Chicago Bans Foie Gras
Those of you with a penchant for foie gras may care to avoid traveling to Chicago, as the authorities there have banned it.
Chicago has made history as the first American city to outlaw foie gras. The only other place in America to ban foie gras is California, but the ban won't come into effect until 2012.
The decision to ban foie gras arose when Charlie Trotter, the celebrity chef, said that he would no longer serve foie gras on grounds of cruelty. This caused Rick Tramonto, another chef, to call him a hypocrite. The row was reported in the papers, and the local council led by city alderman, Joe Moore, went on to draw up the ban.
Fines of up to $500 will be imposed on those caught selling foie gras. However, chefs have devised a cunning plan to avoid the fine; they intend to give away foie gras with a $16 serving of roast potatoes.
Needless to say, the city that was renowned for its organised crime in the 1920's, which itself stemmed from a ban on alcohol, has not taken this ban lying down. Chefs in Chicago have staged a protest by loading their menus with dishes featuring foie gras, even the humble hot dog has a foie gras connection.
The 676 Restaurant served a seven course Outlaw Dinner, which included foie gras wrapped in prosciutto and covered with hot chocolate; together with a selection of foods that were once illegal, from absinthe to unpasteurised cheese.
Needless to say, the ban is ridiculous and makes a mockery of the local council.
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