I recently read Greg Hahn’s restaurant review, Sweetwater’s Tropic Zone eclipses tropical tiki fare in the Idaho Statesman, and like some other commentors, I really must take exception to the article. I totally agree with Michael Boss, Behind The Menu, where he states

I’ve been to Sweetwater’s a number of times now, and I do have to take exception with Greg’s observation that the menu prices are on the high side for lunch. Let’s be clear: this is not a local burger joint. Having done some interviews with Sue and Joe for Behind the Menu, I have to agree that they’re raising the bar on product sourcing…and let’s face it, you gets what you pays for.

Interesting. That’s the second time this week that I have heard people being told that if you want fast food, go to McDonalds or Burger King. (Don’t get me wrong, both of those establishments have their place.)

And from DDTDaughter, another commentor on the article:

Sweetwater’s quality, taste and portions more than make up for the comment “relatively expensive for Boise”. Plus the fact that they are using local, humanely grown and sustainable ingredients from meat to eggs and they have the freshest American caught seafood and offer exceptional vegetarian dishes on their menu, goes to show they care. Not a fast food chain, where you pay a lot more for unhealthy menu items.

I have a difficult time rationalizing why a reviewer would pan a restaurant for charging high prices when the critic, Greg Hahn this time, makes statements like,

The “tropical” restaurant – heavy on Caribbean with some south Asian flair and a few detours around the equator – replaced Milky Way Downtown and arrived with a pedigree: owners Sue and Joe Zimmerman ran the Sweetwater Jam House in Portland for almost nine years. And you can tell – the food and the feel of the place already is sophisticated and cohesive.

Sorry, but I just don’t agree with Mr Hahn on his criticism where he states, “… And as you maybe have figured out from the prices I’ve listed, Sweetwater’s is a relatively expensive restaurant for Boise, and that’s even more pronounced at lunch.” We have eaten at Sweetwater’s Tropic Zone three times now and we will return. The quality, style and flavors are what I go to a restaurant for and Sweetwater’s Tropic Zone definitely comes through and shines. I don’t mind paying a little more for quality and it’s the quality that counts. Did you ever eat at Andrae’s here in Boise before it left after many years and spend $500.00 for a dinner for 5? I think that Mr Hahn misleads the reader and the public in his article. Please do read it as linked above. That’s my “Two Cents”. Cheers!