Should foie gras be outlawed?

Foie gras has never been a big part of my diet.  I’ve probably only eaten it a handful of times: at Nobu, at weddings, on the Naked Lunch sandwich (reviewed below), at a couple other fancy-ish restaurants, and most memorably at Earl’s Beer & Cheese, where it’s served on an eggo waffle with aged Cabot cheddar, coffee-cured bacon, and syrup (a ridiculously awesome combination well worth a trip to 97th & Park).

Foie gras is tasty, but if I never eat it again, I’ll live.  I don’t think I’ll even miss it.  Which might be lucky, because in a few months, California will be outlawing foie gras.

There is a bunch of controversy over the tasty lobes of liver.  Some people say that foie gras isn’t ethical.  If you’re so inclined, you can read about their arguments here.

I believe in and aspire to ethical eating.  I’m hardly perfect, but I’m actively trying to make more responsible choices.

I try to buy foods that aren’t produced in ways that destroy the environment, and aren’t encased in wasteful packaging, even if that means spending more money.

I check the Monterey Bay’s Seafood Watch List before ordering seafood.  I hope you will, too.  You can download the app here.

While I eat/enjoy meat, the majority of my meals are vegetarian because it’s better for the environment. (And because vegetables are awesome.)

That being said, I’m not interested in giving up something tasty unless I feel I have to.

If it is truly unethical to eat foie – more so than eating any other animal product – then I’m happy to let it go.  But even though the California legislature made up its mind, I’m still not convinced.  This article explains why.

I’m wondering what you all think.  Feel free to leave comments.  Or invitations to foie gras speakeasies.

a foie gras sandwich (with duck prosciutto, tomato, butter lettuce, and black truffle salt)

Naked Lunch isn’t messing around. A big hunk of foie gras. Duck prosciutto. (I’m not sure what duck prosciutto is exactly, but it’s salty and ducky and good.) This sandwich is a portrait of caligulan excess. You take a bite and it’s almost too much. But then the tomatoes (that actually taste like tomatoes!) cut through and you’re ready for more. Truthfully, half of this sandwich is probably enough. Split it with a friend and try something else from Naked Lunch’s rotating menu. Or go full out decadent and eat two. But if you want to try it, get moving. California is outlawing foie gras on July 1.


Naked Lunch
504 Broadway
San Francisco, CA 94133
(415) 577-4951
Tuesday to Saturday 11.30am - 2.00pm

vegan avocado tacos

 Vegan food at non-vegan restaurants is often disappointing – an afterthought pretending to satisfy the requirements of a picky eater.  But Border Grill’s vegan avocado tacos are so good, even a non-vegan (like me) would be pretty thrilled to eat them.   

The avocado comes encrusted in red quinoa, amaranth, and black sesame.  If you’re like me (and haven’t read this review), you’ll take a bite, stop in pleasure and surprise, and think, “Wow, I didn’t realize they could put a crust on avocado.” 

And the great thing is the next bite, the bite that knows what to expect, is even better.