Letters for April 30, 2009

Biased reviewer

Re “For the dogs” (Food Finds, April 23):

What’s up with your attack on our family’s restaurant Freeman’s Natural Hotdogs? Many people have asked me if the author, Grant Nejedlo, has a personal beef with us. He definitely didn’t take the time to write an accurate, factual review. He said we lack innovation because we serve only hot dogs? Would you say the same thing about a pizza parlor that serves only pizza or a sandwich shop that sells only sandwiches? I’d like to add that we do sell salads, house-made chili, nachos, and an assortment of all natural snack items.

He mentioned that eating hot dogs is a “calculated risk.” Our whole point is that it doesn’t have to be if you sell the right kinds of health-conscious products. He just doesn’t get it, but thankfully many people do! So far our business has been a great success with many loyal customers who eat here almost daily.

A few things really irked me about the inaccuracy of the review. First, he made a point of complaining that we don’t have celery salt. We have it, his friend just didn’t ask! Also he groaned that our buns were stale; impossible, they’re baked fresh daily from the bakery just down the street. They possibly were not warmed to the correct temperature; a point of contention that I am constantly on my employees about. I wish they would have complained on the spot, and we would have steamed them new ones right away. Which brings me to my criticism of the RN&R for printing such a horrible review after experiencing a place one time, especially with a group of “critical individuals” who enjoy “unrelenting bashing” without getting their facts straight. This is no way to approach an unbiased review of a family’s livelihood.

Lastly, I would like to comment about the “cross contamination” issue he claimed to have witnessed. I would like to stress that we take immense care to separate meat and non-meat items. We have a separate steamer for our veggie dogs and use separate tongs to handle each. We do use gloved hands to sprinkle our cheese, but we use serving utensils for every other item. Also, we change our gloves all the time! If you are a strict vegan, let us know just as a reminder, and we will be sure to use fresh gloves.

I don’t feel this was a fair and accurate review and urge free-thinking people to give us a try and form their own opinions.

Noel Judal
Reno

Who says grace?

Re “Miss miss” (Upfront, April 30):

Well, former Miss Nevada, you are the one who lacks social grace and apparently common sense. Miss California answered her question with the truth in her heart, with what she believes, and she should not have been excoriated by the media or the likes of a Perez Hilton or any up-and-comer Hollywood type such as yourself. Perez Hilton was the person who made this a political issue, intentionally. He is all about drama. So why are you not commenting on Perez Hilton’s lack of social grace? You, as a walking, talking human being and a woman, should be outraged at what this guy said to her. This guy is nothing but a scumbag who somehow has been propped to a celebrity status by the Hollywood types and wannabes such as you. You are a sad representation of the fine state of Nevada.

Donna King
Minden

Negative reviewer

Re “For the dogs” (Food Finds, April 23):

The immediate mood that I got out of the beginning of this article—regardless if Freeman’s was good or bad—was negative. What kind of way is that to start an article for a new local business in Reno? If something doesn’t seem quite right to me, as a customer, I’ll simply ask questions before I purchase food from an establishment. I’ve seen the celery salt every time I’ve gone in there. God forbid it’s not out. Does that mean it’s not OK to ask someone if they have celery salt? Did the author question why there is a charge for condiments? Are they made in house? Could they be organic? Are they made with better quality oils? Are they just another restaurant that gets the majority of its supplies and food from Sysco and U.S. Foods?

I like the fact that my hot dog (vegan or meat) is buried under fresh ingredients. I also enjoy the option to eat locally-made wheat bread. Once again, if you wanted a hot dog and a bun, I’m sure if you asked they would gladly do it for you. The main problem in this article is the lack of concern and communication by whoever wrote the article. Go into a business with an open mind, ask questions before you publicly criticize someone’s business.

Zach Rawlinson
Reno

Biased reporter

Re “Death STAR” (Feature story, April 23):

Dennis Myers has a very limited understanding of the purpose or function of STAR bond financing. I am a little surprised that such a blatantly biased and uninformed article from someone who clearly struggles with the concept of community development and investment wasn’t balanced with an informative retort from the other side. The STAR bond process is vigorous and substantial and requires a substantial monetary investment from the developer who has made huge commitments to this area. If he took more than 10 minutes formulating his article I would be surprised. He probably felt the “Death Star” analogy was sufficient literary effort for this week. I cannot imagine that he clearly or fully represented Mayor Martini’s comments on the issue. I think RN&R should invite someone who has studied the process and understands it to write a thoughtful article, let Myers stick to writing poor science fiction fantasies.

Jon Bailey
Reno

Ignorant reviewer

Re “Bohemian rhapsody” (Musicbeat, April 23):

Brad Bynum, who by his own admission has a very thin and sketchy knowledge and appreciation of opera, dares to compare La Bohème with rap music. While rap music has its place in the entertainment field, it is fad music and like all fad music will fade into obscurity, while treasures like La Bohème will endure long after he and rap are long gone. In short, Bynum doesn’t know what he is talking about.

Mario Duran
Sparks