Minnesota French - Spanish Sontes, Rochester, USA

S nt s (correct spelling attained only after using two special orthographic symbols on my MS Word program) is a wine bar and tapas restaurant located on the corner of historic 3rd St SW and Broadway in Downtown Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America, (home of the Mayo Clinic), which I just visited tonight.

Clearly, its finely strategized location is, on first look, not the only key benefit would-be dinners can easily derive from such an astutely orchestrated and presented international-fare locale. It's main outstanding characteristics place this superb experience among the top notch finds any savvy world traveler can expect to be happily surprised by.

Being an authentic Spanish citizen (a fact that I carefully strayed from revealing upon meeting the welcoming and serving staff) I wanted to see some genuine and savory Castilian, Catalonian, Basque, Andalousian, etc, food offerings and plate combinations, a straightforward matter that was amply and joyfully satisfied. The reality is that even though there are no well-researched, text-based messages anywhere (OK, check the website below for a one-line geographic reference) informing customers about the origin and specific ethnicity details associated with the casual tapas style of eating (families, friends, and neighbors all mixing, bubbling, and imbibing on totally uninhibited ways in darkly-lit, cozy, and effusion-laden bistros), the actual sampling of such dishes is powerful enough reason to persuade anyone about where on Earth the wild concoctions and delicately carefree fare unequivocally started from: Spain.

The items our group delighted on were a well though-out ensemble of various types of succulent appetizers, such as anchovies, artichokes, tomatoes, risotto, Kobe beef, shrimp, pancake, pizza, etc., as well as a full assortment of dessert, beer and wine (a well-rounded bottle of deep red Casa Castillo Monastrell 2005 from Jumilla, Murcia, Spain.), coffees, etc.

In terms of overall expectations and satisfaction with the menu selection, food quality and preparation, dish presentation, ambiance (some of the wall lights were dimmed at the precise second dusk struck, with right-volume-and-style live music), waiting staff, and general facilities (restrooms fitted with individual towels), anyone could be just as elated as I was. Even a couple of chefs came out to greet people on a nearby table which always gives the impression that the cooks are extremely well versed on their tasks and totally confident their guests will approve of their decisions at the kitchen.

So, in terms of an all-encompassing and general review score here it is: If in Rochester, Minnesota, USA, and hungry for an excellent and out-of-the-ordinary meal (menu could always be expanded to further please palates based on other favorite Spanish selections) please head on down to the S nt s for an unforgettable table experience, and as we say in Spain: Disfruta de la buena comida!