VICTOIRE! VICTOIRE!

"This has been talked about, debated about constantly by international, national, local press, media, by the whole hospitality, culinary field, all of it . . . This has been going on forever."

Two long years, actually, but Chicago Mayor Richard Daly's comment said it all as he watched the City Council vote 37-6 to overturn the city's ban on Foie Gras, which he once called "the silliest law...ever."

FoieBlog commends the unyielding efforts of Chicago Chef's for Choice and the Artisan Farmers Alliance in battling this ban into oblivion and showing the animal activists that they are a force to be reckoned with. Alderman Joe Moore passed the ban in a sneaky legislative move back in April 2006, but his defeat was both public and embarrassing, and should send a message to those who would so blithely take away their constituents freedom of choice to quiet the voices of a few extremists.

We all involved well as they take the fight to Sacramento to overturn California's ban on Foie Gras, which is set to go into effect in 2012.

Hopefully it won't take that long.

FOIE FREEDOM IN THE FREE STATE

After being force-fed the facts by the Maryland Restaurant Association, Artisan Farmer's Alliance, and the state veterinarian, legislators in both the Assembly and Senate of Maryland decided to pull bills that would've banned the production and sale of Foie Gras in the state.

"We may have gone too far," was how Senator Joan Carter Conway, put it as she tabled the bill she sponsored, and that pretty much sums things up.

Activists annoyed their representatives into introducing the legislation, but well-reasoned arguments from sensible voices showed them the light.

Kudos to the coalition that stood against this absurdity. They say 99% of success is just showing up, but 1% solid information doesn't hurt.

FoieBlog looks forward to enjoying some Foie Gras Crab Cakes Encrusted With Old Bay Seasoning - if anyone is brave enough to make it.

SPECIAL DELIVERY

FoieBlog would like to apologize for our extended absence. A recent reader e-mail reminded us that we've been remiss in our duties.

Alas, while some aspects of life outside of cyberspace (which we won't bore you with) have distracted us from our mission of late, rest assured, we're still here, and hope to be stirring up trouble again soon.

In the meantime, GrasGuy did something recently that was either unfortunate or ill-advised. We'll recount it as a cautionary tale.

On a inclement winter night he had a craving for a hearty cassoulet, but, being the lazy gourmand that he is, he wasn't about to drag the family out into the bitter cold to satisfy his craving.

It wasn't really a problem, though, because in Manhattan everything is available via delivery.

So it was that with a quick check of the internet, he was able to place an order for a plate of Duck Leg Cassoulet with Coco beans and Sausage from one of his favorite local eateries, Brasserie Julien.

Of course, he couldn't leave it at that.

While perusing the online menu, his eye was drawn to the appetizer list, topped by a Terrine of Foie Gras with Apple and Calvados Chutney and Glaze.

Foie Gras, via bicycle? Did he dare?

He did.

The site of the Foie Gras through the plastic lid of the delivery container was only slightly more appetizing than when it was uncovered and it's adehsion to the aluminum surface was in full view.

Most people would have shut the lid, and shut out the memory of this travesty, but for GrasGuy, Foie Gras left uneaten is Foie Gras that never existed at all.

Surprisingly, it was good.

Not surprisingly, there were consequences.

We will not recount them here.

Other food had been consumed that day, much of it likely of questionable origin given GrasGuy's propensity to eat things even Andrew Zimmern would think twice about, but the finger of suspicion must point to the terrine.

Somehow we don't think this will stop him from placing another order if a similar mood should strike again.

If so, we hope something else won't strike again either.

CELEBRITY CHEF BEATS UP GERMAN SHOPKEEPER!

If you're a subscriber to the Wall Street Journal, be sure to check out today's article (12/14/07) on the battle over Foie Gras.

Several famous chefs give Wolfgang Puck's efforts against Foie Gras a well-deserved dressing down, including Anthony Bourdain, who proves once again nothing can hold back his tongue.

"I think he should stop worrying about cruelty to animals and start worrying about all the customers he's flopping his crap on at airports...He got squeezed and pressured and phone-called from all angles, and like a good German shopkeeper he folded and sold out the people hiding in the cellar next door. I got no respect."

Yep, nothing like referencing the Holocaust the raise the level of a debate. At least he didn't swear.

Daniel Boulud and Jaques Pepin also toss their two cents into the mix - though with a bit more reserve - and the article actually gives the Foie Gras supporters the kind of fair shake you don't see much in the broadsheets.

FoieBlog is sure it's only a coincidence that this article appeared on the first full day of Rupert Murdoch's ownership of the paper, aren't you?

TONY DISHES IT OUT

Once upon a time Anthony Bourdain went to his brother's house for the holidays, and put on a pretty good show in the process. So scripted, so contrived, so entertaining.

And he did a good deed for Foie Gras along the way.

Sure, the fair and balanced way he went about it - stacking the deck with our favorite purveyor, D'Artagnan's Ariane Daguin, and that cuddly old veterinarian of unknown credentials for his in depth expose of Foie Gras production at Hudson Valley Foie Gras - made Fox News look like NPR, but what the heck, it sounded good to us. And damn if that Foie Gras didn't look tasty - even those crazy kids from Queens of the Stone Age looked like they were enjoying it.

Once again Bourdain provides us with a reasonable sounding argument in support of Foie Gras. No, he won't convince everyone. As he says, there are "these f****** people [who] are not really all about us not eating duck liver. No, no, no. They don’t want us eating any animal product whatsoever," and they're a lost cause. But if you listen to Uncle Tony, the next time you run into a flock of them, at least you'll have some verbal ammo to go hunting with.

Happy Holidays!

THE PART OF PERRY COMO WILL BE PLAYED TONIGHT BY ANTHONY BOURDAIN

Boy, the things having a kid will do to you.

Tonight (Dec 10) at 10pm the Travel Channel presents - wait for it - Anthony Bourdain's Holiday Special!

FoieBlog isn't sure if Tony will be leading his family in a rendition of the Ramones' "Merry Christmas (I Don't Want To Fight Tonight)", but we hear everyone's favorite holiday treat - Foie Gras - will be featured on the menu he's preparing, as he travels to deepest darkest Connecticut - via D'Artagnan and Hudson Valley Foie Gras - for Thanksgiving with the family.

Bourdain has been over many rivers and through countless woods these past few years, but we're sure nothing has prepared him for this.

BUT STEAMING CRABS TO DEATH ISN'T A PROBLEM?

The Veggie Vigilantes are putting the squeeze on Maryland, and at least two chefs don't have the stomach for it.

The Columbia Reporter reports that Michel Tersiguel of Tersiguel's French Country Restaurant in Ellicot City will be taking Foie Gras off his menu with the New Year after members of the Baltimore Animal Rights Coalition threatened to start protesting out front. The Iron Bridge Wine Co. - run by Steve Wecker - in nearby Columbia has also cleared it's kitchen of Foie Gras after complaints from customers. Such a shame to see these guys go down without a fight. Tersiguel said he had no choice, and it was a "no-win situation for us."

FoieBlog disagrees.

Just ask AAEFAAA award winner Parind Vora of Jezebel Restaurant in Austin, Texas, who has been fending off a twice a week protest for several months now and is no worse for wear.

Yes, it's easy for us to say go for it since we don't run a restaurant ourselves. Just don't be surprised, Mssrs. Tersiguel and Wecker, when you're faced with another "no-win situation." The name of the group is the Baltimore ANIMAL Rights Coalition. Not the Baltimore NO FOIE GRAS Coalition.

They'll be back.

Actually, they'll be at Louisiana Restaurant in Baltimore on Dec 7th where you can currently get a Veal Tenderloin En Croute Stuffed With Foie Gras Over Wild Mushrooms With Madeira Sauce and Truffle Oil.

Let's see if you still can in 2008.

FAUX GRAS SPREADING LIKE PATE

Perhaps it's time to buy stock instead of Foie Gras.

British supermarket chain Waitrose has introduced a new faux gras product. The Scotsman reports that after taking Foie Gras off it's shelves six years ago, the purveyor has developed a pate that includes the naturally fattened livers of free range geese and ducks - raised in, of all places, Foie Gras-free Britian.

Hmm, sounds to us that someone at Waitrose got this idea after reading Pateria De Sousa's press. In any event, FoieBlog will continue to follow this development, as this "alternative" has now spread to at least three countries (UK, Spain, and Schiltz Goose Farms in the USA).

While we have yet to try any of this ourselves, most reviews say it's an alternative, but far from a replacement for Foie Gras. Still, our accountant is starting to think we should get in to this business on the bottom floor. It's no Google, but maybe our retirement will have to settle for Goosegle.

FOUNDING FATHER FOIE

OK, so it's not Foie Gras, but while going through the giblets from our Thanksgiving turkey, we couldn't help but toss a bit of the liver in a pan and have an impromptu snack.

Not as good as the real thing, but with a little olive oil and rock salt, not too bad either - and still better than a dry turkey.

Happy Thanksgiving!

THANKSGIVING TURKEYS

Ahh, the holidays in New York City, there's truly nothing like it anywhere else. The Rockefeller Christmas tree, Tiffany's crystal snowflake over Fifth Avenue, and, of course, carolers from Farm Sanctuary.

FoieBlog passed by Fairway on Manhattan's Upper West Side yesterday and was greeted by the latest chapter in the on again, off again No Foie Gras protest outside one of the cornerstones of the city's culinary heart. Thankfully, the activists didn't seem to be making much headway with the throngs of shoppers coming in and out of the store, and FoieBlog was actually impressed by the level of decorum being exhibited by the protesters - at least at the time we were there.

Come on, guys, do you really think such a flaccid exhibition is going to sway anyone to your side? At least try to come up with some catchy holiday-themed slogans, or hire a Santa Claus to attract attention to your efforts. Oh, that's right, you probably don't agree with his enslavement of reindeer and diminutive humans.

In any case, FoieBlog readers in the neighborhood can show their support by dropping in the the store and picking up a bit of Foie Gras in one of the many forms available, including a very easy and affordable 2 medallion package from D'Artagnian.

It makes a great gift for your favorite bloggers. (Hint, hint)

LOBBYING LOSING IT'S LUSTER IN THE UK

As GrasGuy will tell you from his days in DC (as an observant and poorly-paid underling), one of the great perks and attractions of being a lobbyist - aside from an enormous salary and access to the highest levels of power - is all the free food you have access to at events around the Capitol.

While most consist of the same, huge, uninspired smorgasbord of fatty meats, cheeses and pastas offered with a perfunctory salad to make you feel slightly less guilty about consuming a day's worth of calories in one sitting - knowing full well you'll be eating dinner when you get home anyway - occasionally you come across an event planned by someone with an interest in food and a big enough budget to have an actual restaurant cater it rather than the generic 'pick 5 items from each column per 20 guests' purveyor used by the guy from across the aisle.

These meals, while never quite four-star, are created with the sole intent of placating the guests' palates in such an absolute way that they lower all of their defenses and and let the lobbyist in for the kill to influence whatever bill they're after that week. Washington represents the epitome of this kind of lawmaking, attracting the most effective lobbyists the world has to offer and lawmakers ready to be entertained by them, but it's the same system seen in one form or another in every city in the free world. Unfortunately, in three of those cities in the United Kingdom you won't be seeing Foie Gras on any buffet tables - at least not in city hall.

In the past couple of weeks, the cities of Bolton and Norwich have joined Paul Blanchard's cronies in York by passing largely ceremonial laws banning Foie Gras from council chambers and events. The councils, of course, have no power to ban the sale of Foie Gras in city restaurants and shops, but hope to set an example for the ignorant townsfolk who continue to enjoy unfettered access to the delicacy - save the occasional protester outside their favorite eatery. Unfortunately the people who really suffer here are the poor lawmakers, lobbyists and political hangers-on who will be deprived of this dish so often served at political functions in these cities - we're sure. FoieBlog readers thinking about getting into politics will want to look elsewhere for employment, and those already working in these cities will have to steal away from their meetings early to head off to their local gourmet for a Foie Gras fix when necessary. This having an obvious adverse affect on the well-oiled and well-fed lawmaking processes in these cities eventually leading to the demise of United Kingdom as we know it.

All joking aside, the casual way these symbolic bills made their way through council remind us of Chicago's passge of the 'silliest law', and stand as yet another warning against apathy from Foie Gras lovers, chefs and purveyors on this issue.

DEADLY BLAZE AT HUDSON VALLEY FOIE GRAS

Late Tuesday night (10/30/07), Hudson Valley Foie Gras suffered a terrible tragedy when a fire of unknown origin swept through a structure housing 15,000 breeding ducks, killing the entire flock. The blaze appears to have started in an adjacent building where the mechanical and climate control equipment for the structure was located. Sullivan County fire officials are investigating the blaze and an exact cause has not been determined at this time. Arson has not been ruled out, but HVFG owner Izzy Yanay says he believes the fire was accidental.

Our best to the folks at HVFG as they recover from this event. While they assure FoieBlog their business will survive, the emotional scars inflicted by it will surely take some time to get over. Any responsible farmer will tell you how difficult it is to see the animals they care for injured in any way, and a disaster like this is unimaginable to anyone who hasn't lived through something similar.

The wonderful people at Farm Sanctuary, however, wasted no time in taking advantage of the tragedy to further their goal of putting HVFG out of business. FoieBlog won't give them the benefit of linking to their press release on the fire, but their statement that "as horrible as the suffering of the ducks who burned must have been, the suffering that awaits the survivors is equally horrific," is appalling beyond words. Such rhetoric is devoid of any semblance of accuracy or propriety, and is a further indicator of the lows activists will stoop to in order to influence their audience.

HALLES OF FAME

GrasGuy is a fan of Anthony Bourdain. I've admitted it before, and will do so again. I've read the books, enjoyed the shows, but I'm ashamed to say I haven't eaten the food. So, after passing by Les Halles dozens of times on my way to one of the newer, hotter restaurants in the Park Avenue South/Madison Square neighborhood - many of which are already out of business while Les Halles soldiers on - I finally decided to drop in for a bite. It's the least I could do for the man who penned the most honest and reasoned defense of Foie Gras ever put to paper (or, more likely, to computer screen.)

If nothing else, Les Halles lives up to its name. Belying the Manhattan-standard postage stamp-sized sidewalk cafe out front, the capacious interior that confronts you upon entering hits like a tidal wave of open space. There's actually room to stride between the tables without ever having to say 'excuse me' as you bump into yet another handbag hanging off the back of a chair. Still, you can't help thinking they could probably squeeze in another 10 or 15 two-tops if they filled it to the brim like most restaurants in NYC. It smacks of a business with a very old, relatively cheap lease that will come up sooner or later and force them to sell out to a billion-dollar chain like Starbucks or UniQlo. Then again, Les Halles is itself a chainlette, with locations in Washington, DC and Miami, and as long as Tony's star power keeps driving celebrity-chef suckers like me to the restaurant, they can probably fend off the certain doom of Big Apple real estate for a few more years, at least.

OK, enough with the business analysis from someone owns nothing but a set of Henkels knives and an out-of-tune guitar that's been unused only slightly longer than the cutlery.

Bourdain often extols the virtues of straightforward, honest food, and his writing - when not off on some hyperbolic tangent about exploring deepest darkest wherever or in the midst of some passive aggressive assertion of what defines good cooking - follows this mantra as well. This fact was obvious as soon as I was led to my table and seated on a banquette upholstered with torn brown vinyl that was repaired with brown duct tape - clearly the product of a restaurant held together by System D, Bourdain's beloved catch-all term for the mysterious methods restaurants use to fix things without actually fixing them. Who even knew brown duct tape existed? Nevertheless, take one star off for ambiance, but award one happy face for ingenuity.

On the other hand, Les Halles' lunch menu flies in the face of the simplicity Bourdain often espouses, and would give Gordon Ramsay a true kitchen nightmare if he were confronted by it on his show of the same name. There are no less than 50 dishes listed, not counting the separate Brunch menu also available on weekends, but which any reader of Bourdain's would steer clear from if his warnings about the original fourth meal are to be believed. It's hard to imagine any chef turning out this many different plates with any consistency on a Saturday afternoon, but this is the home of Anthony Bourdain, a man who's never been on Iron Chef, nor really claims that his stuff is all that great, so there you go.

Of course, my first instinct was to order the Foie Gras Sauteed with Apple, Walnuts and Calvados Sauce and follow it up with a nice Cassoulet Toulousain, and be done with it. But as I began to put down the menu, my gaze was caught by the intriguingly-named Hamburger Rossini. Who is this Rossini? And how dare he serve a burger with Foie Gras Terrine Melting on Top and a Black Truffle and Red Wine Sauce on the side!

Damn, and I really was in the mood for Cassoulet, but for $19.50 I really had to find out.

Charting this new course, and imagining a thick slice of terrine the size of that bun McDonalds puts between the two burgers in a Big Mac, but made in house with creamy D'Artagnan Foie Gras, I backtracked on the appetizer and went with the Fresh Wild Mushrooms and Salsifis in Puff Pastry instead, fearing an afternoon Foie Gras overdose and feeling a need to continue my exploration of salsify at French brasseries. I'm glad that I did.

Besides being a surprisingly large plate for an appetizer, fitting of the surroundings, the pastry was perfectly done and the filling very flavorful in a home cooked kind of way. As the usually white salsify was as deep brown as the mushroom sauce, this had clearly been stewing for sometime, and the entire dish was infused with all of the underground goodness of it's ingredients. Delicate? No, but why should it be?

Unfortunately the Nicoise Salad my wife ordered wasn't nearly as successful. A nice dressing undone by some big, sloppy red leaf lettuce and an overambitous, oversized, and overcooked piece of tuna that wouldn't have seemed out of place in an Astoria diner. Thankfully, the Hamburger Rossini would.

No, my vision of the ultimately decadent Foie Gras-laden sandwich was not to be, the melted terrine in reality only a small schmear on top of the beef patty - but oh what a schmear. Offering just enough Foie Gras flavor to stand up and be noticed over the perfectly-cooked meat and truffled wine sauce, the Foie Gras makes this a burger to be reckoned with in a neighborhood known for it's burgers. No, Danny Meyer's Shake Shack, down the block in Madison Square Park, doesn't need to worry about the competition - they play to different audiences - but the latest Best Burger In New York at Resto, a Belgian Beer pub just around the corner, is easily bested by Rossini's creation, although, even in this town, $19.50 feels a little steep. Sadly for Bourdain, despite his incessant claim that Les Halles makes the finest Pommes Frites in the world, the Flemish Walloon crowd at Resto do a better job. There's nothing wrong with the frites at Les Halles, they're as good as any, just not the kind you find yourself daydreaming about weeks later. I'm thinking of Resto's right now.

If a restaurant is truly a reflection of it's chef, then it's obvious that Anthony Bourdain must be more than merely a titular executive toque at Les Halles. Like his writing, it's a little rough around the edges and a bit uneven, but entertaining overall. Yes, I'll return one day for that Foie Gras and Cassoulet, but I'll still pass on brunch.

I'm sure Tony will understand.

NOT THINKING LOCALLY

If you grew up near a town with an IGA grocery store, you probably have fond memories of it.

Usually smaller, always more personal than the big supermarkets, IGAs are in essence mom and pop outfits that have banned together as a group to get more competitive pricing from suppliers and distributors. Without the alliance many of them could not survive on their own, and would be replaced by whatever behemoth chain has taken over the neighboring towns.

Well, as if they didn't have enough trouble dealing with their major competitors, now the Concordia Animal Rights Association (CARA) - the same folks who take credit for ridding Canada of the scourge of evil teenage farmhands - has started targeting IGA stores in the Quebec province as part of their effort to ban Foie Gras.

The very unbiased McGill University Daily (note their pointed and painful description of gavage in paragraph 12) reports that CARA has begun protesting outside of IGA stores in an effort to get them to stop selling Foie Gras.

Call us at FoieBlog cynics (you won't be the first) but we wouldn't be surprised if most of the CARA crew, when not saving the Canadian goose population from extinction, have been to their fair share of anti-globalization protests as well. We've been berated for years about how small, locally-owned companies are the answers to all the world's ills. We've gotten the message. Too bad whenever it's "save the animals" week in activistland they conveniently forget this mantra and set up their soapboxes in front of stores like IGAs and independently-owned restaurants that employ many of their hard working, low-income neighbors while providing the community with the products and services that it demands, which in many places, includes Foie Gras.

BATTLE FOIE GRAS!

We all have our heroes.

For chefs there are Escoffier, Robuchon, Adria.

For lazy, untalented, imitation bon vivants like us at Foie Blog, there is only one:

Chairman Kaga.

Oh, to be able to summon the greatest chefs in the world before us to craft the finest dishes for our amusement and gastronomic approval. It is the dream.

Sadly for us, it is likely to stay just that.

Thankfully, there is Iron Chef.

Thankfully, there is also You Tube.

Battle Foie Gras.

Enjoy.

Segment 1
Segment2
Segment3
Segment4
Segment5

(Skip to segment 5 if you can't wait to see the tasting)

BLANCHARD IS BACK!

As we have noted before, many years ago GrasGuy lived in Washington, DC, where he circulated in the highest circles of power - it's a frightening thought.

A good amount of that time was spent in and around Capitol Hill, and he often found himself buying lunch in the various cafeterias of the US Capitol building. The food there was very typical cafeteria fare - burgers, sandwiches, mac and cheese - and nothing much to get excited about. So it is with much surprise that a dinky little government outfit like the Council of York, UK, has banned the sale of Foie Gras in their city hall.

According to our favorite birdcage liner, The Guardian, our old friend Paul Blanchard has managed to get a motion passed in Council banning Foie Gras sales on the premises, and condemning it's sale elsewhere in the country. Fortunately for everyone other than Blanchard, the Council recognizes that they do not have the power to ban the sale of Foie Gras in shops and restaurants around town. Still we are saddened by the passage of the motion.

Oh for the days when Foie Gras vendors would ply the steps of York city hall hawking their lobes to legislators and barristers alike. "Care for a bit of the goose, guvnor? It's right fresh today it is."

Right fresh, indeed.

CHEAPEST GOOD CAUSE EVER

Ok, helping an old lady cross the street is still free, but no one is trying to ban helping old ladies across the street...yet.

However, if that old lady is on her way to a nice restaurant in Philadelphia you might have to help her past some loud-mouthed protesters trying to ban Foie Gras, and if they have their way one day you could find yourself being arrested as an accessory to a crime. But now, for the low low price of $5, you can help stop this draconian future from coming to pass and save yourself the expense of hiring a high-priced attorney.

Next week, a group of Philadelphia restaurateurs who have joined forces as Philadelphia Chefs for Choice (sorry, Chicago Chefs for Choice was a bit catchier) are hosting Freedom Foie For Five (ok, now that's catchy.) From Oct. 1-7 all of the participating restaurants will be offering Foie Gras dishes at only $5 a creamy, luscious pop.

The goal of the event is to spread the Foie Gras as far and wide as possible, so those who've never had the opportunity to enjoy it before will spread the word and influence the public opinion needed to keep City Councilman Jack Kelly's proposed Foie Gras ban from coming to pass. Hopefully some of Philly's lobbyists will be happy to shell out the extra fiver when they're out to lunch with other members of the City Council - or at least slip it under the table. Wink, wink.

FoieBlog wishes Philadelphia Chefs for Choice the best of luck. Hugs for Puppies is going to have their work cut out for them next week staying on top of 20 restaurants dishing out more Foie Gras than ever before - up until now they've barely been able to muster up a protest at one eatery at a time.

We also encourage our readers not to look at this as just an opportunity to save a few bucks, but to spread the joy among your friends. Just think about it, for the price you usually pay for Foie Gras, you can introduce 3 or 4 of your gastronomically-naive friends to our favorite dish.

Philadelphia Chefs for Choice say you'll be enjoying the kind of freedom Abe Lincoln would be proud of - we only wish they'd chosen George Washington. Democratic Ducks for a Dollar!

Maybe next year.

JEZEHELL

FoieBlog has never seen a restaurant faced with such an onslaught of animal activism as Restaurant Jezebel in Austin, TX. Twice a week for months now, Noah Cooper's gang from Central Texas Animal Defense have continued their annoying protests, threats, and vandalism against Parind Vora's establishment. Nevertheless Parind tells FoieBlog he will never take Foie Gras off his menu, and we have no reason not to believe him. Heck, Foie Gras sales are up as a result of the controversy, so he says.

Now, Vora's plight is finally being recognized nationally, as the Center For Consumer Freedom has thrown it's weight behind him. If only they could get that trans fat ban in NYC overturned, then we'd be really happy.

If FoieBlog gave out an Award for Achievement in Excellence in the Face of Animal Activist Adversity, Parind Vora would be our top candidate this year. In fact, lets go ahead and establish that award right now. Tickets for our gala ball will be on sale later this month, and we'll be sending out invites to all of Hollywood's finest vegetarians just as soon as we get around to it.

I wouldn't expect Moby to be performing at the awards ceremony, but maybe Ted Nugent will be available.

ON THE MENU: JUSTICE

After a quick chase on Tuesday, Austin police apprehended Josh Rosenberg, the animal rights activist accused of defacing Restaurant Jezebel, as he tried to run out of his backyard. Kudos to the fine officers of the APD for tracking down this creep. Rosenberg now faces felony criminal mischief charges and is being held on $20,000 bail.

BE ON THE LOOKOUT

FoieBlog doesn't expect much decorum from animal activists, but this is pretty bad.

According to their website, the illustrious Central Texas Animal Defense has scheduled yet another protest outside of Restaurant Jezebel in Austin for this most solemn of days. No, we are not trying to draw any parallels between the 9/11 terror attacks and the feeble activists of CTAD, but there are days for this sort of thing and and there are days that aren't. 9/11 should not be one of those days. We doubt this will sit well with the residents of 43's home state.

In any event, there could be some action outside of Restaurant Jezebel this evening worthy of an episode of COPS. KVUE reports that Austin police have identified the person responsible for vandalizing the establishment on at least 2 occasions. According to the report, Jezebel's owner, Parind Vora set up a surveillance camera to catch the creep in the act. He did, and the cops cross-referenced the video with one taken at a recent protest outside of the eatery where the suspect, Josh Rosenberg was present. Despite Noah Cooper of CTAD insisting that the ones responsible for the vandalism "are putting themselves and the perception of animal rights activists are risk," it looks like they are a bit closer than Mr. Cooper would otherwise admit.

FoieBlog would also like to thank one of our readers (JS) for pointing out that CTAD has started taking their dog and pony show outside Austin and is now harassing Bistro Vatel in San Antonio. Run by a Damien Watel, who claims to be the descendant of a chef of Louis Quatorze, Bistro Vatel features Foie Gras et Pain Perdu as an appetizer on a very nice-looking bistro menu that also offers Duck Breast with Rhubarb and Sauteed Sweetbreads in Bernaise sauce. Protesters are expected this Saturday, 9/15.

For Watel's sake, FoieBlog hopes the police in San Antonio are as diligent as Austin's finest.