impression on me, getting to see what his vision for artwork was. So when this mural project came up I was just like, yes, of course. I was really excited to get back here.”

ME: “Where are you from?”

CERN: “I’m from Queens. General NYC area.”

ME: “What’s your background?”

CERN: “Growing up in the late 80’s, early 90’s, graffiti was a big thing. So I did the lettering based kind of thing and as I got older I realized that graffiti had created a whole new style for me and that gradually changed itself into painting - any kind of painting-, sculpture, I play instruments and write lyrics… But the graffiti led me to be comfortable with creating large scale outdoor stuff.”

ME: “Have you had any formal Art Education.”

CERN: “No, not really. I was a late bloomer. I didn’t start to draw graffiti until I was about 18. So that my parents wouldn’t worry about where my life was headed, I did go get a Studio Art degree but I wouldnt credit that with influencing my art in any way.

To say that his art is impressive is a gross understatement. His styles are varied and each as enamoring as the next. He seems to take in a place. I mean REALLY take it in. The sights and sounds, the smells, the people and somehow memorialize it all on canvas, paper, wood and walls. It’s not a snapshot in time, it’s a movement. A flow that continues long after the artist is gone and continues from the art into how the art work is displayed, how it’s lit, etc.

So, if you haven’t stopped by Ferona, come see us and check out this massive work of art!

Ferona
2510 Rochester Rd
Suite 600
Canandaigua, New York 14424

In the same plaza as Tom Wahl’s, across from Mayflower’s.

Here is the massive mural with painting in progress. To see the end result come into Ferona, enjoy one of our signature cocktails and a view of our wall of art.

Our Friendly Bartender J.T.

Meet J.T.

Once you meet him, you wont forget him. Tall and burly, sometimes with a lumberjack beard, he’s one of the friendly faces behind the bar here at Rio Tomatlan.

INTERVIEW: November 2019

HJ: Do you drink?
JT: “I do. Never trust a sober bartender. LOL!”

HJ: When you aren’t here, where do you drink?
JT: ”Usually RIO but if not here, I like to try breweries.”

HJ: What stands out for you when you remember your first day here at RIO?
JT: “The language barrier - a lot of Spanish drinks so I had to learn the inflections on the words.”

HJ: Describe a typical day in your life.
JT: “Busy parent.” All my days are so different. I try to be a fun dad.”

HJ: What do you like to do on your own time?
JT: I like to play and listen to live music. I love to read. I listen to all kinds of music. A lot of jam stuff.”

HJ: Rio is a busy place. How do you cope with the stress of so many customers?
JT: “I thrive in chaos and stress. LOL”

HJ: How do you ensure accuracy in your work?
JT: “I used visual cues. After 10 years, even if you wing it, it’s going to be good.”

HJ: What’s the stupidest question you’ve ever been asked?
JT: I have had a few. Like -“Can I get a Virgin, Authentic Margarita?” Sure. But that would be just lime juice. A lot of people ask what the wifi is when there is a big sign on the bar.”

HJ: You said you’ve been doing this 10 years, where else have you worked?
JT: “I have a lot of experience, a couple of previous ones were Catch 407 and The Wine and Culinary Center.”

HJ: Have you taken any formal Bartender Training?
JT: “I was really thrown right into it. But I have studied the industry. Studied wines and gave beer classes.”

HJ: A wine glass falls on the floor and smashes during a rush- what do you do?
JT: “Clear it up. Then blame Trevor.”

The Garden

Ask anyone and they’ll tell you. It’s Pop’s garden. He knows everything that’s planted and on many sunny days you may find him out watering, pruning, weeding or just watching it grow.

Many plants in the garden are used in the restaurant. There are Tomatillo’s, Tomato’s, Grapes, Castor Beans, Hot Peppers, Red Amaranth, and many more. Come walk through the garden and see if you can identify some of the things planted there. Then come sit on our deck and enjoy the sun and one of our signature cocktails!

Meet "Pops" - The Heart of Rio Tomatlan

Meet Pops!

The Heart of Rio Tomatlan.

You might have noticed him but thought nothing of it. Quiet and unassuming, Pops (whose real name is Gustavo) is a fixture here at Rio Tomatlan. One sleepy Monday in August, I had the distinct pleasure to sit down and interview him. He’s a born storyteller.

Name: Gustavo (but everyone just calls him “Pops”)

HEATHER: “Where were you born?”
POPS: “Nuevo Laredo, Mexico.”

Pops came to the United States as a young man to study English. He walked over the border daily to go to the Methodist school. It cost his parents $7 a month for his schooling which was a lot in that place and time. The school was near the river and one day it washed away. A new school opened up at Fort McIntosh. The new school had two rooms in the Fort. Pops returns back to Mexico every 3-4 years to check on his home and visit friends and family.

HEATHER: “Where have you worked in the area?”
POPS: “Xerox and then Rio Tomatlan.”

HEATHER: “How long have you been employed here at Rio?”
POPS: “Since it opened.”

HEATHER: “What’s your favorite dish at Rio?”
POPS: “Everything! I taught Rafael (the owner of Rio Tomatlan) the basics of cooking.”

HEATHER: “What do you think is your favorite thing about Rio Tomatlan?”
POPS: “The location. Canandaigua is beautiful and this location has lots of space compared to the old location”

HEATHER: “What do you do here at Rio?”
POPS: “A little of everything but mainly I work in the kitchen and doing prep work.”

HEATHER: “Tell us about your garden.”
POPS: “I grew up in a farming family. There was plenty of unused space here so I planted a garden. I enjoy planting Tomatillo’s and Peppers.”

HEATHER: “If you were to describe yourself, what would you say?”
POPS: “Easy Going. Friendly, Quiet, - likes to garden.”

Charming and soft spoken, I enjoyed all of his stories about his life. So the next time you’re at Rio, stop and say Hello to Pops if you see him. I’m sure you’ll get a smile and a Hello back and if you’re very lucky, he’ll tell you about his life in Mexico.