Readers praise food writers Lori Midson and Laura Shunk

Westword's Cafe Section Stirring Reading I want to let you know that Lori Midson's Chef and Tell interview is my favorite part of Westword, even more than Savage Love (!). I'm amazed by how full a sense of each chef I get via her relevant, well-written bio data and meaningful...

December 20, 2011

[
        {
          "name": "Air - MediumRectangle - Inline Content - Mobile Display Size",
          "component": "12017618",
          "insertPoint": "2",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
        },{
          "name": "Editor Picks",
          "component": "17242653",
          "insertPoint": "4",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "1"
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "18838239",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Air - MediumRectangle - Combo - Inline Content",
          "component": "17261320",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "18838239",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Air - Leaderboard Tower - Combo - Inline Content",
          "component": "17261321",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        }
      ]

Westword's Cafe Section

Stirring Reading

I want to let you know that Lori Midson's Chef and Tell interview is my favorite part of Westword, even more than Savage Love (!). I'm amazed by how full a sense of each chef I get via her relevant, well-written bio data and meaningful questions. These interviews totally animate my memories of, and love for, the restaurant biz. Thanks again.

Marj Hahne

Lafayette

I have been following Laura Shunk for a long time and reading her reviews. I don't know what took me so long, but I recently visited a few of the places that she has featured. Her reviews are right on target. After a couple, I now just follow. I don't ask questions; I just get in my car and drive. Thank you so much for opening my eyes to new and interesting places.

Cheryl Llewellyn

Parker

"Ital Do," Laura Shunk, December 8

We Came, We Sauce

Such an interesting review of Mama Sanninos. How well I remember Jim's Pizzeria on Tejon and Paisan's Pizzeria on Colfax — such wonderful food. We ate at both locations for years and loved every bite. As a very young child, I remember a smiling man tossing the pizza crust at Jim's Pizzeria; they had a window where you could watch. We would go there and then off to Lakeside...days long gone by.

I did not know about this restaurant, and I certainly will be visiting soon. Thank you for history on this family, which is of great interest to those of us who have been around for a long time.

Sylvia Replogle

Denver

"SNAP Judgment," Jenny An, December 8

Stamp of Approval

I found myself on food stamps for several years, just getting off of them this past August. I agree that the system is a mess, broken and needs to be fixed. However, I did not experience the same problems. I went to DHS, filled out a form and then waited to see someone to set an appointment. I was given a long packet to fill out with instructions on what documents would be required. I came back for my appointment, turned everything in, and it was deemed that I met the rules for emergency food stamps at that appointment. I then had them in about two weeks.

In the last year, they changed to a self-service center where you go make the copies you need, attach them to your packet and put them in a collection bin: Bing-bang, you're out the door in five to ten minutes. I have had a few glitches along the way with my benefits, but it's all about getting them the documents they ask for.

Lloyd Moore

Denver

I Am Trying to Break Your Heart, Jef Otte, December 8

There Otte Be a Law

Jef Otte, here is a summary of your article: "Blah blah blah, I hate the Grateful Dead because I hate myself because I am ashamed of my body. So I will automatically hate anything about the Dead, especially a movie." Your article lacks the same imagination as your tripping experience. Some gay guy in a hat gives you mushrooms, you don't think to thank him, then you buy Skittles and look at them. You obviously are a social retard and a moron. If someone gave you a hooker and a limo, you would probably go sightseeing.

I am not in favor of this movie, by the way; the concept sounds awful. But your reasons for not seeing it are stupid. Really, you sound like a total dork. I hope you get some authentic life experiences someday soon, and maybe your writing will improve.

James Crossman

San Pedro, California

KEEP WESTWORD FREE... Since we started Westword, it has been defined as the free, independent voice of Denver, and we'd like to keep it that way. Your membership allows us to continue offering readers access to our incisive coverage of local news, food, and culture with no paywalls. You can support us by joining as a member for as little as $1.