Dear Miss Blue,

Louise just called me to say she has arrived in town and needs directions to the Village. Imagine! She sounded a bit weary and I am wondering if she regrets leaving Linguini to his own peculiarities. I sympathize with her, Miss Blue, for she has always been attracted to him for his happy and Oh, So Italian ways. Singing the Italian Folk Songs has been especially liberating for both of them, and I do hope her visit here with me as we envision the menu for Pearl's Diner won't be too hard on her love life with Linguini. And now to rue the day! I remember taking Linquini to a darling little coffee house in Brooklyn - a place that held many sweet memories for me - where the music students from the nearby music school broke into song, much to Linguini's delight, singing a rousing chorus of the Drinking Song ( from the Student Prince ) with Linguini's beautiful tenor voice, leading the way, as they all marched around the coffee house. So high spirited, Miss Blue! By the way, that visit was when you sent Linguini all the way to New York to deliver my special Baby Ruth Lotion. So kind of you, too, but that is your generous way.

Anyway, I am busy with the grand opening of Pearl's Diner. . . . I'm imagining sometime in late summer or very early autumn, when the leaves are turning their beautiful reds and yellows. I have gathered recipes from Mimi and Myson the Doctor, and hope to use the Depression recipes remembered from my childhood in Michigan. The decorating with Schubert is going very nicely.  He is so dashing, Miss Blue, and I am amazed at the transformation. I just can't imagine where all that talent comes from!

Give my regards to Melba and Fanny. I imagine Fanny has a favorite sweet tooth recipe, doesn't she? Maybe she will offer it to Pearl's Diner. And now, I will wait for news from you, Miss Blue.

Pearl says Music and Food are the best when served together.

Dear Pearl,

Louise is on her way to you, Pearl. She's bringing a carton of meat paste and a gross of spotted dick. Other than that, she should be pretty good company. She loves you so! Lingini is a bit relieved, I think, to have her out of the way. He's been trying to finish the gazebo he promised her on their honeymoon. But each day brings new frustrations. I really think he is not cut out for such projects. I do wish he would stick to singing and serving.He's much more likeable when he's not sulking. I hope you and Louise have the best of times while she's there.

I Remain As Always,
Your Devoted Miss Blue

P.S. Who is this Cowboy Small you keep mentioning?

Cowboy Small in Chaps and Spurs

Dear Miss Blue,
My dear friend, Schubert, has become an interior decorator and has plans for covering Pearl's Diner wall spaces with humorous posters and bold colors. Impetuous, maybe, but then, I am eager to have his input. Why, this very morning Schubert has hung a sign on the door of Pearl's Diner announcing his intentions. He is just so crazy about decorating the place, Miss Blue, and has been spending a great deal of time on the computer looking for the most sophisticated ideas to enhance the diner's drab, bare, walls. Inside and out, the bold colors of India. That's what he wants and so I, of course, will go along with it all. He is so creative! I am sending you samples of some of his inspirations. In the meanwhile, I am also collecting unusual recipes to introduce to the waiting public. Some old, some new. . . unique is the word. Please tell Louise to send me two or three of her favorite recipes. The Diner will highlight them on the menu, along with colorful illustrations.And now, my dearest Miss Blue, I will bid you adieu until next I see you here again.

With love from Pearl

Dear Pearl,

Miss Blue sends her highest regards, Pearl. I am staying with her long enough to recuperate from a beastly virus - or is it ennui - that has kept me bedridden since Monday. Blasted Louise swears by mustard poultices which I wear to humor her. I feel a rash coming on. And there's a faint scent of mildew where the wretched things cling wetly to my chest. Crumbs!  It's a dog's life!

With All Due Respect,

Schubert

If You Were My Pet Goat (rogue version)

I'm dying for news of the luncheonette, Pearl! I can't tell you how many times a day Louise inquires about the menu you've chosen and if it has that wonderful potato salad she perfected with just a scant tablespoonof capers, or the chocolate mousse she made her own with a bare whiff of cinnamon dusting over the whipped cream, or if you remembered how much you loved the way she tweaked the beef stroganoff with the oldest brandy in the house, or her special way of piping mashed potatoes with the rose petal tip from the cake decorating kit. She is a frustrated entrepreneur, Dear, and I would be only too glad to send her to you for a week or so to discharge the considerable energy she is using now pacing about and fretting. She misses you so much and loves to remember that long first winter you spent together in the snow before I met her.

I Remain As Always
Your Devoted Miss Blue