Most fraternities and sororities have a couple of places that serve as the unofficial gathering place for members to meet for dinner, lunch or a beer or glass of wine. For BRTU members as well as many guides and outfitters, that place was probably the Spice of Life on Second Street in Hamilton.

Since Karen Suennen opened "Spice" so many years ago, it was unusual to go there without seeing other BRTU members, guides and outfitters with clients, or other anglers enjoying the fine food and drink. Karen along with Ellen Holland and other Spice staff even catered our banquets for several years when we had them at the Bedford Building. And in recent years, we always took our meeting speakers to dinner there before their programs, and Karen would donate a portion of the proceeds to our chapter.

Sadly, that era ended recently when Karen refused to risk the health of her staff and faithful clientele after a new landlord tried to force her to open unsafely during the pandemic. So, she has taken down and stored the "Spice of Life" sign until such time as the business is ready for a new era in a new location under the toque of DJ.

The Bitterroot has lost not only a fine eating establishment, but also a local institution that was a key pleasure of living in the Bitterroot for so many of us. I know that you all will join me in thanking Karen, Ellen, DJ and the rest of the staff for all their hard work and in wishing them all well.