The Cottonwood Grille: Ten Years Local

Ten years ago, fine dining in Boise posted yet another milestone with the opening of the Cottonwood Grille. In fact, the culinary footprint created by owners Peter and Hilary Blatz is such that it seems hard to believe that their restaurant is celebrating only its first decade.

In this retrospective interview with Peter, we learn that the concept of “locavore” comes fairly easily to a person trained in the classic culinary traditions of Europe. After all, starting with whatever was locallly and seasonally at hand was the first, and one might argue the most critical, step in creating a memorable dining experience.

Over the past ten years, the Cottonwood Grille has expanded its repetoire of menu items based on local relationships, from the restaurant’s signature “Tomahawk Chop” to its wine list and side dishes. As we acknowledge an important anniversary for Peter and Hilary, what we are truly acknowledging is the vibrancy of our own local culinary scene…a scene that the Cottonwood Grille has done so much to define.