HOPING FOR A RUTHLESS EXPERIENCE

I hope I’m never unlucky enough to be seated at a table next to Ruth Reichl when she goes out to review a restaurant (“An Indoor Outing,” Sept. 13). Not only is she likely to eavesdrop on my conversation and print part of it, but at the same time she will probably criticize my choice of dessert. I thought the job of a restaurant reviewer was to critique the food and service, not to spy on the customers.

SUSAN SHIELDS

Santa Barbara