Readers Recommend

* California: Ajor-Helyn Johnson, Redondo Beach: John Dunne Gourmet Dining Room at Santa Barbara City College, 721 Cliff Drive, Santa Barbara 93109; telephone (805) 965-0581, Ext. 2773. “Excellent food prepared and served by culinary students. Ocean view. Reservations recommended.” Lunch $8.50-$12.50 (Mondays through Fridays); five-course dinner $23.50 (Thursdays, Fridays). Closed holidays, summer, between semesters.

* Italy: Esther and Floyd Meyers, Encino: Alberghetto la Marianna, via Regina 57, Cadenabbia, Lago di Como; tel./fax 011-39-0344-43095, Internet https://www.la-marianna.com. “Eight-room hotel in 19th century Lake Como coach house. Warm, helpful owner, fluent in English. Excellent breakfasts (included). Restaurant, La Cucina della Marianna, serves fine meals.” Rates: about $57 double; four-course dinner, $28.

* Scotland: Ken Donelson, Chandler, Ariz.: Royal Hotel, 40 Victoria St., Kirkwall, Orkney KW15 1DN; tel. 011-44-1856-873-477, e-mail royalhotel@supanet.com . “Quiet, friendly hotel just off the main shopping street in Kirkwall, Orkney Islands.” Rates: about $116 double, with breakfast; $507 per week for apartments. Discounts in winter and for multiple nights.