Thank you for such a wonderful meal after a long hike near Lake City! The shrimp BLAT is THE BEST! The cold beer was great too! I'm a Chicago native, plenty of great food. Yours was amongst the best I've had (Chicago, New York, Paris, oh yeah and many Southern locations too). Seriously. And not just cause I was hungry... I had a snack bar on the way and still finished the sandwich (which I hardly ever do). I know you all have great things in your future. - Best, Katie

Imagine my surprise! I sat at the counter a Sugah's Cafe chatting with chef-owner-father-author, Matt Burke. you know the counter in the restaurant, that's where you go if you're unlucky enough to be dateless, as I was one Saturday night, my wife in Pueblo, my self in Gunnison. Matt regaled me with stories of the south and children's stories. then he set a plate in front of me.

My first bite of his Sea Bass, I will never, never forget. While Ii may not be a certified 'foodie,' I have eaten in a few fine establishments in New York, New Orleans, Los Angeles, not to forget my own wife's fine vittles. I wasn't prepared, however, for the delight that settled on my palate with the first bite.

Matt's Chilean Sea Bass began with a delightful, delicate, trace honey-like seared outer layer, a great texture and taste. The flavor lingered on my tongue, the best yet to come. Inside this clever cover, a wonderful confection, sparingly-seasoned fish morsel melted in my mouth. Each of the next bites offered this same satisfaction: a tangy, thin crust giving way to a soft inner delicacy.

It was a bit like dessert for a main course, not so much sweet, but the texture of a souffle. fish for dinner anyone? Meet you at sugah's. ~ Jim Valenzuela (Owner, The Water Wheel Inn)

Mobile Review by Tim Seibel
November 10, 2009 - Likes it - Geez, how can anyone not love this place? I made a beeline for the front door when I saw the daily special was gumbo, excellent. Never turn down a bowl of gumbo, ever. I had the barbeque sammich for lunch--excellent and unique at the same time. Much of the rest of the menu is seafood. I don't eat fishy stuff but that won't keep me away from here. Service is excellent: the waitress is prompt and all smiles and the owner himself refilled my glass with both iced tea and fresh ice. Five stars from me, and i'm a picky diner whether at home in Colorado Springs or on the road as I am today.

I arrived in Gunnison early evening last Friday, October 2nd. I was referred to a local restaurant for dinner. I sat at the bar waiting for a menu when I just didn't feel good about the place. I wanted something cozier and less noisy. So, I left. I drove down Main Street. Witnessed a barn load of steak houses. Nope, not for me. Then, I saw a sign out in front of "Sugah's." I inquired to a family who had just walked out your door. He stated, "best place in town."
 
The rest is wonderful history:
I sat at the bar (always do -- enjoy watching the chef be a chef and all the action in the kitchen). Carli took grand care of me. So did your chef. Okay, how do you prepare them collards?
 
After the Buttermilk Pie and a another glass of red, I patted my tummy, smiled, and thanked everyone for a special experience!
 
Congratulations, you two Sugah's! -gratefully, Russ Ahrens, Morrison, CO

Hello Mr.Burke;

I just felt the need to let you know how much I enjoy what you and your wife are doing down in Gunnison. My girlfriend and I are relatively new to the area,We arrived in Gunnison this January and our first stop was at your restaurant. After spending so many hours on the road,( We drove from Philadelphia) We were quite ready for a decent meal as you can imagine. We walked into your place and fell in love with the decor and atmosphere. I can't remember what she had but I'll never forget my Muffaletta! or the buttermilk pie! Since then we have visited your restaurant quite often - sometimes twice in a day!- My girlfriend and I are both Chefs and have visited an immeasurable amount of high profile restaurants from coast to coast, to say that yours is one of our favorite is a very high complement to you and your Restaurant. Just wanted to let you know what a fantastic job you and your staff are doing, Keep up the great work!

Sincerely Chef Daniel M Rosa

Sugah's experience is one to write about.

Editor:
I'm no certified food critic, but I can tell you that I really enjoy food. I love the experimentation of cooking — finding out which ingredients pair best with others, and creating things that will make the taste buds dance. But, since I enjoy cooking so much, and do a lot of it, I sometimes find it a challenge to eat an exceptional dinner out.
Last Friday night, however, my husband and I dined at Sugah's Cafe in Gunnison for the first time. We both had such a wonderful experience that I just had to write a letter about it!
The most delightful part of the meal was the "Rack of Lamb with Mint Pesto, over Mushroom Risotto." All I can say about this dish is, "Wow." Having lived in England for two years, I've eaten my share of lamb, with the traditional mint jelly, too ... but never in my life have I had such tender, robust flavored meat with a sauce that's just the perfect amount of sweet and savory.
Since the proportions were just right, we still had room for dessert — also a rarity in our eating-out experiences. The "Chocolate Panini" (served with a sweet-sour cream and strawberries) was exceedingly delicious and very unique.
And, to top it all off, Sugah's not only excels in culinary talent, but also in service. It was nice to be able to tell both owners in person (Matt and Charlotte) how much we took pleasure in and appreciated our dinner.
So, thanks Sugah's! Keep on dishing it out.

  -Michelle Allen, Gunnison