I have to confess, I was surprised to see all the positive posts, everywhere else foie gras is a hot button issue - thanks to all our neighbors for understanding! We have really been stuggling with these little twits - they have threatened and terrorized the staff as well as the guests. They have promised to come to our homes and are a very scary bunch! Here is what our neighbors should know:
- We are attempting to file an injunction. barring them from using the bullhorns and creating so much noise pollution. This is very expensive and time consuming . . .
- Neighbors should call 911 and complain about the noise - we cannot get them to turn off bullhorns, but when others call 911 it seems to work.
- Call civil affairs: 215.685.3684 (This is the department in charge of handling protesters)

Feel free to stop by restaurant at any time for more information or to say hello!

Stay strong.

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Czar of the 26th Ward.

So, you're saying a foie gras is good for you!

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that. -George Carlin

When will doctors become ashamed?

This dish is for special occasions or little nibbles, and the chance of eating enough of it to have this effect is likely very slim.

I guess so looking at it that way.

Start being nice to them. Send them out bread and drinks or whatever. Tell them that you admire them but are morally confused, or some such thing. Confuse them.

They aren't there about this product but are there out of a selfish need to "protest" and add meaning to their empty lives. If you and yours act welcoming you'll steal their energy. These people thrive on a weird type of hate and need an enemy to objectify, so they can feel good. Humanize yourself.

Tell them you are exploring "organic" and "free range" sources of liver. Tell them that there's a California "collective" that feeds the animals a diet of organically grown wheats rich in natural fats that prevent the need to force feed them, and you've contacted them for supplies.

Tell them your great gandma, from the old country, begged on her deathbed to not stop serving the goose fat, because that's what her papa made her during the war/invasion/pogrom. Add some ethic history and meaning. Their brains will explode while trying to justify violating your "cultural" values and family tradition (they learned that was terrible at school).

Engage in psychological warfare, because that's what they're trying on you. They think that you're not kind and understanding, so be that way.

Actually, there are only 2 producers of foie gras in this country - one of them being Hudson Valley Farm in upstate New York. They have been inspected by the American Vetinary Assoc, and the USDA and passed with flying colors. When we reached out to them about being protested, we were invited to visit at anytime - so we did. It is a completely sustainable farm that treats the animals well. They are in open enclosures, fed by humans - they actually do go right up their handlers at feeding time and they show no signs of stress. That is what is so sad about this whole proposal to ban foie gras across the country - groups like Hugs for Puppies are using images and describing practices at these farms that are not taking place at all. If these bans go thru, these wonderful artisan farmers will be put out of business . . .

I live almost 5 blocks away and could hear them in my house. Next time I do, I'll call the above.

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that. -George Carlin

Great blog! I was told to check it and I'm glad I did! We were feeling lonely in the neighborhood, since the city isn't protecting us!

If you want to inform yourself about the FOIE issue you can go to www.londongrill.com and click on 'Restaurant". We have our statement as well as "Scientific" information. The crazy part is that nothing today seems to be about facts. It's how one "feels" or "believes". (Even our president!)

When I was at Hudson Valley Foie Gras last week and was picking up the cute little 2 week old ducks, petting them and patting their heads, the co-owner Izzy said, "If you really want to give them affection, puke in their mouth!"

That's the jist of it. Ever see a sea gull down a rack of ribs off a table in Wildwood? Ducks throats are designed to eat big spiny fish.

Anyway, we originally had foie gras in the butter on our hanger steak, that's it. Now we have a foie gras menu. We consider these "puppies" to be terrorists and extortionists and can't wait to yell "GO" to the bulldog lawyers that may do this pro-bono for all restuarants. (By the way, the FBI also considers animal rights activists that use some of their tactics as terrosists also. Google AETA - Animal Enterprise Terrosim Act).

I am truley sorry for the neighborhood and my staff. Some of the kids who are always at the store eating ice cream, actually have picked up their jingle, "We know where you sleep at night"! catchy...

I am also sorry for the police since Civil Affairs has them hog tied on this. We are going to fight this fight as long as we can. The upside is that the "Puppies" and their employers have made it easier for us to fight the actual proposed ban sitting on 7th disctrict councilman Savage's desk, via Councilman-At-Large Jack Kelley. I sit on the board of the Greater Philadelphia Restaurant and Purveyor Association and am working hard to get ready to fight City Council-again.

Support the restuarants that are getting hit on this! BOO Stephen Starr and Judy Wicks for validating this group. IT WON'T STOP AT FOIE GRAS!

Truley- Terry McNally/co-owner London Grill

Great posts from the London people. I'll be by this week to spend some money there. Thanks for sticking to your values and standing up for them.

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that. -George Carlin