The solution to dining dinWe enjoyed S....

The solution to dining din

We enjoyed S. Irene Virbila’s “Here’s to the Ladies Who Lunch Very Loudly” (July 1). It really hit home. We have traveled to Europe many times and never had the experiences we have had in Los Angeles restaurants with regard to patrons speaking so loudly, either to a dining companion or on a cellphone.

A solution is to simply ask the person to speak more softly. Another approach is to ask the waiter or manager to have them pipe down or say that you will leave. After all, we pay to enjoy our meal, and if some boors want to destroy it and ruin our digestion, it is time to speak up. Sitting there and taking it is ridiculous. We have heard it all, from hemorrhoids to sexual encounters, and usually decide not to return to the restaurant.

Marcia and Gary Hollander

Beverly Hills

*

There’s an odd culture surrounding the cellphone in this country. It became more obvious to me after having been in Zurich and Paris recently and seeing, but not hearing, people chatting on their cellphone in restaurants. The cultural norm is to talk quietly. So quiet that their voice level is below normal table conversation ... and European tables are really close together! It was both charming and refreshing.

The problem here is the “Look at me, I’m important” attitude. Perhaps the cellphone is still too new in our culture for the “older folks” to realize how ubiquitous it has become.

All they need to do is visit a high school to find out otherwise.

Randy Knox

Culver City

*

I’m almost positive I’m guilty of “lunching loudly” with my girlfriends when we all get together! I’m not 100% certain, but it sounds like my bunch of friends! We’re having so much fun we probably don’t even realize how loud we are.

I’ll definitely be more aware the next time we’re together having dinner!

D. JoLai Draper

Inglewood

*

S. Irene Virbila, please consider doing a Civilized Diners Manifesto and continue to write more about noise. We have to stop this serial rudeness before it takes over the world.

Arthur Auerbach

Newport Beach