Student disagrees with Spice Rack’s Boba Suite critique

I have been a regular reader of The Daily Orange for several years, and I have enjoyed its frankness. Of particular interest has been the review column for eateries (which led me to briefly discover the gourmet popcorn shop). So, imagine my surprise when Boba Suite, my favorite tea house I visit regularly, was panned in the lowest way possible in an obviously biased and unprofessional review.

It is true that Boba Suite has had a checkered past. If I had read the article a year or two ago, it would have been correct – Boba Suite was overpriced and generally unimpressive under its previous owner.

However, under its current ownership for the past year, Boba Suite has exceeded in its selection of options and quality. If you want a place to relax with friends and try new, delicious combinations of fresh bubble tea, smoothies or lemonade, there is no better place, from my experience.

Its “competitor,” Unique Tea House, actually a friend and ally of Boba Suite, is great if you want traditional bubble tea with a traditional atmosphere. Comparing the two is like comparing apples and oranges. Is an orange terrible because it does not look like an apple? Apparently, according to Riddley. Boba Suite’s Almond Milk Tea is one of my personal favorites – I have never tasted anything artificial about it.

Aside from personal taste, “Battle of the Boba” from March 6’s “Spice Rack” is FAR out of line. The ending of, “go to Unique Tea House instead of Boba Tea” is what made me throw down my copy of The Daily Orange in disgust. There was an article last year in it about how students of Syracuse University and the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry had banded together to support the tea house as it struggled to remain open after its buyout. Since then, it has become a beloved hangout – but one currently struggling because of its past reputation – and reviews like this. Did Boba poison a loved one, Riddley? Or are you just trying to drive it out of business for your weekly story?

Unless I hear of its accuracy and professionalism improving, expect DO’s “Spice Rack” to be ranked below National Inquirer in the consideration of value I give to it. I truly hope this does not represent The Daily Orange’s official policy toward journalism and local businesses.

With utmost disappointment,
Robert Stelmach

State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry Graduate Student