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I never had the honor of meeting Julia Child in person, but she has always been an inspiration to me, a nonprofessional who has loved to cook at home since high school. I want to thank all of you who did know her personally for your posts and links to articles. Your stories add so much to the standard obituaries. Thanks, Maybelline, for remembering the book "Spies, Black Ties and Mango Pies," and to Gifted Gourmet for posting the link to Amazon to order the book, which I have done. I also plan to cook to honor Julia this weekend. I haven't yet decided what to cook -- there are so many choices! Rest in peace, Julia -- I'll never forget you.

Ok, I'll discuss it. Income disparity is not immoral. Any society offering free choice is bound to have both winners and losers, as well as every gradation in between. Can you think of very many counter-examples? Well, perhaps you'll think of something, but in general the societies without income disparity are the societies without income. Absolutely to the point!

Great article. I've never felt the slightest guilt in spending $200 or more for a great dining experience. I contribute to charity, I am not rich, I earned the money, I didn't steal it, it's mine to spend however I wish. Bon Appetit!

I've also been annoyed at the great number of pages of advertising that I have to wade through in Gourmet. Lately I've taken to going through the magazine and ripping out all the advertising and subscription cards before beginning to read the magazine. Saveur is great -- the most authentic recipes for ethnic foods and the most in-depth stories.

Just received the book. The writing style looks witty and entertaining as well as informative. I'm looking forward to a book signing and four-course lunch prepared from recipes in the book on April 14 in Los Angeles at the Getty Center. The phone number for information and reservations is (310) 440-6810.

Dfunghi -- thanks for your reply. I noticed that fish soup was on the Provencal menu at Bastide, but we ate another menu. Do you know who has great fish soup now? I love it.

Dfungi -- Re my recommendation of Bastide for dinner. I said that the food and presentation is "on the order of" the French Laundry, and did not compare Giraud to Keller, although I think Giraud is excellent. I had previously eaten his food at Lavande in Santa Monica and found it wonderful. The manner of service and presentation at Bastide are very similar to that at the French Laundry -- and we didn't find any "attitude" -- just excellent service. Irene Virbila, the food critic of the Los Angeles Times, gave it her highest rating -- only the second restaurant to receive that rating in the several years she has been writing for the Times. The restaurant is not cheap, but we thought we received good value for the money.

Sorry I missed your previous outing. I'd love to join the next one (Thai, European or Mexican). I'd love to visit the Temple. I've heard that if you do go, you need to arrive quite early as the parking is very sparse.

I, too, am a fan of Campanile. I've never had less than an excellent meal there. Then there is Bastide -- for a really special restaurant (on the order of the French Laundry). I was there recently for my birthday and it was superb. But not cheap! But it's a special occasion, and definitely a special occasion restaurant. Happy Birthday!

The Los Angeles Times does a terrific job of covering just about everything on the food scene. In addition to Editor Russ Parsons' interesting and informative articles on food preparation, the section boasts writers David Shaw, Irene Virbila, and Linda Burum reporting on ethnic restaurants. The section also covers restaurant openings and closings, as well as chef movements. The food section is the first thing I turn to in the paper on Wednesdays.

Haven't been yet, but I trust Jonathan Gold and I'm looking foward to it.