City of Rochester
News Release
(Friday, Nov. 6, 2009) – Mayor Robert J. Duffy joined Danielle Lewis and Michael Goldberg, owners and proprietors of Chocolate and Vines in a ribbon cutting ceremony today to welcome Rochester’s newest restaurant in the vibrant Neighborhood of the Arts. Chocolate and Vines, located at 757 University Ave. is a unique restaurant serving desserts, bonbons, truffles and cheeses, all of which are paired with wines, specialty beers and micro-brews.
“This is the essence of what the Rochester community is all about," said Mayor Duffy. "Michael and Danielle have created a one-of-a-kind restaurant in our city and they have added to the vitality of the Neighborhood of the Arts. Not only will this be a destination for our residents, it will draw customers from throughout the community who are looking for a distinctive and exceptional dining experience.”
Lewis and Goldberg moved to Rochester from Brooklyn to be in close proximity to the Finger Lakes and the many fine wines produced there. They visited the city and were completely won over by the Neighborhood of the Arts and its historic homes and buildings. “No other establishment in the city currently offers these pairings,” said Goldberg. “This type of restaurant has been very successful in Manhattan and on the West Coast. Chocolate and Vines will provide an elegant and tasteful alternative to the hustle and bustle of the typical night out.”
The owners worked on this project for eighteen months prior to the opening, the restaurant operates out of a structure that was built in 1907. Lewis and Goldberg worked with the City’s Neighborhood and Business Development Department to obtain necessary Preservation Board approvals for renovations and the turn of the century home is now fully ADA compliant. The owners were careful to honor the history of the home, replacing old trim inside with exact replicas of the originals and restoring the spacious front porch to its original configuration, for example. The restaurant occupies 1,200 sq. ft. on the first floor.
Goldberg brings 14 years of experience in the catering business and Lewis has six-plus years in restaurant service and management. Four jobs have been created and catering and wine tours are possible in the future and would lead to additional hires.
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News Media: For more information contact Neighborhood and Business Development Commissioner R. Carlos Carballada at 428-8801.