James Leach urges readers, as a "sublime" alternative to an Egg McMuffin, to try a "McRick" at Food at Fishers Station (October 21). The McRick is a "yeast roll surrounding a succulent sausage patty, a fried egg dotted brown with bacon drippings, and bright orange cheese." Leach also recommends eating the McRick with "golden brown, crispy home fries."

Also for breakfast, there is nothing like one of the restaurant's recurring specials: a plate piled high with eggs, sausage patties, and pancakes. Oh yes: don't forget the crispy bacon "with just the right balance of salt and fat in each bite."

All of the above amounts to little more than a recipe for obesity, diabetes, heart attacks, stroke, cancer, and dementia. As a vegan-vegetarian and an animal-rights advocate, I may have some biases, but most physicians and dieticians would agree that a low-fat, low-sodium diet rich with vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains greatly reduces one's risk for developing debilitating, often fatal illnesses.

There are many restaurants in the Rochester area that serve delicious, healthy vegan meals. Your food reviewer needs to review such meals more often.

A vegan diet benefits animals, people, and our environment. And most of us who opt for such diets are not depriving ourselves of tasty and nutritious meals.

JOEL FREEDMAN, CANANDAIGUA