Letters
The Diner
Many thanks for Alison Arnett's delightful article ("The Secret Life of a Restaurant Critic," October 9). It's great context for reading reviews by her and others; it gives a fine understanding of the process that leads to a review. And she makes vivid the delight and torment of her reviewing experiences. Keep up the good work!
Matt Fichtenbaum /// Chelmsford
I thank Alison Arnett for the tip to eat two bites from each plate - I'm also a determined size 4 who loves to eat and cook. But what happens when she dines with a crowd?
Beth Pfeiffer McNay /// Lincoln
I enjoyed Alison Arnett's article about the secret life of a food critic. Here are some secrets about being a food server. Wages are as little as $2.63 an hour. Benefits are virtually nonexistent. And guests, while generally nice, can be rude, unpredictable, and unappreciative.
Dave Gilloran /// Malden
Least Authentic
The "Most Authentic Restaurants" issue advises visitors to one restaurant to "check out the impressive photo gallery of African-American luminaries like Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, and Martin Luther King Jr." I gather neither the writer nor the editor is aware that two of the three persons mentioned are not African-American.
Judy Johnson /// Norwood
The editors regret the error.
Square Like Me
I needed to shout "Exactly!" in response to Elinor Lipman's essay ("Coupling," October 9). I know same-sex couples who are committed and monogamous, and straight (and strait-laced) couples, hellbent against any marriage other than one-man-one-woman, who personally break many a moral code. This needs to be underscored, in part so the fears of the ignorant are abated, but equally to shine a light on the relationships that really need focus and attention. All relationships require trust and work and support. Let's leave it at that and stay out of bedrooms.
Sarah Hilgendorff List /// Reading
Perhaps "Judgmental Like Me" would have been a better title. When Elinor Lipman described her friend with the open marriage, she mentioned her "happy smile" and her husband's support. There was no dishonesty involved, and no indication that anyone - except Lipman - was unhappy with the arrangement. Does their love and support count for less because it makes Lipman squeamish? Perhaps she has more in common with those who oppose same-sex marriage than she'd like to think.
Michelle Holcomb /// Somerville
Let Them Bring Cake
I read with interest Robin Abrahams's response to the woman who was asked to bake a cake for her friend's wedding ("Miss Conduct," October 9). In Germany, where I come from, weddings tend to be big parties where guests celebrate with the bride and groom - and often help out with entertainment, centerpieces, or food. Yes, it can be a lot of work, but friends happily do it to make the day even more special.
Michele Koeller /// Cambridge
Editor's note: We misidentified the photographer who took the cover shot of US Representative Barney Frank for our October 2 issue. The photographer is Chris Hartlove. We regret the error.
