Fighting for Foie Gras
October 12, 2007
The chefs in Philadelphia are fighting back, and so am I. I’m just glad that New York establishments like David Burke & Donatella still have my back.
I was having a conversation with some friends earlier this week about the ethics of foie gras. Both of these friends are omnivores, but seem to be in agreement that the way foie gras (generally the birds are force fed) comes to exist is just too cruel to justify eating the delicacy.
So the battle rages on. Chicago has long since banned the use of foie gras in restaurants, forcing some of the world’s greatest culinary talent to either serve it speakeasy style or serve it outright and accrue fines.
Ok, so here’s my issue with this whole thing: if you’re a vegetarian and you don’t believe in foie gras, the way it’s made, or whatever else, I’m TOTALLY cool with that. You have your principles and you’re standing by them. I am not surprised by your perspective on the issue. In fact, I expected it.
My problem is the non-vegetarians fighting the foie gras. You’re cool with having slaughtered cow or a lobster that’s been boiled alive, but a duck overstuffed with organic ingredients is where you draw the line? Really?
Here’s how I see it: If I had a choice of dying one of three ways, by having my head chopped off, by being shot in the wilderness, or by being fed to death…well…guess which one I’d go for. In fact, I PRAY that I die from being fed to death!
I refuse to live in a world where the government tells me what I can and can’t eat. I will keep Martin Picard in business myself if I have to (though somehow I don’t think he’ll need me to).
If you care to join me in the fight to protect endangered foie gras in New York, please visit the following foie-embracing establishments:
Per Se: Thomas Keller’s much loved and much respected restaurant. Keller’s kitchen was also the model for the Disney culinary flick, Ratatouille.
DB Bistro: Home of the famous DB Burger, a sirloin burger topped with foie gras.
Union Market: For those who want to prepare a little luxury in the comfort of their own homes, Union Market has the goods.
Actually, I can imagine being fed to death is a horrible experience. Imagine the pain of being completely full, then someone forcing food in your face. Your stomach slowly grows, grows, grows, and then POP! Give me the bullet to the head.
Foie gras is yummy, but ethically it leaves a sour taste in my mouth. (Yay cliches!) I agree with Stephen, forced fed to death would be horrid! Have you ever seen “Seven” ? Gross! The whole animal/farming industry continues to amaze me with the torture of animals.
Thank you for this! I don’t live in New York, but when I am in town, I will know where to eat.
Foie gras is picked on by animal rights extremists because there are only three foie gras farms in the US. Elmination is an easy victory for these zealots.
Sadly, animal rights extremist groups seem to have more time and more money than the rest of us – who just want to enjoy our dinners in peace. So we have to fight back in any way we can!
Thanks for your post!
[...] lot to be said for a perfect burger. The food snob in me will often be seduced by the fancy kind (see foie gras post), but if I were to die tomorrow, I would want the simplest version of the American classic [...]