Dear Frugal Gourmet/Mr. Jeff Smith:
Food has always been very important to me and to my family,
and I can't tell you what a fan I became of you, your show, and all of
your cookbooks. Since I was young child in the
1960's (presently I am 38,) I would sit with my Mom and
watch both the Galloping Gourmet and Julia Child. When I found your show
while in graduate school I was hooked. I
completely bought into your philosophy of food, and spent
many nights rereading your cookbooks. Some of your recipes have become
classics in my family including your
gazpacho recipe (without the hard boiled egg garnish,)
your bran muffins, your Bloody Mary on a stick, your French Bread, etc.
I can only imagine what you and your family must have
gone through when you were accused, whether true or not, of that misconduct.
Perhaps it soothed you that your name and the alleged
incident was not replayed and replayed in the press as is usually the rule
in our society. However, as a fan, I was
disheartened that your show was pulled, and I saw how
the price dropped on your latest books. Furthermore, if you were innocent,
I would have liked to have heard your side of the
story. (If you were guilty, hopefully you have found
help.)
Life without the Frugal Gourmet
Well I was left without a food guru. You have left a
void in my food-life. However, being a New Yorker, I have enjoyed Arthur
Schwartz' radio show and have dined a few times at the
Culinary Institute of America. I read Anthony Bourdain's
Kitchen Confidential, Michael Jackson's and Charlie Papazian's books on
beer and scotch, and am presently reading M.F.K.
Fisher. However it is your books that I frequently consult
for ideas for my local gourmet club. (Today I consulted the Immigrant Ancestors
cookbook for ideas for a Celtic Night that
we're having tommorow on St. Patrick's Day.)
Hope this email finds you well - or at least finds you.
Perhaps it will comfort you to know how much I enjoyed your show, and continue
to enjoy your books. I would gladly sign any
petition to have my public radio stations and/or the
food network to broadcast your re-runs.
Sincerely,
Scott Schnee, Ph.D.
Rockville Centre, N.Y.