I got some good feedback on my noise story yesterday.

Here's a great article on noise sent by Judy Ellis, who sent the note below:

"Many thanks to Laura Reiley for saying what needs to be said again and again: There is no reason for the "ambience" in a restaurant to drown out normal human conversation.  Despite complaints, and despite the Zagat survey, dining establishments continue to  put loud ahead of food.  Last summer, our foursome was being literally pounded senseless at an upscale eatery but when we asked the waiter why management encouraged a war between its diners and the music, he said "Lots of people come here because they like this energy."  I doubt it.  All of us were hoarse for days.  Isn't stimulating conversation one of the reasons people go out to eat? 

Restaurant noise is unforgivable and for those of us in the anti-noise business, inexplicable.  When I heard Malio's was opening at 400 North Ashley, where I used to work, I was dumbfounded, because at the time there wasn't a single sound-absorbing object anywhere in that lobby.  It was a giant echo chamber.
 
One of the things your articles could have made more of is music, which should never, ever interfere with communication and should always be background (unlike at the Chipotle Grill, where they brag about their music being foreground, turn it down only when someone begs and then turn it right back up again, all this despite numerous online complaints and bum reviews about good food and bad music - the owners are very stubborn!).  Lots of things contribute to noise in a restaurant and if you already have a joint that's jumping, crowded with people talking and all the associated sounds of dining, why in the world do you add to it with music that no one can hear but which adds to the din?"
 
Judy Ellis
Noise Free Florida, www.NoiseOFF.org

And from reader Dan Calabria:

"Hi Laura, Bullseye!! I was there about a month ago. The gorgonzola salad was superb as usual and the rack of lamb was nothing less than outstanding. BUT...the noise made it almost unbearable - and we were on the upper level on a Thursday night. Hopefully, they'll figure out how to handle the problem (foam on tables won't do it)."