Letters

Yin's Yang
She loves Jimmi Yin's:Jimmi Yin's is an exciting and refreshing addition to the world of fast-food restaurants, not to mention a welcome diversion from the oh-so-boring and predictable chain restaurants that overpopulate our metropolitan area [Rose Martelli, "Wok and Woe," June 2]. Fresh ingredients, friendly staff, affordable prices and an inviting atmosphere combine to make Jimmi's one of my personal favorites.

The wasabi mustard offered with the crab wontons is one of the best dipping sauces I have ever sampled. The chicken in the Thai vegetable toss is tender, juicy and plentiful enough to make a meal for two. And I found the cherry rice pudding to be light and refreshing, a pleasant way to finish a very satisfying meal.

I was greatly disappointed to read Rose Martelli's harsh criticisms, and I am saddened that her experience was not an enjoyable one. My hopes are that other readers will not be discouraged by Martelli's article. Featuring a diverse menu that offers many options for carb counters, vegetarians and those with a sense of adventure, Jimmi Yin's is worthy of a much better review.
Natalie Schaefer
Rock Hill

He loves Jimmi Yin's not:I agree with Rose Martelli's review of Jimmi Yin's. My only problem with her article is that she was too kind. It is less than terrible! Our two visits there (first and last) had all the elements of her article, and more.
Larry Morgan
Clayton

Lew's Krewes
Toreador, don't spit on the floor...:I read Howard Gotfryd's critique of Lew Prince's May 26 Carmen review [Letters, June 2], and you know, he's right. Opera reviews should be written in standard English. In fact, everything should be written in standard English. To do my part, I offer the following opening from a major work of American literature, set right and proper:

"You aren't familiar with me unless you have read a book by the name of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, but that is not important. That book was written by Mr. Mark Twain, and he told the truth, for the most part. There were things he exaggerated, but in the majority of instances he told the truth."

Much better, by jingo. Come back tomorrow and we'll sing a chorus of "Elderly Man River" -- "He must know something, but doesn't say anything...."
Paul J. Stamler
St. Louis

BÖC Rules
Together in eternity:Dissing Blue Öyster Cult was pathetic [Jason Toon, "Music to Chew To," May 26]. For one thing, bands from that era were interested in making music, not just money. I agree with Toon's assessment of "Don't Fear the Reaper," but "Godzilla" and "Burning for You" are excellent classics as well. The current band is a superb live band and had three great releases in the last four years.

Of course, you are not going to agree with this assessment if other genres are your cup of tea. You guys are generally slanted to pop, hip-hop and straight alternative rock. Nothing wrong with those genres, but BÖC helped create (in a big way) the neo-metal bands of today. These guys were one of the first and probably most important metal bands in their era.

One last thing: Watching Buck Dharma play guitar is a true experience. It is no wonder many critics consider him one of the best guitar players who ever lived. He and the band didn't disappoint at the RibFest, and if they come around here again, I urge all rock & roll fans to go out and check out their brand of groovin' jams.
Joe Mayer
St. John

Lampoon This
Wrong side of the river:Being a lifelong and proud resident of St. Louis, it pains me to inform you that the Griswolds found themselves lost in the urban wastelands of St. Louis, not Illinois ["A River Runs Through It," May 5]. While I would love to hand this rather dubious distinction off to East St. Louis, the philosopher in me demands that the truth be known. An overhead shot clearly depicts the family truckster heading west over the river before having to deal with rib tips and Cousin Jackie. Our plucky neighbor to the east has enough problems already, as your article points out, and should not suffer the further indignity of being known as the ghetto of National Lampoon's Vacation.
Steve Kratky
St. Louis

Editor's note: For more on the Griswolds, see this week's Unreal.

Twice Is Nice
Late last month the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis presented Geri L. Dreiling with a Gateway Gavel Award for Journalism for 2004. Dreiling was honored for "Best Evidence" (published July 2, 2003), the story of George Allen, who was convicted more than twenty years ago of a brutal rape and murder and now awaits the results of a DNA test that might exonerate him.

A $500 scholarship in Dreiling's name was presented to Susan Schroer, a student at Drury University and a resident of Troy.

The Gateway Gavel Awards are presented annually to recognize local journalists whose reportage helps to increase public understanding of the legal system.

Dreiling won the award last year as well, for "New City Trick" (published September 11, 2002), a story about an innovative community court pioneered by St. Louis Municipal Court Judge Jim Sullivan to target prostitution in the inner city.