Comments on: You Got to Fight for your right for Foie Gras !!!

By: Diana

Diana — Tue, 05 May 2009 09:00:06 +0000

As someone who has participated in gavage for therapeutic purposes (injured wild waterfowl), this is not a stress-free process for the bird. But that glosses over several of the flawed syllogisms in the Incanto letter — such as making an analogy between the inherent risks of voluntary human activity (travel) and the actions imposed on those who have no choice. Although one veterinarian is used here as a reference, other veterinarians have concluded the exact opposite in terms of the suffering the geese endure in these operations. But to me, the most egregious part of fois gras is that these questionable and/or controversial practices are used to produce a luxurious delicacy. This is not a necessity by any stretch, and it seems the height of human unconsciousness to make these types of choices in the interest of luxury. Sure, those who enjoy this particular food will fight for the right to serve it. But I find it terribly sad that the desire for a particular taste overrides our capacity to see how large that trade-off really is in the life of another. To force-feed an animal for a precious pate is just antithetical to the idea of a more humane or even sustainable global ethic, although the letter tries to argue otherwise. And yes, there are consequences in all forms of farming, but that, again, is a flawed argument in that there is a distinction to be made between the deliberate use (and often, abuse) of animals for food, and those who endeavor to reduce that suffering as much as possible by not eating meat or contributing to the meat-producing system, even if there are some adjunct effects beyond their control. There is something to be said for intent.

By: JMW

JMW — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 00:28:44 +0000

The letter is brilliant and informative, perfect ammunition against the hysteria that presently surrounds the issue. Abridged, it should be an op-ed piece in the New York times. It will certainly be my reference point for considered debate on the issue in the future.

By: Offalboy

Offalboy — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 20:09:18 +0000

Wow, you crazy Americans. Ok, we to have some people handing out pamflets and such but the viedotaping of chefs families, thats just scarry. Actually I to have a bit of a strange relationship to foie, I am all for eating the liver of a animal but the force feeding, i dont really know about that part, animals should run around and eat what they want…on the other hand it is soo good. That beeing said i do have more then a kilo of frozen foie at home.

Chris other than a terrine or sautaing it, what would you do with a lobe of foie? I’m sort of stuck

By: Daily Food Blog Roundup: Beer, Beans, and Basketball - Young & Hungry - Washington City Paper

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 23:27:25 +0000

[...] Good is fighting for his right to foie gras, despite protesters threatening to descend upon his restaurant. He even has [...]

By: Luke

Luke — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 06:04:10 +0000

Outstanding letter by Mark. I will be referancing it anytime anti froi gras protesters rear their ugly heads. The real question is, how can we prevent this from happening in our town. I didnt know these guys were actually so threatening. Keep us posted.

By: Carol Frazzetta

Carol Frazzetta — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 00:29:30 +0000

I too received a letter telling me that I should stop serving Foie Gras. It was signed by Mary Tyler Moore. They threatened, that if I did not stop, they would not come to my restaurant. I told them that Mary Tyler Moore and friends should mind their own business. Let me know when Mary will be at my restaurant to protest.

chef carol

By: Laura Hawes

Laura Hawes — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 17:49:43 +0000

I’m confused. Why do so many people who like fois gras not address the cruelty? Do you know what actually happens to the bird? Don’t get me wrong, I am not a vegan, I’m too much a lover of food, including all the delicious animal products out there. But to me, there’s a big difference between a cow out in the field living comfortably before a swift and humane as possible death, and the force feeding of a duck until it’s liver explodes.

I understand you are “taking a stand” against activists, but someone please explain why fois gras is so great that it trumps the cruelty???

By: MomCat

MomCat — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 17:20:24 +0000

Chris and Mark, I’m so proud of you!

By: Cathy Loup

Cathy Loup — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 19:25:43 +0000

Mark’s letter is brilliant! Applause to you both for taking a stand.