As an Adams Morgan resident, a devotee of Pasta Mia, and a lawyer, I was dismayed by the report on the altercation between Jennifer Hentz and Pasta Mia owner Roberto Broglia (Young & Hungry, “All the Rage,” 8/18). I condone neither Broglia’s temper nor Hentz’s disregard for the house seating policy at the always-packed restaurant. But whatever one’s view of the merits of their “dispute,” we should be able to agree that it shouldn’t rise to the level of pointless arrests, suits, and countersuits, let alone claims for intentional infliction of emotional distress (which, under D.C. law, requires a showing of conduct that is beyond all possible bounds of decency, atrocious, outrageous, and utterly intolerable in a civilized community). Surely Hentz, a lawyer, ought to know better than to misuse her professional skills on such trivia. I’d suggest she devote her energies to something worthwhile, like pro bono service; to the extent she’s got a problem with Broglia, let her publicize the incident and discourage her friends from dining at Pasta Mia. Your article shows that she’s more than capable of doing so. I can only hope she succeeds, leaving more room for the rest of us to enjoy Broglia’s excellent cooking.

Mintwood Place