Pasco's palates can't all be wrong: China Coast is tasty

Editor: We became suspicious of Barbara Fredricksen's judgment after we read her commentary on the Bull and Bear. Having dined there ourselves more than a few times we have always gone back for more. Everything served to us and to our friends was always first class.

This time she wrote up the new China Coast restaurant and didn't have anything good to say about it. That to us was a good reason to try the place. Seems to us this lady has an ax to grind.

We found the food and service to be delightful. Our waitress, Donna, was wonderful and could not have been more informed about the food and drinks. Perhaps, if Ms. Fredricksen was more into doing her job than being politically correct, she would have seen an entirely different restaurant. "Wait person" indeed. Little wonder things today are so messed up. What foolishness!

Come on, Ms. Fredricksen, tell us another eating establishment you don't like and we will surely go there and have a wonderful feast. The time very well could come when bad commentary from Ms. Fredricksen will be a ticket to success. She has badly missed the mark with both the China Coast and the Bull and Bear.

George and Jeannette Doenges,

New Port Richey

Food review was tasteless

Editor: My husband and I recently had one of the most enjoyable dining experiences since we moved to Florida. We ate at the new China Coast restaurant on U.S. 19 near Gulf View Square Mall.

We arrived at 5 p.m. and had cocktails first, and then our meal served at a nice leisurely pace. Even though by 6 p.m. many people were waiting for tables, we were not rushed in any way.

Our dinners were excellently seasoned, the meat was very tender and vegetables crisp and fresh. The China Coast bread rolls were warm, fresh, flaky, light, soft biscuits that melt in your mouth.

Our waitress, whose name was Thunder, was very attentive and gave us superb service. We can't wait to go back and try the variety their menu has to offer.

People like Barbara Fredricksen should not be allowed to trash such a wonderful place. Since I know better, I will never bother to read her column again.

Trudy Sanderson, Hudson

Review was unduly critical

Editor: I am writing this letter in response to the restaurant review that Barbara Fredricksen had in the Friday, July 15 issue of the Times.

May I say, in my opinion, I think the write-up was unfair and unduly critical for a business that has been open for such a short period of time.

A group of my friends and I went to the China Coast restaurant Friday evening about 6 p.m., and were very pleasantly greeted at the front door by host, hostess and the manager. Arrangements were readily made to seat us as soon as the rest of our party arrived.

Regarding the food, we found it to be very palatable and offered a great variety that we have never seen on a menu or eaten any other place in this area, including the Clearwater area. As to the cost, that was remarkable. My husband and I shared a meal, and were very full and satisfied and ate for less than $10.

Regarding the waitress service, I must admit that they do need some more training in this regard. But, giving them a little more time and confidence, I feel that will improve. We found them to be most congenial and wanting to please. If food was not seasoned properly or to your satisfaction, they were the first to want to try to make it "the best" for you. The China Coast did not tell how much almond butter to put on our delicious hot buns. I have eaten far and wide and have never had such a delicious bun.

In closing, may I just add this one consideration. I feel very flattered that General Foods Corp., which owns China Coast, chose to build their fine restaurant in Port Richey, Fla., when they could have chosen any town, any place, USA. It seems to me a good way to show our gratitude is by supporting them in a positive way rather than crucifying them publicly. If we have a gripe, it seems to me, that should be aired with the manager of the restaurant, not "John Q. Public" on the front page of the Times.

Lorna Powers, New Port Richey

Volunteers serve well

Editor: In response to the letter of July 14.

We lived on the south shore of Long Island, N.Y., for 27 years. We always had and still do share a volunteer fire department. With a population of about 2-million people on the island, and most communities being served by volunteers, I personally cannot remember a disaster because of volunteers serving.

More than details are involved with your plan, cost being a major factor. I have three cousins who are New York City firefighters, and also volunteer firefighters.

G. Marton, Spring Hill

Sparklebration fairly sparkled

Editor: Sparklebration '94 was a huge success, thanks to a number of hard working people who rolled up their sleeves. In a very short time, we were able to keep this tradition alive in Pasco County.

The spirit of cooperation was never more evident until the mayors of Dade City and Zephyrhills came together to read their proclamations for Sparklebration.

This year's Fourth of July was dedicated to the veterans who participated in full uniform while they carried their flags on stage. My heart just pounded with pride, knowing I was one of them.

More than 5,000 people on the fairgrounds in Dade City along with another 15,000 lookers in the surrounding areas were treated to a fantastic fireworks show that was second to none.

I will always remember the excitement and joy the Vietnam veteran paratroopers brought to my eyes when they landed with "Old Glory" to start the program.

The Fourth of July is all about freedom, and I pray we will never forget the men and women who gave their lives so we can celebrate this special day.

On behalf of the Sparklebration committee, I want to extend our appreciation to all the people who helped and supported this event.

Let's keep the tradition alive with Sparklebration '95.

Manny Funes, chairman,

Sparklebration '94

Teach respect with pets

Editor: I am writing this letter calling for more emphasis in the schools on animal welfare issues. From wildlife to pets, animals share our children's world and teaching respect for them will have profound benefits for our society as a whole. We want today's children to grow into tomorrow's caring adults.

Lorraine Thomas,

New Port Richey