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Spiny Lobster with Chanterelles
Hey, since we're on the subject, Duhbya :) Looking for good seafood restaurants in moderate range downtown LA for tomorrow, and tired of Yelp and Chowhound reviews. Whaddya think?— June 19, 2009 1:32 p.m.
Letters
MsGrant, I am surprised that someone as usually thoughtful and measured in response as you are would resort to the same old same old cry of "pretentious." Why, in this publication, are the writers who exhibit the most seasoned control of the English language, again and again called out as "pretentious?" When I read Ms. Wise, I sense a playfulness, a willingness to dip here and there into brief digression with cheesy but appetizing puns, or indulge in some fun with onomatopoeia or alliteration--she isn't afraid to play with either her food or her language,and she plays seriously. Again, people--these are serving "suggestions." Same goes for Duncan, whose sometime curmudgeonliness adds some character to his coverage of film on screen and DVD. It is astonishing that the average Reader reader seems to think that a review must agree with his or her own opinions, or with some popular concensus, in order to be worthy criticism. Reader readers who hate need to expand their critical horizons--and their definition of criticism.— June 18, 2009 12:11 p.m.
Smoking or Non?
[insert death knell here] Believe me, no one is sadder about it than those of us who love language, and happen to try and make a living from it. Silvergate1, I enjoyed some of Widmer's articles, and appreciated her writing, but am happy to have a reviewer with more expansive, adventurous, ethnic, and updated tastes.— June 17, 2009 9:57 p.m.
Banker's Hill/Mercy Outpatient
Thank you for making ME smile, gentlemen :)— June 17, 2009 10 a.m.
Smoking or Non?
Well, you know how they tend to fall off the bone, heh heh.— June 17, 2009 12:58 a.m.
Smoking or Non?
Some or even half of the attention attracted to this review happened because certain disgruntled HOB commenters decided to accuse Ms. Wise of racism. As a pesce-tarian, I have not much to do with hardcore BBQ, but as a reasonable Reader reader, I cannot stand slander where unwarranted. Slanderous accusation of racism differs greatly from the substance of an honest, negative review. I also disagree with those who find it objectionable that a food critic should deliver a negative review of a restaurant. Reviewers, whether literary, theatric, food, etc. --review-- negatively and positively, as their experience on the night or nights in question dictates. Take what you like and leave the rest. It is a serving 'suggestion.' Naomi Wise is not out to ruin anyone's business, but she is honest and as passionate about food as a critic should be about her subject. People, critics are famously un-bribe-able (picture scene from The Producers with Zero Mostel and horrified theatre crtic: "...and there's a lot more where that came from, too bub." They are about as purely disinterested as you can get. However, she would probably be the first to say hey, don't take my word alone--go experience for yourself. Grammar and spelling: Yes, we all know texting is here to stay, at least until more immediate forms of gratification, such as holographs-- replace it. Yes, it makes my job teaching in the field of literature, language, and business communications, increasingly difficult, especially when it comes to basic business communications. "Thru" is not a word--no matter what the fast food lanes claim. We must use words to communicate our opinions effectively, lest they be dismissed. But it isn't just the texting terms: "I almost threw up" is not appropriate to a food review. Mourn the loss of literacy. Sympathies and hopes to those with children at war. Many of my students are enlisted and stationed abroad, and I am glad to have them from across the distance, Okinawa or Iraq. But you are right--this also has nothing to do with Q, or with food reviewing--no more than does the content of our bank accounts.— June 17, 2009 12:39 a.m.
Escondido by Night
Apology accepted, and sorry we didn't get it. Why purge? I mean, isn't the Net a purge in itself? C'mon, let's put on the mouse ears and form the J. Brizz pyramid club! :)— June 17, 2009 12:08 a.m.
Banker's Hill/Mercy Outpatient
Update! I spoke to Lawrence on the bus yesterday, and he is still waiting for that ride to Yuma. His leg is much better. He confirms that he has two degrees, one in psychology, and one in science. He claims that since he's been retired, he's had not much fun in life. His face is streaked with grit and weather, and about the color of his hair, but his eyes are still very blue. I asked him if he feels differently about people since he's been homeless. Unfortunately, it was hard to discern his reply over the rumble of the bus engine. Something about being kind to them. However, I did catch most of the part about being shot in the face in 'Nam, and understanding the experiences of vets. Lawrence appears to be a rough-worn 40-something, which makes being shot in 'Nam seem fairly unlikely. In parting, he expressed his wish to have some fun, and to get over to Mission Hills. I reminded him to exit at University Ave., where the #10 would convey him thus. Exeunt.— June 16, 2009 11:58 p.m.
By the way, refried, to be polite, it's "antigeeKESS" (not 'ness'). I don't think she'll make it--not in SD.— June 16, 2009 11:17 p.m.
So 7:30pm, people? I don't care how late, but for some people, it's a week night. Magics, I wrote back on FB. We need to prod people like MsGrant, etc. to see if they are still on. As for Spliff, I wouldn't hold my breath (at least not as long as he does, hee hee, I floor myself).— June 16, 2009 5:11 p.m.