I am writing in response to Elaine T. Cicora's Cafe review "A Night Out at Home" [March 11]. I have been a patron of Fanny's Restaurant for more than thirty years. As a child, my granny treated me, and, as an adult, I have treated myself, my family, and many of my clients to the "Fanny's experience." It is my humble opinion that they must be doing something right. I love hamburgers, and I love a good steak. If I am dining at, let's say, Morton's, I expect a certain level of service and food quality--and I almost always pay more than $100 for it. Fanny's is not Morton's, nor does it pretend to be. Elaine, get off your high horse!
You forgot to mention that, at Fanny's, there is no valet parking, no coat check, and most important, that you were not served lemon sorbet to clear your palate before your meal. You poor, poor woman. Some days, your job must be unbearable. Though this poorly written draft begins on a somewhat positive note, about halfway through, the tide turns to criticisms that might have been appropriate if she were reviewing a five-star restaurant--but not a little moms-and-pops like Fanny's. Cicora mentions that "veggies are plucked from the freezer" and that Fanny's uses "frozen" fish filets. Do you, an "experienced" reviewer, find the use of frozen food products at Fanny's to be noteworthy? I was under the impression that this is the norm.
Finally, you criticized the service you received on one occasion you descended from the heavens to sample Fanny's offerings. You have a mouth and a hand to raise for help, right? I'm sure your server, though in a "trice," passed your table once or twice during your meal. Emily Post would not dock you points for asking your server to heat up your coffee or to take away a dirty plate.
Michael J. Mugridge
Cleveland
Libeling the Messiah
Your commitment to the "Jesus of the Week" is offensive, socially irresponsible, and shows very poor taste on your behalf. What is the benefit in slandering the majestic Jesus Christ to the many who hold Him dear? The March 11 issue shows a child Jesus holding a lamb looking for the G-spot. What are your standards of fitness-to-print? Had you run the same cartoon with any other figure, how long do you think it would have taken for the lawsuits to start rolling in? I know there are very creative and talented people in Cleveland that are capable of creating much better spots than what is currently filling up the space. You can do better. I hope you will.
Paul T. Kraker
Strongsville
Reader Roots Out Anti-Christ
After reading several issues of Scene at my local bagel shop and almost choking with disgust (not with my bagel), I had to ask myself, Who is the anti-Christ on your staff? The answer is Peter Gilstrap, creator of the "Jesus of the Week" feature. His artistic flare and insensitivity to the Christian faith are horrendous. Research and archeological finds have proven Christianity. Christianity is not a sign of weakness but of strength. The mass media and population are adrift, and, secretly, they want an anchor!
I smell a political agenda of his here. I find it amazing how people are making up their own moral codes or religious value systems, while stepping on 2,000 years of faithful Christianity. Gilstrap had better wish that he is not in a life-threatening situation soon; it might be a Christian who will help save him.
The Jerry Springer show is always looking for morally bankrupt people; I am sure that Gilstrap will fit in nicely.
Darren Harnegie
Berea
Hicksville Responds
I would like to respond to Yanina Brodsky's letter to the editor ["Manson's March From Hicksville," February 25]. It's true that Canton, Akron, and Massillon are smaller cities than Cleveland. But these little hick towns lead the world in roller bearing manufacturing, sweepers, tires, and rubber products. The NFL or the Browns would not exist without these small towns. And these towns gave you Devo, the O-Jays, the Leverts, Marilyn Manson, and Tim "the Ripper" Owens of Judas Priest.
I'm not trying to say that Cleveland is a bad city by any means. Thank you for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Oh, yes, let us not forget Michael Stanley. Just remember to talk nice about your smaller sister cities, because they also are a big part of what makes Ohio great.
J.C. Salyers
Canton
