DIFFERING VIEWS

Finally, someone is willing to tell the truth about a Hollywood staple (“Still Alive and, Well, . . .” May 4). Arriving here five years ago, I heard, “That’s Locanda Veneta; you can’t get in; Rob Reiner dines there every night.” So, I was determined to get in when I could afford it but when I finally could, I was shocked to find that “fine” dining wasn’t that good.

The thing that Virbila left out was the militant service staff--hostess, waiters, chef--explaining that certain ingredients couldn’t be omitted from dishes, allergies or not. “Choose another dish” was their suggestion. And after much international traveling in search of the perfect meal, I had to come home to experience the first restaurant ever to ask our birthday party to leave because we’d stayed too long and there were people waiting for our table.

If you’re wondering, I ate there three times, and each experience was worse than the last. Bravo, Ms. Virbila, for having the guts to tell the truth.

Markus Flanagan

Bel-Air

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I believe that Virbila’s knockout punch missed the mark by a mile. It was an insult to the people who frequent Locanda Veneta and to the owners and employees. The whole tone of the article was crude and bordered on overkill.

Millie Zimring

West Los Angeles