Letter: Support quality restaurants in the Tri-Cities

Recently, I had the opportunity to dine at Lepice Spice Kitchen restaurant in Kennewick. I was blown away by the gourmet quality of the meal, the serious presentation and immaculate service.

What surprised me most was that I could even find that kind of dining experience here in the Tri-Cities. Typically, high-end stuff is something we travel to Seattle, Portland, or even Walla Walla to enjoy. And here it is — right in our own backyard. But for how long? I’m worried.

In the Tri-Cities, we seem to have a hard time supporting our local talent, especially our young chefs like Jason. We are quick to complain about not having a cool factor in this town and yet we will gladly sit with a beeper in our lap waiting for a boring meal at any number of loud franchises.

You can’t have it both ways. If you really want character and cool places to take your friends — then you support it. And yes, probably pay more — like you would for a good haircut or a spa treatment. But, how many more nights will pass while real candle-lit linen tables sit empty before we can kiss yet another “gem” goodbye?

This story was originally published November 21, 2015 at 1:50 PM with the headline "Letter: Support quality restaurants in the Tri-Cities."