Food for Peace

Regarding Kathryn Robinson’s review (“The Chic of Araby,” July 2011), Golden Beetle isn’t a political statement, but I’m very aware of its social value among guests from the Arab world, such as RN74 restaurateur Michael Mina who said,“This falafel tastes just like my mom makes it, in Cairo!” There are first-generation Lebanese guests coming in, enjoying traditional kibbe, in a fancy restaurant, with a noted chef—who felt that a dish from their country was so special it should be showcased on the menu.

There is much healing that needs to be done here in the U.S. between Muslim and Christian cultures, and sharing the joy of food from your culture is a wonderful way to develop love and connectedness with others, regardless of race or religion.
Maria Hines
Owner and Chef, Golden Beetle,
Seattle

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Better Than a Barrier

While the suicide of Kaylan Campbell (“The Girl on the Bridge,” July 2011) is of course both tragic and extremely sad, it is extremely simplistic to assume that a suicide barrier on the Aurora Bridge will actually prevent suicides. While it may provide relief for the people who live below the bridge and perhaps prevent traffic inconveniences, the reality is that people who are looking to end their lives will simply find other ways or other bridges from which to do it. The most effective way of preventing suicide is to make sure that people who are suffering from depression get the help that they need, not by building a high fence to dissuade jumpers.
Mykle Ludvigsen
Vancouver, BC

• • •

Extra Protection

After reading “The Girl on the Bridge” (July 2011), I cried. The history behind the Aurora Bridge has forever changed my view about what it stands for. It’s unfortunate that it took so long for people to realize the importance of putting up extra protection, and it’s more unfortunate that it wasn’t completed before one more person was able to jump from it.

I understand the feeling of losing someone to suicide, as my grandfather took his own life when I was younger. Suicide is one of the hardest things to understand, and I don’t know if I ever will. I never met Kaylan but was greatly touched by her story. Kaylan sounds like she was a very sweet, kind, beautiful person. I hope her tragedy can bring some assistance to other people who feel the only way out is suicide, and I hope her friends and family don’t blame themselves for her death.

Thank you for bringing a face to the issue of suicide and what an impact it can have on people.
Jessica Gaab
via seattlemet.com

• • •

Home Improvement Idea

I love the new kitchen (“Update for a Beacon Hill Craftsman Kitchen,” July 2011); what about the old? A nice “before” pic in that article would make the “after” shine .
Ryan Biesemeyer
via Twitter

• • •

Once and Future Mariners

A bit premature don’t you think? As I read “A King’s Ransom” (June 2011), the Mariners have just called up top prospect Dustin Ackley. Trading Felix now would be the biggest mistake Jack Z. could ever make. It bothers me how it is perceived that the only way to win is to trade your best players for top players in positions of need, forgetting that this team is building its future through the farm system. The Mariners have one of the deepest minor league systems in the majors, with players continuously emerging with major league potential.

Safeco is notorious for being a pitcher’s park, so it makes perfect sense that we have one of the best pitching staffs in the American League, while we rank among the worst in hitting. To trade for a bunch of sluggers would be a mistake (we have tried this several times over the years, think Beltre and Sexson, among others). For power hitters, this park is where they go to die, get traded out of fan/management frustration, and reemerge on a team in a park that doesn’t treat hitters like a redheaded stepchild.

The Mariners need a core of fast defense, top-notch pitching, and hitters who can manufacture enough runs to sneak by and win series. That is what will lead them to a championship within five years.
Kurt Michael Ricketts
Wallingford

• • •

Cherry Champion

I looked through your recent publication on Pike Place Market (“Local’s Guide to the Pike Place Market,” June 2011) and noticed that Chukar Cherries was overlooked. Since Chukar’s mission is to promote Northwest cherries, I wanted to be sure to amend that. Chukar was launched on our family cherry orchard in Prosser, Washington, in 1988. We transform locally grown cherries into chocolates, preserves, savories and Northwest gifts.

At Chukar we make most everything we sell in our factory in Prosser—surrounded by the fruit lands of Washington State. We create sweets and treats that are all natural and kosher certified. Our stand in Pike Market provides tastings to thousands of locals and visitors each year. We are a leader in revenue production for Pike Market and make it our goal to provide excellent, local jobs and share profits with our team.

Please stop by Chukar soon and taste for yourself.
Pam Montgomery
Founder, Chukar Cherry Company, Seattle

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Correction
In the July issue (“Quote Unquote: The Green Pharmacist”) we incorrectly identified Laura Healy’s husband as Mark; his name is Chris.

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