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From today's Tribune: Alderman Tom "Sticky Buns" Tunney, citing opposition from the restaurant industry (of which he's a member as owner of Ann Sather's) intends to force a vote on repealing the ridiculous-but-upheld-in-court foie gras ban. "We think we have the votes to (repeal) it," Tunney told the Trib.
This puts Tunney square in the sights of 49th Ward Alderman Joe "Protector of Ducks" Moore, who lobbied to pass the ban nearly two years ago. Moore told the Tribune that "restaurants continue to survive and thrive" despite the ban and that he "can't think of one restaurant that has closed because of this." But one hot dog stand certainly got in hot water, didn't they?
The reason no restaurants have closed is because the restaurants that would like to sell foie gras have found loopholes in the ban that allow them to still serve it, Mr. Moore. Whether it's through the semantics of wording (how is your duck liver terrine?), giving it away as a free side with a $30 salad, or just ignoring the ban altogether, foie gras is still prevalent in Chicago's more popular restaurants. The city Department of Public Health also has better things to do than cite a restaurant for carrying foie gras, like check for rodent infestations.
Here's hoping this does come to vote and is repealed so we never have to hear - or write - about it again.
UPDATE @ 2:30 p.m.: The foie gras ban has been repealed by a 37-6 vote. Again, REPEALED, BABY!!! We going to Hot Doug's in a week.
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Looks like they just repealed this, according to the Reader. Considering foie gras was never really gone in the first place, well, good riddance to a dumbass ban anyway.
I swear I just heard a duck squawk, though, somewhere!
I can't understand why anyone would condone foie gras production methods (force feeding with a tube down a duck's throat), which constitute cruel and inhumane treatment of animals? Even more surprising is the Chicagoist going to bat for the affluent who can afford $30 salads with foie gras sidecars. It's just oh so republican of you, identifying with those of much higher stature and affluence when in reality... you're closer to the bottom than you care to realize.
Alrush, guess you're in favor of banning chicken and hog farming as well? Are legislators to determine the relative moral value of each of our food production methods?
Now let's all give into this bout of legislative deliciousness!
Few things, al.
First, it's just "Chicagoist," no "the." Learn it, please.
Second, this particular municipal government has bigger things to worry about than foie gras. Like getting its public transportation system in order, for instance. Or trying to balance its budget as tax dollars get siphoned off to private slush funds controlled by one person. Or trying to rehab the image of the police department. Or bettering its public school system with something besides smoke and mirrors.
It's not identifying with "republicans" or "affluence," it's utilizing "common sense." Something this ban never did. Got any more reactionary buzz words you can toss around?
Third: When Doug Sohn was cited for serving foie gras, his duck sausage with foie gras relish sold for around seven bucks. Certainly not blue collar, but not a budget buster, either. And tasty.
Alrush, I totally agree. In fact, I don't think the foie gras ban went far enough. Isn't the reason we elect a city council so that they will hold our hands and make all of our decisions for us, like five year olds? When people start disrespecting the hallowed liver of our noble geese, we need to make sure that our fine alderman serve the role to which they were elected: Nanny! I say we make more laws, outlawing more things, because the republicans in this city think that they can decide what to put in their own bodies and how to feel about it. WE MUST STOP THEM!! If people are free to decide what to eat what's next? Beastialty? These people should, not be allowed to think for themselves. I, for one think that our Aldermoms should approve every menu in the city. I mean it's not like that have a city to run.
Daley's got that part under control.
I rarely bother getting annoyed with the Chicagoist anymore. The only thing that bugs me is when you people waste valuable typing time correcting minor imperfections in how commenters refer to you. Harping on the inadvertant addition of a definite article is just petty. Address the larger issue and ignore the rest.
(And yes, I understand the irony of my comment.)