Sweetwater’s Tropic Zone

04 Wednesday Nov 2009

Posted by Bob and Robin in Food, Restaurant Reviews

I would not think that this is the best economic time to be starting a new restaurant. But here in Boise, the Sweetwater’s Tropic Zone may be the exception. At any rate, we certainly hope so! This is one awesome culturally diverse restaurant that opened about 3 months ago. And the best part? They are local!!! and they use local, Idaho products – beef and alligator for some. Here is Our Review.

Sweetwater’s Tropic Zone

Ambiance

An open, “happy” restaurant that is full of color and natural light, but is not overbearing. Soft, island music in the background. There probably could be more steel drum, Bob Marley music.

Presentation

Food presentation is good and pleasant. The Curried Avocado Salad is presented quite well and in an Island style. Whereas the Pulled Pork Sandwich has a pretty standard presentation. Food quality is excellent and prepared fresh. There is a very wide variety available – Indonesian Krupuk (Shrimp Chips), Collard Greens and Black-Eyed Peas, Grilled Jamaican Jerk Chicken, Pulled Pork, Cuban Style Steak and Trinidadian Curry Goat.

Service

Service is good. Again, as with some other restaurants, it is good to see the owner talking to the clients and making sure that everything is good.

Cost

The cost ranges from $11.00 – $15.95 for dinners, $7.75 – $11.00 for an awesome sandwiches,$2.25 – $5.75 for side dishes. They also serve Alligator and Conch, which, if you have never done so, you really should try. The beef and alligator are Idaho raised and they do try very hard to use local products. Try their Homemade Ginger Beer, it is awesome. They also have a variety of Caribbean drinks, including beer.

Quality

The quality and the variety of the foods served, requires a 4-Star rating. Take your friends here for a delightful Island inspired meal. We will definitely return to Sweetwater’s Tropical Zone. See you there! Let the owners know that you saw this review on the Boise Foodie Guild blog. Cheers!

It is also good to see that they are local owners and this is not a chain. We do hope that you stop in to see them and to try a meal, lunch or dinner. Cheers!

A Drive To Wilder

27 Wednesday May 2009

Posted by Bob and Robin in Restaurant Reviews, Spring Plants, Things To Do

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A ride to where? Wilder? What’s in Wilder? Ahhh, you say, two things!

First, there are hops! Miles and miles of hops! Just coming through from a long Winters nap. They will grow to 16 to 20 feet tall. And after they grow, they will find their way to your favorite brew.

And Second, there is Alejandra’s Mexican Restaurant. (It always comes down to food!) A very excellent restaurant and almost better than those in Boise and Kuna. Read our Review. We will probably go back to this one. However, there is one in Marsing right on Main Street, which might be a wee bit closer.

We were actually at Parma Ridge Winery and we asked the winemaker – Dick Dickstein – where a good Mexican restaurant was in the area. He highly suggested Alejandra’s and he was right! (One really should not take a photography amid chews! It gives a false impression.)

It really was an enjoyable morning and afternoon. A good Idaho winery visited – no, we did not buy any – we have some in storage; We found another good restaurant to frequent and it was a pleasant drive through the Idaho countryside on a beautiful spring afternoon. Not much traffic on the roads as most people have returned from the Mountains and the Memorial Day Weekend and are now back at work. We are still retired!!! So Robin and I will spend out days searching for good wine and good food and report to you what we have found. It’s tough – But someone has to do it! Cheers!

36th Street Bistro

02 Monday Mar 2009

Posted by Bob and Robin in Photos, Restaurant Reviews, Restaurants

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On Sunday, March 1, Robin and I went to the 36th Street Bistro, 3769 Woody Street (Hill Road and 36th Street) in Boise, and it really was a treat. You can call them at (208) 433-5111. Usually we rate restaurants from 1 to 5 Stars, 1 Star says, “That’s good enough for this year” and a 5-Star restaurant is superb in all aspects. The 36th Street Bistro is a 3-Star Plus restaurant. The food is quite good, the service is friendly and good and the overall quality is very good. Prices range from $6.00 to $18.00. Their hours are: Tuesday – Saturday 8:00am to 9:00pm; Sunday Brunch 8:00am – 6:00pm.

As photographed here, and there was no problem taking these photos, shows the open ambiance and space. They are trying very hard to be “green”. That is, they use thermal heat (from hot springs right here in Boise). The highest windows are thermostatically controlled: If the temperature goes too high, the windows automatically open and evacuate the heat. Likewise, the windows in the restaurant area are carbon dioxide evacuators: If the level of carbon dioxide gets too high, the windows automatically open and evacuate the air.

From Left to Right: Joe, the Chef; Rob, the Floor Manager; and Megan, our Waite Person. These folks were extremely friendly and polite. They blend in with the ambiance of the restaurant. The one criticism that we have is that it would be nice if they used heated plates and coffee mugs in order to keep the food warm longer. They do have some wines available and some are from Idaho. All in all, our experience was really a good one. We will be going back at some time – maybe for dinner or another brunch. We do suggest the 36th Street Bistro for your enjoyment.