An empty seat at the table

I learned with great sadness about David Shaw’s passing [“He Savored Life With Grace and Gusto,” Aug. 3]. I enjoyed his wit, outspokenness and depth of knowledge. So many of his articles made me think, laugh

His columns were the kind that I occasionally forwarded to friends and family for further discussion. I wish I had known him personally so that I could have made him a simple meal and enjoyed one of his fabulous bottles of wine!

I will miss his columns and insight, and I send my deepest sympathy to his family and colleagues.

LISA CLARK

Santa Monica

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COMING from Chennai, India, I find that Western food is still a novelty even though I have lived in Los Angeles for 15 years and travel to Europe frequently.

But what I found irresistible about Western cuisine was the weekly column of David Shaw in the Food section.

I drooled over the restaurant meals in which he partook, participated joyously in his forays into his lavish wine cellar, traveled with him to bucolic locations in search of truffles, frowned on his disparaging remarks at times about guests or a wine list, and could not wait to read his column again.

It is with great sadness that I say farewell to a dear companion whom I never met.

PREM KISHOTE

Reseda

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OVER the years, I became a fan of David Shaw’s “Matters of Taste” columns and eagerly searched the Food section for the next one. He could write on anything and I would savor his columns for their writing style, content and clarity.

As with a fine meal, I am left wishing for a second helping.

RALPH HAWKINS

Newport Beach

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MY husband and I were so saddened to read of David Shaw’s passing; it feels like a member of our own family died.

We both searched the Food section every Wednesday for his latest, and laughed together as we read his pieces. When he wrote the article at Thanksgiving about stealing the bird’s crispy skin, we brought it back East for our own Thanksgiving to inaugurate our own family’s war over the skin.

It was heartening to know there is another man, besides my husband, on the planet who plans his entire road trip in France and Italy around Michelin-starred restaurants. And the piece about rare hamburgers was priceless.

Gosh, we will miss him ... and we never even met him.

MARY KAYE ASHKENAZE AND DAVID ASHKENAZE

Laguna Niguel

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I was sad to read that David Shaw recently passed away.

In addition to enjoying his articles on subjects that I considered to be down to earth, like Dodger dogs and the beauty of a rare hamburger, I had positive experiences via e-mail with him.

On two occasions I had e-mailed the Food staff questions on the protocol of interacting with a sommelier and general fine-dining etiquette. Not only did his quick responses impress me, but he seemed to care genuinely about my experiences as a diner.

His death is a loss for us all.

ROBERT LARRIVA

Los Feliz

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DAVID, gee, that was a heck of a way to leave us. I know you’re really on board a plane to Paris right now, where you have reservations at some great Michelin two- and three-star restaurants. Knowing you as my favorite columnist and e-mail pal, I’m sure you’ve brought along your own pate, cheese, salami, bread and chicken -- and your reading material. Enjoy! Don’t forget to send us an e-mail on your return.

IRENE DEBLASIO

Studio City