John Adcock
Houston
I had the same asparagus sandwich that Ms. Briggs had -- isn't prosciutto supposed to be thin? I found it to be a perfect sandwich for my lunch, refreshing, not heavy, and extremely healthy. I am certainly not a food connoisseur, but I am a paying customer with a bit of food-industry experience, and I appreciate the uniqueness of 43 Brasserie.
The negative review did disappoint, but did not surprise me. It was typical of someone's taste who is used to Southern food: lots of meat and loads of fat. The 43 Brasserie is very simple, very fresh. I urge everyone to try it at least once; it won't satisfy everyone, but it is an exceptional alternative to much of what Houston has to offer.
Shannon Mullican
Houston
(Styro)foaming at the Mouth
Concerning the review of Riva's ["Inner-City Suburban," by Margaret L. Briggs, March 9]: Why would a food critic order a crème brûlée to go? Okay, I'm sure she has her reasons. But why compound the mistake by disparaging its appearance in a Styrofoam box? Having a tight schedule is normal and excusable; being daft, less so.
Please tell me she's joking when she encounters some melon in her salad and denounces it as "arbitrary accessorizing" because there is no prosciutto to accompany it. Brings to mind Grandma bemoaning the green beans because they contain dehydrated onions but lack the cream of mushroom soup.
Joseph Kasper
Houston
Briggs responds: Reread, please! I didn't disparage that poor crème brûlée, I pitied it. And if melon's not thrown in a salad for texture and taste -- and in the case of limp, mushy, flavorless melon, how could it be? -- then it is indeed arbitrary. Or downright daft.
No Take-out Brûlée?
Your review of John Crapitto's Italian restaurant was right on target ["All Joking Aside," by Margaret L. Briggs, March 23]. For my money, it's the best-kept secret in town!
D. Mouton
Houston
Puckered Out
Great article ["Everyband," by Anthony Mariani, March 30]!
As a 31-year-old, I can look back at my childhood and remember buying all the magazines that had KISS on the cover and making a huge poster collage on my wall. Yes, I was a KISS freak, as we were called back then. Over time my interest waned and my KISS merchandise eventually dwindled.
Now, as I watch these aging rockers go through their paces, I marvel at their business savvy. To say that fans want to hear Peter and Ace play songs that they were not a part of is simply genius! As a loyal fan, I must say that it is like a slap in the face to make Peter and Ace play songs that were not popular (for a reason: because the songs sucked).
If you listen to KISS Alive, you will notice the power these legends had together. The spectacle you see now is the result of hype and excess, a tragic but beautiful KISStory indeed.
Ed Tatuaca
Houston
