In the blog blip on 4 November 2009 titled, Sweetwater’s Tropic Zone, there was a comment left by Michael Boss of Behind The Menu. He stated that he has done an interview with Sue Zimmerman, Owner, along with her husband Joe and Exec Chef of Sweetwater’s Tropic Zone. According to the introduction on his web site, Mr Boss states that,

Pull up a chair, and let’s talk about food. More specifically, let’s talk about the culinary scene of the Treasure Valley. And while we’re at it, let’s hear from the people who create that scene. We believe that locally owned culinary businesses are an essential part of the soul of a place. They offer more than food — they serve up big heaping helpings of regional identity. This site is dedicated to telling their stories. Through blogs, podcasts and social media, you’ll learn about the folks “behind the menu”. We hope you’ll enjoy hearing these stories…and that you’ll become a part of the conversation about our local culinary scene as well.

The interview with Chef Zimmerman is an excellent example of getting the “behind the menu” perspective and you should really listen to the interview and then go to the restaurant. For example, Chef Zimmerman was asked that if someone arrives at Sweetwater’s Tropic Zone for dinner, what would be her suggestion for dinner. Here are her suggestions:

Really, there are two things you as a reader of this blog should do: (1) Go to the Behind The Menu web site and explore it, and (2) Visit Sweetwater’s Tropic Zone more than once! Now, we will have to start to pair some wines with these dishes. And by the way, I spent a year in India when I was a teen and we had goat probably 4 or 5 times a week. Then I lived in Giles County Tennessee in the 1960’s where goat was a staple in a little place called Aspen Hill. I was not impressed at either location with the goat. Point is, at Sweetwater’s Tropic Zone, the goat is Kid, not mutton. In India and Tennessee, the goat was not kid. It was mutton. Think of it as a matter of time. Young goat – kid – may be similar to young lamb – lamb – and not mutton!!! Here is my promise: I will try the Curry Goat and I will try to eliminate the epicurean baggage I carry about goat! I promise. And I will place my experience here on this blog. Cheers! That’s my story and I’m stickin’ to it!