Where There’s Smoke

Regarding “Marvin Braude Nibbles While Restaurateurs Burn,” by Kathie Jenkins (Restaurant News, Nov. 28):

I must agree with the restaurateurs: All these fanatical nonsmokers should be more concerned with the air we breathe in Los Angeles and the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems in our places of work. I can bet they never ask when the last time maintenance was performed on these systems and what they’re inhaling every day from the debris.

At one time we all seemed to get along together; we had our sections, and they had theirs. I’d be a little concerned agreeing with a councilman like Marvin Braude. Who knows? The next thing a person like this could do is tell us what books to read, what TV shows to watch and what is to be printed in the paper.

Personally, I think Braude is full of hot air. And if he’s eating at the Souplantation, he sure must have a lot of it!

PHYLLIS ENGLE Burbank *

In spite of Braude’s choice of restaurants, I must come to his defense. No other group of businessmen I know of bridles so quickly and completely at the faintest whiff of criticism. Well so be it. Braude is 100% right in most cases.

L.A. restaurateurs have been getting away with murder for years. Everyone is a genius in a totally demand-driven economy. Well, guys, most of you are totally naked, and none of you are the emperors some of you act like. Restaurants are businesses. Too many owners are in show biz. Somebody should tell Mauro Vincenti that nouvelle is dead and that $24 for two ounces of pasta is criminal no matter how great the decor.

Bravo, Braude. We’ll get these guys dressed yet.

ARTHUR L. FINN Beverly Hills *

Cheers for Marvin Braude! After his successful fight to eliminate cigarette smoke in restaurants, perhaps he can clear the airwaves of another pollution--loud, obnoxious “background” music while dining.

CLARENCE BRAUER Manhattan Beach