Open House - Brief Article

Letters from our readers

More places to taste Basque cuisine

Re: "A Taste of Basque Country" (May, page 164). My husband and I enjoy eating out and trying foods that I would not normally cook at home. Thank you for giving us some new places to try. However, you missed our favorite for excellent Basque food in Los Banos, CA: Wool Growers (609 H St.; 209/826-4593).

Marilyn Ankney

SAN JOSE

In Fresno, the Landmark Restaurant (644 E. Olive Ave.; 559/233-6505) features a Basque table, with several courses and wine, at 12:30 Monday through Friday They also serve Basque entrees at lunch and dinner. I have never had an unsatisfactory meal. The owners, Jack and Anita Parker, are wonderful hosts.

Gloria Bottini

MAOEEA, CA

California mission revisited

Re: "Secret Spring Detour off U.S. 101" (April, page 48 most editions). I was delighted to see your article including information on Mission San Antonio de Padua (shown above). The Franciscans, in cooperation with Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, sponsor a six-week archaeological field school at Mission San Antonio every summer. Two years ago it was my privilege to be a student at that school and experience life in the mission compound. Coyotes still howl under the mission windows at night, and hawks glide over the fields. I hope Californians (and the rest of us) will always be able to view this mission in its unique rural setting and appreciate the epic history it represents.

Pat Mellor

ST. GEORGE, UT

Where Zane Grey slept on Catalina

My husband and I read with interest the article on Catalina Island ("Twenty-Six Miles Across the Sea," May). We have vacationed there off and on since the '60s. I couldn't believe that you would list places to stay and not include the Zane Grey Pueblo (310/510-0966). It was Zane Grey's home at one time. It is up the hill away from the village, and there is a swimming pool.

Kate Reeves

MOUNTAIN CENTER, CA

Editor's note: Built in 1926, Zane Grey Pueblo has 16 guest rooms. Summer rates run $80 to $110 per night Monday through Thursday, $135 to $165 Friday through Sunday, with a two-night minimum stay on weekends.

Thanks to folks who worked to protect the Santa Monica Mountains

I enjoyed very much the article by Matthew Jaffe in the April issue on the Santa Monica Mountains ("California Eden," page 72 most editions). Over the course of 30 years, many people gave much time and money to protect what has become the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. These folks were working through large organizations like the Sierra Club, smaller groups such as the Friends of the Santa Monica Mountains, and as individuals to help create a wilderness area within Los Angeles and Ventura counties. I believe we owe a great big thank you to those people who unselfishly gave themselves over to the idea of preserving this public treasure.

Bill Richardson

VAN NUYS, CA

Taco party is a team effort

"The Great Taco Hunt" (March, page 108) was an inspiration. We had the taco party using the fillings and condiments you suggested. I cooked all the fillings for two mornings prior to the party, and my partner, Bonnie McConnell, assisted with decorating and organizing. All the partygoers brought condiments and appropriate desserts (like flan). The party was a resounding success!

Lucille Williams

PHOENX

COPYRIGHT 2000 Sunset Publishing Corp.
COPYRIGHT 2000 Gale Group