Editor:

I was disappointed by the review of Puccino’s in The Maroon April 8 (“Puccino’s betrays New Orleans café scene”). I understand that restaurant reviews are based on the subjective views of one person, but this “review” seemed more like a disgruntled Rue de la Course patron’s endorsement of his favorite coffeehouse than a valid critique of Puccino’s.

However, I do agree that the fax machine, copy machine, televisions and ceiling fans creates an ambiance “nothing like the café culture found in the crevices of Rome or Italy” – or anywhere else, for that matter. I personally think it is an ingenious business decision to provide a 24-hour coffeehouse with amenities such as a copy machine and free wireless internet in a city that houses so many college students.

Puccino’s slogan claims that it provides customers with “the real coffee of Italy.” There’s no evil plot to convince patrons that the ambiance is that of a genuine Italian café, and the coffee itself actually is from Italy.

And since when is a “courteous and friendly wait staff” a negative thing?

It hardly seems ethical to open one of the beginning paragraphs of a restaurant review with, “Have no doubt, Puccino’s is evil,” nor is it appropriate to publish a restaurant review written by someone who did not even sample the food the restaurant offers. In all fairness, as someone who has actually sampled some of the food Puccino’s offers, may I suggest the Grilled Campagnola or a Frozen Puccino.

Christina BlancoCommunications junior