Demo Against Foie Gras At Lark And Quinn's

1/22/2009 Jake "The Lake Returns" R. says:

Damn, I never knew what Foie gras was, that's pretty fucked up!

1/23/2009 Carly "wine princess aka Aunt Cardy" L. says:

I used to date a chef, and I *hate* foie gras! Good cause I say!

1/23/2009 This Space For Rent C. says:

This will be EVERY Friday until Lark takes fois gras off the menu.  Thanks for checking this out!

My sign tonight: "Foie Gras Este Passe"

1/23/2009 Ian S. says:

I've had the foie gras at Lark.  Tasty!

1/23/2009 Ian S. says:

Interesting read:
http://en.wikipedia.or...

1/23/2009 Ian S. says:

Better article, from the restaurants section of New York Magazine:
http://nymag.com/nymet...

(No one ever looks at wikipedia references, so I thought that I'd help you out.)

1/23/2009 Peter A. says:

Isn't foie gras just payback for causing airplane crashes, i.e. Flight 1549 in the Hudson?     All is fair in love and liver.

1/23/2009 This Space For Rent C. says:

Hey guys, come by Lark tonight and I will stick a feeding tube down your throat and we'll have some laughs.

Compassion for animals is intimately connected with goodness of character and it may be confidently asserted that he who is cruel to animals cannot be a good man." - Arthur Schopenhauer, German Philosopher

1/23/2009 Ian S. says:

That's cool.  I'll just eat three for every one you don't eat.

http://www.thebestpage...

1/23/2009 Amanda "I bring snark to the table" Y. says:

I like to protest foie gras, but I DO like to eat veal...

1/23/2009 Marissa "Buttercrotch Christmaspants" S. says:

"I tell you it will be more tolerable for the Fejee that salted down a lean missionary in his cellar against a coming famine; it will be more tolerable for that provident Fejee, I say, in the day of judgment, than for thee, civilized and enlightened gourmand, who nailest geese to the ground and feastest on their bloated livers in thy pate-de-foie-gras."
~Hermin Melville, from Moby Dick

grotesque, sociopathic practice.

1/23/2009 Your Boyfriend Was a Lousy Lay T. says:

I am not a fan of that photo. Nor am I fan of foie gras. I do so love ducks and geese.

1/23/2009 This Space For Rent C. says:

Ian, your snark is duly noted as well your disguise.

"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."

- Mahatma Gandhi

1/23/2009 Ian S. says:

No snark at all, quotemachine.  I'm going to amp up my eating.  You have inspired me.

1/23/2009 Amanda "I bring snark to the table" Y. says:

Patrick, are you a vegetarian?

1/23/2009 Marissa "Buttercrotch Christmaspants" S. says:

he eats no flesh

1/23/2009 This Space For Rent C. says:

Yes, I'm a vegetarian.  

Ian...try a feeding tube forced down your throat, that will help you eat more.  But, you'll have to take off your Ninja costume first.

Here's another quote for you:

"The fact that man knows right from wrong proves his intellectual superiority to the other creatures; but the fact that he can do wrong proves his moral inferiority to any creatures that cannot."  ~Mark Twain, What Is Man, 1906

1/23/2009 Kat "Sarcastic to a" T. says:

Is it ok if I still enjoy Zombie movies? BRAINZZZ!!!!

1/23/2009 This Space For Rent C. says:

I love Zombies.  Zombies I like.

1/23/2009 Ian S. says:

In before next quote:

A witty saying proves nothing. -- Voltaire
Quoting: the act of repeating erroneously the words of another.  -- Ambrose Bierce
Wise men make proverbs, but fools repeat them.  -- Samuel Palmer

More here:
http://www.wku.edu/tea...

Here's a lunatic bothering Gordon Ramsay about it:
http://www.youtube.com...

1/23/2009 Kat "Sarcastic to a" T. says:

Is a vegetarian permitted to eat animal crackers?
-George Carlin

1/23/2009 Amanda "I bring snark to the table" Y. says:

I never did when I was Kat. It just felt so... wrong.

1/23/2009 Sarah J. says:

Are you joking?!?!   Most importantly, Lark, Crush, 35th St. are just a small few restaurants in the city that serve fois gras.  Gastro-pubs (who specialize in this) are popping up left and  right.  Do you really think that spending your Friday night freezing your ass off out side their restaurant is going to make the chefs/owners do anything different or stop people from going?  In addition to being a wonderfully tasty treat, Fois Gras is one of the oldest foods in the world.  The technique of gavage (liver fattening) dates as far back as 2500 BC, when the ancient Egyptians began keeping birds for food and deliberately fattened the birds through force-feeding.  If you're so worried about the health of food animals, I hope you don't eat anything but organic free range chicken, veal is totally out of the question, rabbit would be an no can do for you.. you're missing out on a lot tasty  treats.  On top of that please tell me you own leather... that would put the cherry atop this ridiculous PETA sundae.

1/23/2009 Alyson "The Eskimo" L. says:

Um, you obviously know nothing about Patrick.

1/23/2009 Nina "Without me, it's just Aweso." W. says:

Never tried it, now i have a reason not to.

even though i do eat meat, i do not condone this! I had no idea that is how they do that...

I do, however, plan on trying Kobe beef... nothin wrong with beer binge drinkin cows gettin massaged all day :-)

1/23/2009 Xav "Dance, Dance, Dance! Turn the Radio Up!" V. says:

I've been missing out on those "tasty treats" all my life Sarah J.  Eating the young children of other species and supporting the force feeding of other living creatures may not bother you, but it does bother me.  I'm also not a big believer of accepting things based on the length of time the actions have been practiced.  

Also, when there is a meat-centric event on Yelp I don't feel the need to comment.  Why would I?  If you want to organize an UYE at Lark more power to you.  Eat up.

Anywho, I wish I could join you PG and FG this evening, but unfortunately I work.

1/23/2009 This Space For Rent C. says:

Actually Sarah, these events have stop certain restaurants from serving foie gras in Portland, Oregon.  I don't know the names, but I can find out for you.  And, just because something it an old tradition, doesn't make it worth continuing or okay.  I don't mind freezing my ass off on a Friday night really to lend support to NARN.  Thanks for commenting.

Ian, thanks for contributing so much to the discussion today.  It's been so enlightening. Did Voltaire say anything about linking to Youtube or Wikipedia?

1/23/2009 Your Boyfriend Was a Lousy Lay T. says:

You crack me up, Patrick.

"Did Voltaire say anything about linking to Youtube or Wikipedia?"

I'm going to try to fit that 'quote' into conversation some time.

1/23/2009 Your Boyfriend Was a Lousy Lay T. says:

Also, I am still disturbed by this picture! That poor duck!

1/23/2009 Sarah "Princess" K. says:

I hate these kind of protests.  I lump them all together under one umbrella of dislike.  Doesn't matter if I agree or disagree but you are negatively impacting someone's dinner.  Maybe that dinner was something very special that had been saved up for, maybe they never had a desire to order Foie Gras but all the same you are doing your part in ruining their day.  Congratulations.

1/23/2009 Xav "Dance, Dance, Dance! Turn the Radio Up!" V. says:

Last time I checked these protests were not taking place inside the restaurants.  You know what would really ruin these peoples meal?  If while you're sitting down to dinner someone walks in goose under arm and demonstrates exactly how foie gras came to be.  Now that, my friend, would ruin a dinner.

1/23/2009 Emily T. says:

Oh how tragic, raising awareness and possibly making someone think about what they're putting in their mouth.  Oh jeez, a little enlightment, and now my day is ruined.

1/23/2009 Peter A. says:

Wouldn't that just ensure fresh foie gras?

1/23/2009 Steve "My body is not a wonderland" o. says:

very well said Xav

1/23/2009 This Space For Rent C. says:

This is a peaceful protest, not inside the restaurant, not disturbing customers, not trying to shut Lark down.  Just standing outside with a sign,  demonstrating, again..peacefully, to raise awareness and to ask peacefully, politely, that Lark stop serving foie gras.  That is all.  I'm not responsible for other people's actions, only mine.  

I'm NOT an organizer of this, I'm joining in on a demonstration that has already been started by someone from NARN and posted this to have a discussion about foie gras and inviting anyone that would like to be involve come or even have a discussion about foie gras here.  

I'm not a meat eater hater...I just think it's good to be a CONSCIOUS eater of meat, how it's produced, how the animals are treated.   I think that animals should be treated well, even if you're going to kill them for your food.  The process of producing foie gras is cruel, disgusting and if I can do a little something to maybe raise awareness (Jake up at the top of this didn't know what foie gras is, now he does and can make an informed choice) then great.  

The war of veggie vs. meat is tired and I don't think productive whatsoever.  I personally think how we treat animals is important to us as spiritual beings....I don't care how corny that sounds to the jaded.  

Anyway, peace....and enjoy your Friday night!  I will too!

1/23/2009 This Space For Rent C. says:

P.S. ~ I heard there will be VEGAN DONUTS at the demonstration.  That's something we can all enjoy, yes?

1/23/2009 Carly "wine princess aka Aunt Cardy" L. says:

PG you rock. As a meat eater to a veggie... I totally respect what you are doing.

1/23/2009 Alli "needs a megaphone" D. says:

I've never had foie gras; never really knew what it was but thought it sounded gross nonetheless. Now I know my gut feeling was correct! I learned something today--thanks y'all!

1/23/2009 This Space For Rent C. says:

Just an update: last week was the quiet..silent demonstration, this week's demonstration was an escalation, as in chanting loudly.  So, disturbing the peace with chanting.  For an hour.  Every Friday..until foie gras is taken off the menu.  

There was a about 20 people or so, only one upset customer who said, "I know more about foie gras than you will ever know!!!"  Um...okay.  

There was a rad van from NARN with a video screen on the side with speakers playing a film on foie gras parked in front of the restaurant.  The restaurant closed it's shades, but yeah...chanting for an hour.  The customers that came out were interested in the demonstration and cool. Someone asked "Is there a good kind of foie gras?"  No, there isn't.  People that came out and in were asked to ask that it be taken off the menu.  

So, yeah...disturbing the peace for an hour a week until it's removed.  That's it.

And vegan donuts!  Which I didn't have because I'm restricting calories...but still...DONUTS.

Changed the date here for next week in case anyone would like to come by or whatever.

Peace out!

1/23/2009 Xav "Dance, Dance, Dance! Turn the Radio Up!" V. says:

Thanks for the update Patrick!

1/23/2009 This Space For Rent C. says:

Your welcome!

Factoids:

International bans on foie gras: http://banfoiegras.com...

San Francisco's Hilton, Chicago's Pump Room and San Antonio's La Louisiane refuse to serve foie gras.  

United Airlines, Delta, Holland's KLM and Scandinavia's SAS have moved foie gras from in flight menus.

1/23/2009 Marissa "Buttercrotch Christmaspants" S. says:

I relish the fact that I could spoil someone's dinner by telling them exactly what happened to the animal to get it to their plate. If you can't take it, you shouldn't be eating it.

1/23/2009 Matt "Chicken-hearted and gutless" R. says:

*burp*

1/26/2009 Dan "Call me DFENS not Dan" T. says:

Would it be OK if we joined in to demonstrate against foie gras and the wearing of pants?

Both should stop immediately!

1/26/2009 This Space For Rent C. says:

Sure!

1/26/2009 Boris G. says:

1. ducks and geese raised for Foie Gras are usually much happier than their relatives raised just for meat - they don't live in cages and actually hanging out on the grass. YOU SHOULD direct your efforts in other direction ....
2. Foie Gras is yummy

1/26/2009 Cassie "Instigator of Anti-Aircraft Wheezes and Dodges" B. says:

Patrick, sorry I didn't make it out this week, I shall try this coming week! NARN is good people.

"I relish the fact that I could spoil someone's dinner by telling them exactly what happened to the animal to get it to their plate. If you can't take it, you shouldn't be eating it."

QFT!

1/26/2009 Chris "healthy dose of reality for ignorant seattlites" H. says:

Obviously the protestors have nothing better to do.  Instead of sitting around being pro-activists, do something constructive for a change.  Help the homeless, tutor kids, volounteer your time for something progressive.  Sitting around because you think foie gras is wrong is just stupid.  But then again "Stupid is, stupid does"  Forrest Gump.  Quote that

1/26/2009 This Space For Rent C. says:

Yes, protesting against something you believe in for an hour a week is just so stupid, I know.  It doesn't give me ANY time to do anything else useful in society.  

I've already explained why I believe foie gras wrong. This isn't "sitting around"..this is doing something and being progressive, to try and stop it from being served because I believe it's a cruel product, one that is banned many other places.  

Why all the defensive, snarky, emotional responses to this?  If it doesn't interest you, fine.  If you don't care about how animals are treated fine.  I'm not calling names or mocking anyone here.

1/26/2009 Your Boyfriend Was a Lousy Lay T. says:

Geez Patrick, how can you be SO STUPID! Loving animals and all that stupid shit? OMG, that is so retarded! You're the lamest person I know!

1/26/2009 Chris "healthy dose of reality for ignorant seattlites" H. says:

move to another country if you want more social restrictions.  This be the land of the free

1/26/2009 Cassie "Instigator of Anti-Aircraft Wheezes and Dodges" B. says:

Oh for chrissake.

1/26/2009 This Space For Rent C. says:

Yeah, again...don't be so hysterical Chris.  It's going to be fine.

1/26/2009 Chris "healthy dose of reality for ignorant seattlites" H. says:

yes, i am hysterical.  In tears for the poor birds....well off to lark for some delicious lunch of foie gracias

1/26/2009 This Space For Rent C. says:

Okay.  Maybe ask ninja Ian to join you, you both tell the same jokes.

1/26/2009 Marissa "Buttercrotch Christmaspants" S. says:

you know, you are so right. protesting never does a thing. Ever. In the history of protesting....nothing is ever changed.

seriously, look it up.

http://pbskids.org/way...

http://en.wikipedia.or...

we should just do more productive things with our time, like argue on the interwebs.

1/26/2009 Your Boyfriend Was a Lousy Lay T. says:

It's not a matter of 'social restrictions' rather than informing people of the circumstances involved in preparing their 'delicacy'. It's one thing to go about life completely ignorant of any wrongdoing in life, but I'd rather live my life with every piece of information offered to me so I can then make a reasonable and knowledgeable choice. I'm not a vegetarian, but I choose not to eat foie gras or veal.

1/26/2009 Chris "healthy dose of reality for ignorant seattlites" H. says:

I agree to a point Laina.  But ignorant people like Cassie just piss me off by saying things like "I relish the fact that I could spoil someone's dinner by telling them exactly what happened to the animal to get it to their plate"  Things like that are what piss people off and take away from people like Patrick who actually have a purpose behind their protest.  Although I dont agree with Patrick I respect his choice.  But when people want to act like a douch and get pleasure from ruining other people day (or meal) thats stupid and inconsiderate.

1/26/2009 Cassie "Instigator of Anti-Aircraft Wheezes and Dodges" B. says:

"QFT" = "quoted for truth". I was quoting Marissa, for the record, though I do agree with her.

It's funny that you call me ignorant when the entire point is that people should make informed decisions about what they're eating and what was involved to get it to their plates. If you aren't open to being an informed consumer, you're the ignorant one, not me. And if you choose to eat foie gras knowing how it's made, more power to ya. But if someone doesn't have a clue, and is moved to stop eating it upon learning the details of production, than obviously I support that decision wholeheartedly.

1/26/2009 Cassie "Instigator of Anti-Aircraft Wheezes and Dodges" B. says:

Oh, and you clearly do not respect Patrick's choice, so don't suddenly hop on the old high horse. It's a bit too late for that.

1/26/2009 Your Boyfriend Was a Lousy Lay T. says:

That's a very reasonable response, Chris.

1/26/2009 Marissa "Buttercrotch Christmaspants" S. says:

you are ruining my day Chris

now don't you have egg on your face!

1/26/2009 Your Boyfriend Was a Lousy Lay T. says:

Um, where's the kittens and rainbows thread? Please?

1/26/2009 Kat "Sarcastic to a" T. says:

Food fights are awesome!

1/26/2009 Cassie "Instigator of Anti-Aircraft Wheezes and Dodges" B. says:

One would think it couldn't get any more kittens and rainbows that protesting against animal cruelty, but I guess it's subjective.

1/26/2009 Your Boyfriend Was a Lousy Lay T. says:

True Cassie, very true. I was just sensing a bit of hostility and thought maybe it would be nice to have the option to discuss something a little, um, lighter.

1/26/2009 Chris "healthy dose of reality for ignorant seattlites" H. says:

I have known what foie gras is since i was atleast 10, I think most people who can eat it know what it is and have known for a number of years.  I dont however know how trying to ruin somebodys evening by "educating" them on their dinner is helping your situation.  And I do respect patricks choice and his fight even though I think its stupid and a waste of time.  So no high horse here, I think that one is drinking from your fountain Cassie

1/26/2009 Cassie "Instigator of Anti-Aircraft Wheezes and Dodges" B. says:

"And I do respect patricks choice and his fight even though I think its stupid and a waste of time."

Thanks for the laugh!

1/26/2009 Marissa "Buttercrotch Christmaspants" S. says:

"Damn, I never knew what Foie gras was, that's pretty fucked up!"

"Never tried it, now i have a reason not to."

So already this thread has enlightened 2 people.

1/26/2009 Kat "Sarcastic to a" T. says:

Correction: That would be high unicorn!

1/26/2009 Chris "healthy dose of reality for ignorant seattlites" H. says:

and you didnt have to ruin their dinner or sit out in the cold to do it.  wow

1/26/2009 elsa "schiap" f. says:

Patrick didn't exactly set up this thread for this kind of hostility. Take a deep breath, peeps. Take ten. He hasn't insulted anyone, has he? Simma down, okay?

1/26/2009 Marissa "Buttercrotch Christmaspants" S. says:

yeah, but it wasn't nearly as satisfying.

1/26/2009 Riss "miss riss ™" J. says:

Patrick. Thank you for sharing this information publicly to give people an opportunity to learn or participate in a cause you care about if they so choose.

1/26/2009 Matt "Chicken-hearted and gutless" R. says:

Wow, this is the greatest event thread in a long time.  Maybe ever.

I'm not your buddy, guy!
I'm not your guy, friend!
I'm not your friend, buddy!

Thanks for helping with my case of the Mondays.

Carry on.

1/26/2009 elsa "schiap" f. says:

instigator!

1/26/2009 Kat "Sarcastic to a" T. says:

Matt, I protest your case of the Mondays but I respect your choice to have it!

1/26/2009 Carly "wine princess aka Aunt Cardy" L. says:

yikes.

1/26/2009 Marissa "Buttercrotch Christmaspants" S. says:

Kat, protesting does nothing but anger Matt

1/26/2009 This Space For Rent C. says:

Okay, let me boil the pro foie gras sentiments so they do need repeating ad naseum...

1. It's stupid to demonstrate/protest/stand up for something because it's:

   a. stupid
   b. a waste of time
   c. it's cold out
   d it won't change anything

2.  You don't care about how animals are treated

3.  Foie gras taste good

4.  It's dumb to quote people who said poignant things in the past...because....it's dumb...or something.

Me response, and this will be the last time:

It is NOT a waste of time to protest things you feel aren't right and to take some form of action to counter it.  Not matter what the weather conditions are or what day of the week or time of day.  It is being proactive and acting under the guidance of your conscience.  

Yes, some people dinning experience will be unpleasant during the hours of 7 and 8 pm on a Friday night, every Friday night in fact, until Lark removes foie gras from the menu.  That is unfortunate for those diners.  BUT, last Friday there were, as stated above by me, some that where very interested in the information and clearly NOT informed on the production of foie gras.  So...it was not a "waste of time" and "did nothing".  In fact, this same kind of action has stopped a Portland restaurant or two to stop serving foie gras, so again...this kind of action works.  I understand that some think this is extreme, but for myself...I do not.   Even posting this as an "event" is a form of action.  As I stated above, Jake didn't know about foie gras and now he does.  Again...not a waste of my time.

I care about how animals are treated.  Obviously, being a vegetarian for political reasons, you can probably guess how I feel about animal, been eaten.  BUT, I'm not an extremist.  I still own some boots and a belt made of leather.  I still eat dairy, I am not vegan.  Life is complicated and so are people.  I am trying to make choices and am moving towards a more thoughtful way of life as I can.  This particular situation though is about FOIE GRAS in particular.  There is no FREE RANGE foie gras.  There's no happy smiley kind of foie gras.  An animal gets force fed to the point of chocking to death with a feeding tube rammed down it's neck to fatten it up...foie gras...fatty liver.  It's movements are restricted to help it get/stay fat.  It's FUCKED.  It is cruel and unnecessary.  Period.  It's not about it's "yumminess".  

I've taken the quote issue to heart, I know how downright egregious a Gandhi or Mark Twain quote can be.  Therefore, I won't quote anymore, I guess.  Unless another good one comes to mind.

Again, I'm not an organizer of this.  I might not even make every protest.  I don't represent NARN or PETA or anyone.  

No one is trying to shut Lark down.  And, there's still plenty of meat on the menu, but hopefully not foie gras for long.

1/26/2009 This Space For Rent C. says:

"don't"...

I apologize for my sloppy typing.

1/26/2009 This Space For Rent C. says:

No offense Cathy G., but I've started typing and writing like you sister!

1/26/2009 Marissa "Buttercrotch Christmaspants" S. says:

Thank you Patrick. Thank you.

1/26/2009 Naurry "Quasi-Evil" K. says:

Seattle Yelp's been really snarky lately, myself included.

::smirk::

Fuckin' economy, it's making everyone edgy.

1/26/2009 Cassie "Instigator of Anti-Aircraft Wheezes and Dodges" B. says:

Well said, Patrick.

1/26/2009 Marissa "Buttercrotch Christmaspants" S. says:

Cassie, Patrick.....veg potluck anyone?

1/26/2009 Xav "Dance, Dance, Dance! Turn the Radio Up!" V. says:

I'm totally down for veg potluck!

1/26/2009 Edison "Elektrik" D. says:

Are they killed right after force feeding them? Or are they letting them off without Tums? J/K

This is an eye opener Patrick... Thanks!

Some other things to think about....

http://www.chicagofood...

http://news.nationalge...

1/26/2009 Marissa "Buttercrotch Christmaspants" S. says:

Thank you Edison for that. I too heard of the massages and beer feedings...

and now my eyes are opened. Disgusting.

1/26/2009 Derek "The Truth" R. says:

Im fuckin fired up!!! Actually if you do more research you will find that Foie Gras is just like everything else...There are some companies out there that do harm the geese by force feeding...just like the companies you buy your shampoo and lipstick and all that other bullshit from.. hurt animals...There are also companies who produce Foie Gras and do it very humanely! Foie Gras was discovered by Egyptians 2000 years ago when they noticed the liver of the geese tasted so much fattier, buttier and delicious (man im gettin hungry) when the geese would gorge themselves before flying south for the winter... Leave Chef Jonathan and all these other chefs alone. Why fuck with a mans business??? If you dont like it dont go there....If you don't like foie Dont buy it!!! Welcome to America people!!! I took down my review of Sidecar for Pigs Peace cause It wasn't right to joke with them over something i know nothing about... I mean WTF Vegans!?!? Im clueless...just like all you on this issue!!! Give it up guys...Chicago banned Foie and now its back...
Heres some research for ya!!!
http://www.hudsonvalle...
watch Tonys video at the bottom....
and just be happy no one video taped you kicking your cat!!!

Thanks guys
Love, Derek

1/26/2009 Derek "The Truth" R. says:

Hey Ian...I got a small grill and can get a lobe for pretty cheap...I say free foie for all....We'll have a cooking demo!

1/26/2009 Ian S. says:

Sounds like a fun plan, Derek.  Count me in.

Really, in a way, I enjoy how political activists such as these cherry pick what are facts and what are not.  At least PETA is somewhat effective at whoring for media attention.  They are at least entertaining.

Here's the thing, Patrick.  If you can hear me over the droning of your own voice telling you how awesome and justified you are, I would have the folliowing to say to you.

Are you ready?  Here it is:

Being an evangelist and throwing around half truths and opinion masquerading as fact does not do you or the causes you find so important any credit.  I linked to the NY Mag article and to the Ramsey video so that you could read them because clearly you were in need of some perspective.  The video posted above shows feedings of fowl by some French dudes and a free range foie gras farm, which you claim does not exist.  The article talked about the production bans and struck me as fair and comprehensive.

Do you know what you're really protesting?  You are against inexpensive food.  Your ideology is one of privilege and entitlement.  The market for organic and free range products is driven because it is, in theory, less harmful to the animal, but more importantly, a happy healthy animal yields a better end product.  The market tends to reward quality and it makes some people feel good that the flesh they're eating had a big smile before the lights went out.

No wait.  There's more.

The chicken, for example, is the most efficient grain to protein device available. All of the world lives with them. Nature is not clean and serene. It is chaotic and violent. If your aim is reducing of suffering, I applaud your goals. However I suspect that this is not the case. You have an emotional and slanted agenda fueled by things-that-I-hold-to-be-true- so-therefore-they-are arguments. You use the quotes of greater men to justify these straw man arguments (right out of forum arguing playbooks) to try to give yourself better traction. You believe that anyone that does not believe what you do is wrong and bad. You know it's true. You are an ideological fanatic. You are also not Mark Twain.

So you and your kind there at the protest might as well be holding up signs like the Westboro Baptist Church.  It makes about as much sense to me.

Just because you write large paragraphs aggrandizing yourself and quote people who may or may not be agreeing with you does not make you compelling or very interesting.

Taking the most extreme example of factory farming and carefully selecting facts to prove your argument will win oblivious people over to your side.

Do us all a favor and stop personifying and exaggerating and being ridiculous.  This is a review site and a place for foodies, not a place to spread hate speech for those who eat liver.

1/26/2009 Ian S. says:

Note:  I threw down another reply here because you called me out.  I find you a boring and pedestrian person, but please enjoy your little hobby of trolling people in public if it makes you feel special.

1/27/2009 MissMaryAnn D. says:

what derek said

on the other hand, if someone wants to stand outside a place and provide ppl information if asked , I think that's cool.

would the protesting at Lark stop if the chef procured foie gras from a  source that doesn't not force feed ?

cuz then it would be ok with PETA to eat anmals that are treated ethically? I don;t think PETA is really down with that - but maybe I'm wrong

anyone reading this and then taking the time to tell people they are "wasting their time" is a straight up  idiot

I am always amazed at how twisted people's panties get about this issue
yeah - I said panties, and it's usually the meatheads. WTF?

if someone is gonna force feed someone else around here, I wanna watch

1/27/2009 Derek "The Truth" R. says:

You see here people....Respectable chefs in the community..Your community,,,,have the ability to do what we like to call research...Patrick have you ever eaten at Lark? Have you ever sat down and had a chat with Chef Jonathan?? Maybe you would find out he got his Foie from a very ethical place.... Nina!!! You say you like Kobe beef.. That is the most inhumane thing to eat on the planet! Oh but wait!!! if you do a little research you will learn you can get American and Australian Wagyu Beef... Practically the same thing as Kobe but these heffers don't need massages cause they get to play in the pasture!!! Get your fuckin facts right before you do whatever it is the fuck you do!!   Sorry im so pissed i dunno it might be cause Im on my 4th day of not drinkin for a week...Oh well you know us Chefs!!! Later Suckas!

*Warning this link contains knowledge!!! Read the entire thing...don't need you crampin some other restaurants style!

http://www.gourmet.com...

1/27/2009 Derek "The Truth" R. says:

and 1 more thing a chef would never change his menu for you....

A chef HATES you!!!!

1/27/2009 Derek "The Truth" R. says:

and 1 more thing a chef would never change his menu for you....

A chef HATES you!!!!

1/27/2009 Steve "My body is not a wonderland" o. says:

Ian..this is more than just a review site..u know that.

Fight the power Patrick

1/27/2009 Marissa "Buttercrotch Christmaspants" S. says:

if a chef hates me, well then...won't be visiting his establishment anyway. Good to know that the Chef at lark hates me. Fantastic. He won't be needing my business then.

1/27/2009 shaun k. says:

FYI- there are 53 results for "foie gras" on seattle yelp search. this is going to be a long protest, folks. i wish you luck.

1/27/2009 Marissa "Buttercrotch Christmaspants" S. says:

Here's my question though Patrick....is NARN planning on doing this at all restaurants and grocery stores that sell foie gras? Or is it just a vendetta against Lark? Do a search for for it on yelp and you get 53 results...

while I support the right to protest, it seems a tad arbitrary to just single out one place.

1/27/2009 MissMaryAnn D. says:

i find the euphemisms for slaughter ("dispatch", "harvest) in the articles sited here interesting

Marissa: I believe Derek's point is that chefs in general are quite pleased  to accommodate their customers - I mean, they feed people for a living, they want you to like your food

factory farming of meat and dairy is fraught with horror stories
your cheap food doesn't come without a price

1/27/2009 Marissa "Buttercrotch Christmaspants" S. says:

heh...that is not my experience with chefs. Most chefs I know get extremely peeved when special requests are made.

1/27/2009 Matt "Chicken-hearted and gutless" R. says:

Have I said before how extremely un-boring and excellent this event thread is?

I have?  Oh, okay, keep on arguing.  I've been bored by most Yelp threads recently.

1/27/2009 Kat "Sarcastic to a" T. says:

I'm with Matt on this one.

Bring out your high horses and stoned unicorns!!

1/27/2009 Derek "The Truth" R. says:

This is my last post here...I just want to say one more thing. The Seattle chefs mentioned above, are doing their part in reversing the way America thinks about food. They get all their products from local, sustainable farms and purveyors. The meats they buy are from small farms where the animals are treated very humanely, even the ducks. The meals they provide do come with a higher price tag. It's because they are supporting other people, other families, other farms in THIS state.  Not some gigantic company that mass produce vegetables and have so many animals they sit in feed lots until they die out in Nebraska. These chefs aren't EVIL, they are providing a product that has been around since the Egyptians hunted geese along the Nile in the 18th century. I think everyone on here needs to relax, there are so many things you could get angry about and petition so why not start at McDonald's? Leave the people that are trying to make a difference in our country alone.

*Get informed and think for yourself, Don't buy into someones propaganda due to the amount of Yelp posts and friends they have.

1/27/2009 Edison "Elektrik" D. says:

ok, I'm checking out... I better not instigate more! I love food! I love yelp!

hey derek, where do you work? nice looking primes... i'm starving!

1/27/2009 Derek "The Truth" R. says:

I work on Nantucket Island in MA. we serve lots of Foie there... we're closed for the off season so I'm Just visiting Seattle and eating.. Cheers~

1/27/2009

This account has been closed.

1/27/2009 Riss "miss riss ™" J. says:

I agree with Matt. If nothing else this was a damn entertaining thread

furthermore.........*bites tongue and walks away*

1/27/2009 Matt "Chicken-hearted and gutless" R. says:

Because no one has said this yet...

HITLER!!!

http://en.wikipedia.or...

My work here is done.

1/27/2009 Don L. says:

Wow. Easily one of the BEST threads ever...because we can debate the points. But reducing down to the offer of self-propagation? Bad form, Patrick...and the typical response when one's argument is waning. UP to that point, fun thread on both sides.

I do have to wonder on those that jumped on so quick against it...how many of you eat steak? Ground beef? Wear leather or have leather furniture? I've known since I was a kid what fois gras was, but I chose not to consume it. Not out of concern for a fowl, but out of a matter of taste.

Play on.

1/27/2009 This Space For Rent C. says:

It's funny, threads and events posted by people I find "boring and pedestrian" I usually ignore.   Not Ian...he hangs out on them and...what's the word.....TROLLS them?

Ian, you are dishonest.

1/27/2009 This Space For Rent C. says:

Don, go fuck yourself too.*

*joking.

1/27/2009 Carly "wine princess aka Aunt Cardy" L. says:

Can't we all just get along?

*runs and hides*

1/27/2009 Don L. says:

One other observation...and believe it or not, I'm neutral on this...I just find humor in the contrast of words and deeds:

If you are such a strong "sudden follower"...and you are so horrified...then why are Patrick and Faith the only ones who are 'IN'? Where's the commitment?  

:D I get such a kick out of the silly games we play.

1/27/2009 Carly "wine princess aka Aunt Cardy" L. says:

one of these fridays I will be there Don.

1/27/2009 MissMaryAnn D. says:

quack

1/27/2009 Xav "Dance, Dance, Dance! Turn the Radio Up!" V. says:

If I didn't work ever goddamn Friday until July I'd be there with the Gs and Carly.

1/27/2009 Don L. says:

Just checkin'.   :)

1/27/2009 This Space For Rent C. says:

By the way, I spent some time looking at the Hudson Valley website (is a foie gras farm website a great source for impartially framing the subject foie gras?), including Anthony Bourdain's video clip at the bottom (entertaining guy I will admit, but but hardly someone I look to for animal welfare)....

This is the same Hudson Valley where this stuff went down several years ago:

http://www.gourmetcrue...

Here's some undercover video at Hudson Valley: http://www.cok.net/fea...

Here's the happy foie gras website provided by Derek, including a cheerful video with Bourdian at the bottom:

http://www.hudsonvalle.../

1/27/2009 Kat "Sarcastic to a" T. says:

Don just called you Mo-Fo's out!

I'm crazy in love with this thread!

1/27/2009 This Space For Rent C. says:

I just got a message from someone from NARN and apparently after two demonstrations, Lark has finally agreed to meet with representatives of NARN.

1/27/2009 Xav "Dance, Dance, Dance! Turn the Radio Up!" V. says:

Wow, that is fairly quick.  Good for them!  I look forward to hearing/reading the results of the discussion.

1/27/2009 This Space For Rent C. says:

Also, I apologize for telling you to fuck off already Ian.  It was very pedestrian and boring of me.

1/27/2009 izzy w. says:

Keep us posted on how the discussion between NARN and Lark goes, Patrick.

1/27/2009 Don L. says:

What, no back-handed apology to ME you goose bumper?! :D As you say... *I kid*. :)

Now before anyone goes and FLAGS this...Patrick and I really are kidding each other. I think I speak for both of us when I say that no offense is taken on either side. Well, that's not entirely true. I *do* take offense to him smelling like goose crap.

1/27/2009 This Space For Rent C. says:

I love Don L.  and I love this thread.  It's true!

1/27/2009 Dan "Call me DFENS not Dan" T. says:

What's up with all this love? I thought this was a thread of *hate*

Hugs Don and Patrick.. with no pants on of course.

1/27/2009 This Space For Rent C. says:

Another note...I've been informed...that....again....

There Will Be A Shit Load Of Free Mighty-O Vegan Donuts At The Demo This Friday....

chocolate...glazed....sprinkle d.....

1/27/2009 This Space For Rent C. says:

*sticks a feeding tube up Dan's ass and pumps it full of corn mash*

1/28/2009 Edison "Elektrik" D. says:

This thread is going... and going...

Judge for yourself... (warning:disturbing)

http://www.youtube.com...

1/30/2009 This Space For Rent C. says:

http://www.youtube.com...

1/30/2009 Marissa "Buttercrotch Christmaspants" S. says:

You know what? I have been thinking at length about this. If Lark truly uses a "free range" Foie Gras....i.e. geese or ducks who have NOT been force fed, and who are allowed to roam whenever they choose, and I am able to go to the farm and witness this and actually see that there is nothing being shoved down their throats....then I would be against the protest.  I looked all over their website for some sort of disclaimer relating to the humane treatment of the animals that go into their menu and there is none. I suggest they add one, and back it up with the name of the farm.

1/30/2009 This Space For Rent C. says:

Marissa, I tried to look into this to and have emailed Lark asking about where their foie gras is produced etc., so far no response.  But, at the end of the day...despite that video the showed Anthony Bourdain at Hudson Valley with the "happy" birds and the vet saying how it's no big deal....there are several steps in producing foie gras besides force feeding.  One of the stages IS them roaming free...BUT there is a stage where the are confined so as to fatten them up further.  A liver that is 10 times normal size is NOT natural...despite what the vet in said video is saying.  In the wild the birds do fatten themselves up for migration...but they don't force feed themselves as on the farms by the handlers and then restrict their own movements to the point of not being able to walk/breathe well.  

So, for myself, the force feeding is just one aspect of this.  Batshit crazy? Maybe.

1/30/2009 Marissa "Buttercrotch Christmaspants" S. says:

Right, that was pretty much was I assumed to be the case. That isn't humane, so people need to stop with the whining about us being mistaken.

1/30/2009 This Space For Rent C. says:

I don't care anymore really...obviously I'm on one end of the extreme and some are on the other....it's okay.

2/1/2009 This Space For Rent C. says:

Update: Lark's chef and manager met with representatives of NARN and gave a lot of weak reasoning for foie gras and still refused to take it off the menu.  So, the protest continues every Friday 7-8 p.m.

Tonight there was a "surprise" protest at Lark.  A man came out of the restaurant and gave NARN a donation as he left.  The police came by and said smiling, no more "honking horns please" and left.  I stood out in the street honking and holding my sign to drivers by who slowed down to read it...nobody was rude back, some thumbs up, no middle fingers.  A woman came by and said she was from France and doesn't eat it, smiled and hung out for a minute.  Yesterday at the protest, a group that was heading in heard that Lark was serving foie gras from us and decided to not go in.  

There was only two instances of angry folks.  One a man screaming "for our business card so he could protest our business" and acting like he was going to snap and attack us physically.  The other tonight, a couple telling us we were horrible terrible people and that Lark is a lovely restaurant and to "think of all the chickens" or something.  

To be continued, for better or worse.....

2/1/2009 Chris "healthy dose of reality for ignorant seattlites" H. says:

ah the naziesque singling out of one restaurant.  carry on....

2/1/2009 Chris "healthy dose of reality for ignorant seattlites" H. says:

veer musen der foie gras oust roten!

2/1/2009 Kat "Sarcastic to a" T. says:

Ohhhhh Chris.... you kiss your mother with that mouth?

2/6/2009 Michael F. says:

Patrick, you are truly an awesome human being for all your emotions and energy you put into your actions! I support you 100% and will be there a Friday very soon to shake your hand personally and support your cause! ; )

2/6/2009 This Space For Rent C. says:

http://www.youtube.com...

2/6/2009 Nina "Without me, it's just Aweso." W. says:

*Wonders what FFX-2 has to do with Foie Gras protest*

2/6/2009 This Space For Rent C. says:

http://www.youtube.com...

2/6/2009 This Space For Rent C. says:

http://www.maniacworld...

2/8/2009 Greg G. says:

Mmmm, I'm getting hungry just thinking about it!

2/8/2009 This Space For Rent C. says:

Now you can join in on the love/hate on Slog and Slog comments, which has linked to this Yelp event:

http://slog.thestrange...

2/8/2009 This Space For Rent C. says:

And Lark's Chef responds and Stranger writer posts the happy Bourdain video from Hudson Valley Farms as "proof", where undercover video has shown animal abuses in the past.  More hack "reporting": http://slog.thestrange...

Lark's supply comes from Sonoma, CA....where undercover investigations have shown abuse and their local restaurant that served foie gras was shut down over boycotts.  This also led to a compromise that involves California banning production and sale of foie gras as of 2012.

2/8/2009 This Space For Rent C. says:

Also...this protest will be happening this upcoming Friday AND Valentine's Day, though Faith and I may not be able to come Friday and definitely not Valentine's, since I will be having an art opening at the same time (http://www.yelp.com/ev...).   If you'd like to visit my opening and protest me, that'd be awesome too!  

Regardless, representatives of NARN and supporters will be there both days.  

If you would like to donate to NARN or become a member (we have, it doesn't hurt at all, trust me), you can do that here:

http://www.narn.org/

Good day to you.

2/8/2009 Ian S. says:

http://www.ted.com/ind...

2/8/2009 This Space For Rent C. says:

That's nice Ian, but besides the fact that I don't care how tasty foie gras is to anyone or some happy foie gras farm in Spain, Lark's foie gras comes from Sonoma, CA according to the chef.  The farm has been noted for animal abuse and is related to California taking legal steps against foie gras production by 2012.  

On a side note, a restaurant in Portland, Oregon that has removed foie gras last year over protests:

http://portland.indyme...

2/8/2009 This Space For Rent C. says:

I apologize...it was not Blue Hour that dropped it, it was Non!, 10-01 and Fenouil that did.

2/9/2009 Will "Rock Star" L. says:

Sorry folks, but I will be inside Lark, wearing signs saying things like "THE BANKS JUST SUCKED UP HUNDREDS OF BILLIONS OF OUR DOLLARS AND YOU'RE PROTESTING THIS?"

There are global health and environmental issues that are well worth my time. This is not one of them.

Ian is the clear winner of this argument.

2/10/2009 This Space For Rent C. says:

We can have different issues that are equally worth our time.  Animal cruelty is important to me and so is our economy.  I can think about more than one thing at a time.

Though NARN and this protest may seem misguided, effectual or stupid to anyone, somehow the subject has taken over other Seattle threads.  At my last count there are hundreds of responses on them.  All the comments from NARN and protestors are pretty rational or reasonable, but the writers of the posts are completely biased and the anti-NARN and anti-protestors comments are downright ugly and some of them extremely childish and sick.  

Supposedly Seattle is a "liberal" city, but from where I'm sitting it's looking pretty closed minded.  I've been told to "do my research" and that I'm ignorant, but the fact is that many people have told me personally that they didn't know what foie gras is or how it was made.  Many of the anti-NARN and anti-protestors haven't even bothered to understand even basic issues regarding animal rights, animal welfare and animal cruelty...what it means to be a vegan or a vegetarian.  So, it seems to me that I'm not the only one that could be doing some studying.  

I'm not trying to win an argument and neither is NARN.  We believe that harming animals, causing animal suffering is wrong period and are trying to do something by it.   If that seems laughable or pretentious or pedestrian to anyone, so be it.  

Again, if this whole thing was just a waste of time, stupid etc etc...then people would have just let it go, but they have not.  The issue of animal cruelty is being talked about pro and against and that is a good thing.

2/10/2009 Carly "wine princess aka Aunt Cardy" L. says:

Patrick, I applaud your passion in a world of apathy.

2/10/2009 Rachel R. says:

the geese used for foie gras are treated a 100 times better than the chickens for your eggs . . .  or the cows for your beef . . . if you're going to protest a small local business for one thing in on their menu - you might as well protest any restaurant that serves meat. or animal products in general.  protest the entire state of agriculture in our country while you're at it.

on a side note, the 35th Street Bistro just changed owners. Are you sure the new owners are even using the same menu? Might want to check that out before you start protesting a brand new restaurant that hasn't even gotten off the ground yet . . .

2/10/2009 Mike P. says:

This is one of the stupidest 'protests' I've heard about in a while.....
seriously.  do something worthwhile, like carrying bags at PCC.

2/10/2009 This Space For Rent C. says:

Thanks for the recommendations.

2/10/2009 Steve "My body is not a wonderland" o. says:

will leave that to you Mike...leave someones passion alone.

2/10/2009 Marissa "Buttercrotch Christmaspants" S. says:

Personally I'll boycott any restaurant that has foie gras on the menu. There are 52 I know of in the Seattle area.

2/10/2009 Christine "KickStan" S. says:

"Note:  I threw down another reply here because you called me out.  I find you a boring and pedestrian person, but please enjoy your little hobby of trolling people in public if it makes you feel special."

WOW - this is actually what I think of Ian! Ha! Isn't the world funny?

If you're not into it, that is cool, but seriously - STFU. If you want to eat it, EAT IT ALREADY. We don't, and we want to do something about it, so we will. If you want to have a "discussion" about it, start you own talk thread.

WAIT - here, I did it for you. http://www.yelp.com/to... You're welcome.

Now get off this thread.

I'll be there. If not this week, then next.

Hey Mike, what have you done for your community lately?

2/10/2009 Xav "Dance, Dance, Dance! Turn the Radio Up!" V. says:

It is my belief that a person(s) with strength in convictions that opposes mainstream ideology should stand up against the majority and lend their voice.  It's a piece of cake to be on board with everything that goes on around you and shriek at the opposition that they are wrong, foolish, or not as valid because they don't share the common viewpoints.  Or because a matter feels small and insignificant to you personally that it should be dismissed.

I am interested in hearing both sides of the debate on this issue.  It becomes uninteresting to me when it becomes more focused on personal attacks than the facts surrounding the foie gras debate.

Fin.

2/10/2009 This Space For Rent C. says:

Update...I mentioned earlier in this post that the protest is Friday AND Saturday...it is actually only Saturday as listed on the event.  Friday is a NARN fundraiser instead.  

Also, if you'd like to order FREE post cards from the Humane Society of the United States (another one of those "wacko" groups you may have heard of) that you can fill out and send to restaurants' managers urging them to stop serving foie gras, you can order them here: http://www.hsus.org/fo...

2/11/2009 Lauren U. says:

Thats pretty sad you're going to taint people's valentine's day celebrations.  I've eaten at this restaurant numerous times and was always impressed with the care that the chef puts into his dishes and the quality of ingredients he uses.  I think its incredible that you're so passionate about a cause, but isn't there a better way to go about it that is more productive than banging down restaurants doors one by one?  You seem like an intelligent, passionate group, I just feel like this is a bit self-indulgent and self-righteous.

2/11/2009 This Space For Rent C. says:

Well, judging by all the debate it's sparked online here and at The Stranger's Slog threads, with hundreds of pro and against comments regarding foie gras and the protestors and now a story in the Stranger....I don't think it's been non productive at all.  Self-indulgent and self-righteous?  Protestors get called that usually no matter what they are protesting.  It doesn't really matter either way.  We live is a large progressive city supposedly and if people can't handle things like this with a grain of salt, then I'm sorry, move somewhere even more boring.  

Here's another Stranger story, again biased "reporting"...they reference this Sonoma farm's foie gras website which says that they produce "humane foie gras" , which is an oxymoron, as some kind of evidence that it is.  Is a foie gras producer going to say otherwise? They do expose Lark's chef as a hypocrite in regards to him taking money from a source that runs counter to his supposed small farm sustainable environmentally friendly yadda yadda: http://www.thestranger...

There is more than one way to go about this and myself and others have been taking other approaches as well.  Calling restaurants and shops that sell foie gras, sending postcards and writing the media.  It's a nice little hobby that actually doesn't take up too much of my time believe it or not.  I still have plenty to waste online bullshitting too!

2/11/2009 MissMaryAnn D. says:

it is my understanding that no one - well, this particular organization's protest at Lark, is "banging down Restaurant's doors".  Seriously, a bunch of people chanting and eating donuts is gonna ruin someone's evening?
i think you are confusing them with the red paint throwers.
we have free speech and the right to assemble (kinda) so I say get on with your bad self NARN

also:

HONK

2/11/2009 Joy S. says:

awww this whole thread makes me sad.

i still want to try foie gras....not gonna lie (but i'm also not willing to pay the price of my soul for it at some fancy-pants restaurant yet), and i love all parts of all animals (including stomach, intestines, and heart).

However, i think (red paint-throwers and PETA freaks aside) that people with compassion towards animals and a passion to share it with others should be respected. Yeah, i don't have much in common with a vegetarian or animal rights activist, but i'd expect someone with nothing in common with me to still respect my passions.

i hope you guys don't get harassed or hurt too badly during your demonstration. i also hope you don't do anything stupid that would make you look bad, so have a good time and don't get too upset over those of us who aren't willing to adopt your higher standards.

*joy

2/11/2009 Joy S. says:

crap, that last part sounded snotty. i meant it nicely!

2/12/2009 Ashley "ish" F. says:

I'll be there!

(But inside eating foie gras)

I read about these protests in the Stranger and am glad that this controversy is generating customers for a local business. Apparently foie gras sales are up!

2/12/2009 Inna B. says:

So.... is this happening on Friday or Saturday? Event thing says Saturday but all the info says Friday.

I'm considering coming out, in large part because I've never seen or experienced such a demonstration and I kind of want to.

2/12/2009 June "bug" N. says:

Wow, long thread!

Just wanted to say, I love Foie Gras.  

Think there's better things to protest about right now than Foie Gras.

Ian S.  - You crack me up, I'm a big fan.

2/12/2009 This Space For Rent C. says:

Yes, the "better things to protest" thing has been beaten to death.  Mmm...death right?  

Enjoy your dinner of swollen fatty diseased liver.  That sounds....um.....

*vomits*

Oh, and again, protesters will not be there tonight but tomorrow instead.  You may want to change your reservations as to not miss them and say hello.

2/12/2009 Marissa "Buttercrotch Christmaspants" S. says:

My postcards have been ordered.

2/12/2009 Inna B. says:

Okay so it is tomorrow night.

2/12/2009 MissMaryAnn D. says:

I just want to say

I love picking on prissy girls on the interwebs

Ian S likes to date them

because I am sure we all care about that about as much as whether or not  you like foie gras

also - my dog just farted

2/12/2009 Ian "captcha later!" M. says:

Inna, Patrick: it's Saturday, not tomorrow.  NARN event calendar (http://bit.ly/14WkKy) confirms this, and this is in line with what Patrick said above.  Methinks Patrick's operating in Friday mode on a Thursday.  Sorry to be the one to remind you that there's one more workday to go. :-\

2/12/2009 Marissa "Buttercrotch Christmaspants" S. says:

I think that people who recognize that foie gras is cruel and still eat it are worse than those who don't care about the treatment of the animals to begin with.

2/14/2009 Xav "Dance, Dance, Dance! Turn the Radio Up!" V. says:

Agreed Marissa.  See ya at PG's event!

2/14/2009 This Space For Rent C. says:

though i can't be with my narn brothers and sisters at lark tonight...

...i will chant in solidarity at my art opening tonight.

2/14/2009 This Space For Rent C. says:

Damn it!  That was supposed to be in dramatic all caps.  This is a conspiracy!

2/15/2009 This Space For Rent C. says:

35th Street Bistro has now taken foie gras off their menu: http://www.narn.org/fo...

Thank you 35th Street Bistro!

2/17/2009 Betsey "Happy Meatball" S. says:

Cheers to 35th St Bistro!  I'm gonna have my one-dinner-out-a-month there next month!

Just wanted to say I love the friends of the animals on Yelp.  I also *mostly* love the meat eaters, but maybe just a teeny tiny little eensy bit less now and then.  There, I said it.  

Good job for bringing attention to something that goes against your beliefs, Patrick, and for doing lots of things to bring about change.  

PS - Y'all don't mess with CStan.  You won't like her when she's fired up.  :)

2/18/2009 Nick "callipygian" H. says:

With all the people the US government is murdering every day, people being thrown out of work, losing their homes and the billions of dollars Obie is giving away to crooked bankers, don't you think there are more important things to protest than Lark?  And why Lark and not another establishment?  As despicable as foie gras is, as long as it remains a profitable commodity it will be produced.

2/18/2009 Chris "healthy dose of reality for ignorant seattlites" H. says:

They have continually stated there are better things to protest besides lark.  However they are on a power trip, and putting themselves on a pedestal so all can see what great people they are and how much they care about some stupid ass geese.  The protesters here are about as flamingly liberal as they come, which is most likely why lark keeps ignoring their requests.  Not to mention its a Nazi-esque attack against 1 single restaurant.

2/18/2009 Marissa "Buttercrotch Christmaspants" S. says:

Awesome of 35th Street Bistro! I shall take them off my boycott list!!

2/18/2009 This Space For Rent C. says:

Chris, Nazi's?  Really?  I haven't put anyone in ovens or gas chambers or death camps.  This saddens me greatly that you call protesting Nazi-esque.   I don't remember the Nazis doing any protests.  Were they big into that?

Nicholas, we are not in the BUSH era anymore.  I think being able to pay attention to several things at once is entirely possible.  Multi-tasking.  When you organize against the US Gov, Bankers, The Economy, Unemployment and what have you, I will consider your demonstration and may join you.  Please keep me informed.  

Also, myself and others are writing/contacting other restaurants and shops that sell foie gras and asking them to stop.  As you can see, 35th Street Bistro is no longer serving it.  

Enjoy your cruel 80% fat diseased swollen bird liver while you can.  There is a vast left wing liberal animal rights group of wackos trying to remove your right to eat/support cruel products.  

*bites into a Pink Lady apple*

2/18/2009 Derek "The Truth" R. says:

you people have no lives!!! FUCK!

2/18/2009 Ian "captcha later!" M. says:

I think I can hear Derek's eye twitching from here.

I hadn't realized that single-restaurant protest was a popular Nazi pastime in 1940s Germany.  Filing that away in my "Infallible Facts from Yelp" folder!

2/18/2009 This Space For Rent C. says:

It's true!  I HAVE NO LIFE!  I am so pathetic and bored....I'M PROTESTING FOIE GRAS!  Oh Lordy!  Help me Jesus!  FILL MY LIFE WITH MEANING AND PURPOSE!  

*shakes tambourine*

Ian, don't forget the anti-cafe demonstrations by the Nazis throughout Northern Africa during WW II.  Rommel was a RUTHLESS protest chanter and RELENTLESS pamphlet distributor.

2/18/2009 Marissa "Buttercrotch Christmaspants" S. says:

I tend to think people who go to church have no life. I am sure they think the same thing about things I do.

so what.

2/18/2009 Christine "KickStan" S. says:

you two crack me up.

2/18/2009 Chris "healthy dose of reality for ignorant seattlites" H. says:

I was simply tryin to make a comparison to the fact that you are singling out lark, just like the Nazi's singled out the jews.  Why the vendetta against Lark only?  What is so special about lark that you ONLY pick them to proetest against.  Why not rotate and look like douches in front of all restaurants that serve foie gras?  Or would that just be too much work, or is this not even about foie gras and really about a bunch of losers with something against Lark?

2/18/2009 Marissa "Buttercrotch Christmaspants" S. says:

Chris I actually agree that it is unfair to single out a single restaurant. However I wouldn't link it to Nazism. Actually the Nazis didn't single out the Jews, they also murdered homosexuals, Gypsies, Catholics...the list goes on.

2/18/2009 Ian "captcha later!" M. says:

+1 for use of "douches" and "losers" to enhance the salience of your statement and really capturing the target audience's attention.

2/18/2009 Chris "healthy dose of reality for ignorant seattlites" H. says:

thanks Ian, however you still failed to explain why the personal vendetta against Lark.  Or do you not have a reason,  did you just put your finger down on a map and say lets go screw around with this restaurant?

2/18/2009 Betsey "Happy Meatball" S. says:

Can I get a concrete example of something someone on this thread has actually DONE, possibly on a once-weekly basis, to positively affect the economy, lay-offs, or the various occupancies of the US military?  

- A Douchey Loser

2/18/2009 Chris "healthy dose of reality for ignorant seattlites" H. says:

pretty much what I assumed.

2/18/2009 Ian "captcha later!" M. says:

I don't have a personal vendetta against Lark, Chris.  I'm a participant in neither the protests, nor the spitting retorts against them.  I simply find it curious that the folks coming unwound are those who protest the protests.

2/21/2009 This Space For Rent C. says:

The protest was well attended last night and even more organized and vocal.  The police came as usual, but just watched, went into Lark and then left.  

I was concerned that there would be some anti-protestors from all the attention over at the Stranger's Slog and there did seem to be a few scoffers and some angry folks here and there, but not really much.  One lady made it a point to mention several times while entering and exiting, "But it tastes SO GOOD!"  Yeah, haven't heard that one.  So witty!  If something tastes good, who cares if it's cruel yeah?  I get it.  Witty.  Another couple of guys came out of the restaurant next door and fed each other what I can only assume was foie gras and got their picture taken by their friend.  Who's crazier?  People against cruelty or people knowingly buying cruel products, in this case diseased liver, and putting it in their mouths?  

Other than that, there were some spirited debates I saw on the sidewalks, some pamphlets handed out and more media attention.  As usual, there were vegan donuts available, though I passed on them because though they are cruelty free, I'm sorry to say they aren't CALORIE free.  Still, vegan donuts....yum.

Also, a fellow Yelper turned me onto to the Vegetarian Food For Thought podcast, which I HIGHLY recommend that ANYONE should listen to, regardless if you are vegetarian, vegan or a meat eater.  It speaks about the usual topics in an intelligent well researched manner.  Issues such as leather, factory farming, animal rights, vivisection, animal testing, are we really physiologically geared for eating meat, this that and more.  It addresses many of the criticisms against vegetarians, vegans and animal rights.  

Vegetarian Food For Thought is on iTunes or you can find it here:

http://feeds2.feedburn...

2/21/2009 This Space For Rent C. says:

Seattle P-I related story: http://seattlepi.nwsou...

2/24/2009 This Space For Rent C. says:

Another from the P-I: http://seattlepi.nwsou...

2/26/2009 Avalon Z. says:

This is just silly. The next time I have a chunk of spare money I am going to Lark to buy both of their foie gras oriented dishes, and I will try to bring as many friends as can come to do the same.

2/27/2009 This Space For Rent C. says:

Avalon, treating animals humanely is not silly.  Eating diseased liver is silly.  See you there tonight (if you can scrape any money together and as well some "friends" too.  We'll be there from 7-8pm like every Friday.  

Also, we'll be hanging out at Georgetown Liquor afterwards as well, which does NOT have foie gras, but I've heard DOES have lots of awesome vegan foods and drinks..which I will be enjoying.  Ta ta.

I spent today at UW listening to animal rights law presentations from various folks..an animal control officer, animal rights lawyers, vets etc....it was very inspiring.  One of the more moving presentations was by a representative from Mercy For Animals:

http://www.mercyforani...

Peace.

3/6/2009 This Space For Rent C. says:

Not much to report on this week's protest, but it seemed there was a lot of giddy laughter and silliness going on.  I was a bit "out of it" myself, but everyone seemed silly and goofy.  High on life maybe?  Mmm.  The large duck outfit person was dancing it up and even made the hostess inside Lark dance along to our chanting.  

There was one aggressive angry serious woman with a child that keep coming by every few minutes and trying to lecture us, like I don't know...three times maybe.  She had a very wacked look in her eyes, crazed? Everything was so funny and ridiculous, it was hard to take an angry person defending foie gras seriously.  

I had a chocolate Mighty-O vegan donut.  Yum.  

A Cheerleader gave us a lecture on chanting.  Yes, a former cheerleader.  Wow!  It's so hard to not laugh at people when you're completely 3 sheets to the wind.

3/6/2009 Inna B. says:

Re cheerleader - oh man I could TOTALLY see that. A friend of mine is an ex cheerleader and I could see her doing something like that. That would be funny if it was her, but.... somehow I'm doubting she'd be in the area.

3/7/2009 This Space For Rent C. says:

Avians fight back in solidarity: http://jet-point.com/2...

3/9/2009 David V. says:

Northwest Animal Rights Network has initiated contact with three additional restaurants in Seattle that serve foie gras, in an attempt to schedule a meeting with the chefs regarding the animal cruelty inherent in foie gras production. If the restaurants decline to meet with NARN representatives or to remove foie gras from their menu, we will begin peaceful demonstrations at those sites. Stay tuned for their responses.
-David, NARN Board Member
http://www.narn.org

3/10/2009 Sarah "Princess" K. says:

Did you know that the Foie Gras sales and reservations and general have skyrocketed since this.  At least that is what I heard from insiders this weekend.  But I personally love the Chef at Lark.

3/13/2009 Forrest H. says:

I'm glad I tuned into this wacky foie gras channel...and now I have a brief announcement:
yes, the world is full of problems, and worthy causes to protest...
and just because a person decides to stand outside a Seattle restaurant protesting that restaurants' serving of force-fed bird liver, does NOT mean that they:
a) are undertaking an unfairly targeted protest. Until one of you can show me how to be in two places at the same time...
b) are somehow ignoring other issues that deserve to be protested in our society and world...
or c) are out to "ruin someone's dinner" as has been suggested several times in this thread.

Animal rights is an issue that tends to make people either, slow down and listen, or, act like bombastic fools who are convinced that they are the only "person of reason" amidst people who have "the wrong view".

This goes for people on both sides of any particular animal rights issue, and polarization seems particularly strong in this thread.  Have any of you noticed that slavery is no longer legal in this country? No, well, it did happen a while ago...I invite you to read newspapers and pamphlets from the 1840s about slavery.  There were many, many writers who spent much ink talking about how slavery was better on certain farms, and that when practiced humanely, that slaves were actually happier than slaves on those "really big plantations."

No, ducks and geese are not human beings. Nor are they "grain to table machines." In the wild, ducks and geese are remarkable creatures. Under domestication, they still have individual personalities, and are capable of understanding when they are being mistreated.

Whether or not you feel that ducks and geese are worthy of being protected from force-feeding practices, the fact that some people believe that they deserve such protection has to do with the evolution of moral cognition in such people: clearly, people who are protesting the practices of foie gras force-feeding feel that it is morally reprehensible to subject the animals to such conditions. Have you ever seen a goose force-fed at close range? No? I invite you to visit a fois gras farm and take a look.  Yes, the proliferation of Hungarian and Israeli feeding tube machines may soften your experience.  But there is a bigger issue here:  do you believe that eating animals who were raised solely to fatten their liver is OK? I do not. If someone, such as the Spanish farm Patería de Sousa, in Spain, that is mentioned in this NYTimes article, http://www.nytimes.com..., why not show people?

one of the things that you can learn through protest is that some people will be stimulated to act from their baser motives, in order both to advance and oppose the protest. In this thread, I have read some pretty ugly stuff, including some highly inapt and inappropriate metaphors...ahem, those of you throwing around the "nazi" label...

3/13/2009 This Space For Rent C. says:

Tonight's protest was fun as usual.  I'm always surprised as I usually get to Friday and I'm tired and want to stay home, but always am glad I showed up.   Several cars driving by honked in support, largely supportive/good humored people walking by.  

So far, some of the anti-protestors have stated that:

-But it tastes good!  Ha ha!  Yum yum! (who cares if it's cruel)

-Why are you trying to hurt or shut down a local business during these economic times?  (we are only asking that foie gras be removed from the menu.  A restaurant doesn't stay afloat on ONE dish.  Nobody has interfered with Lark's ability to operate either or customers from patronizing Lark. And besides,  just because something is local doesn't excuse a cruel product)

-I'm just going to eat MORE!  Hahahahaha! Lark's foie gras sales have gone THROUGH THE ROOF!  (I've been attending this for a month and a half, and business hasn't increased during protests, at least the number of people at the restaurant while we are there.  No lines out the door, throngs waiting to load up on foie gras.  If sales of foie gras have increased, it doesn't change the nature of this cruel product, it only demonstrates people's willingness to be in denial of it.)

I was sad though, because though there were plenty of free vegan Mighty-O donuts available as usual...I passed on them.  WHY?  

Same time next week.

3/16/2009 Christine "KickStan" S. says:

I'm hoping to make it week after next...if I can stop breaking things (like toes!) as they are not conducive to standing. Stupid toe.

3/16/2009 Marissa "Buttercrotch Christmaspants" S. says:

do you guys hang out after?

would you be interested in a protest + Vegan Garden dinner sometime? ;-)

3/19/2009 Inna B. says:

Well look at that recommendation.........

http://community.livej...

3/24/2009 Don L. says:

Not trying to hijack this thread, but all you animal lovers should sign up for this event too ;)

http://www.yelp.com/ev...

3/25/2009 kimber "ohkimber" r. says:

I'm a vegetarian and I think this menu item is horrible for all involved. But I find  the thought of confronting simple-minded people with no moral standing just as repulsive as eating off their plate.

Until decent chefs and restaurant owners of Seattle make the change for the good of  themselves and that of their patrons, nothing will change.

3/25/2009 This Space For Rent C. says:

I've gone through a lot of changes since putting this up in January.  Currently one of the issues I've been learning about is Animal Welfare (promoting humane treatment of animals, cage free, free range etc etc) vs Animal Rights/Abolition ( animals should not be exploited as mere property for food/clothes/entertainment PERIOD).  

I have to say that ultimately, I'm seeing that welfare will never solve animal suffering, only make people FEEL better about eating animals and increase their consumption.  This is one reason why I am transitioning to a vegan lifestyle.  The egg/dairy industry is just as horrible if not more for animals, cage free or not...than the meat industry.

For more on animal rights and abolition: http://www.abolitionis.../

3/27/2009 This Space For Rent C. says:

Tonight's demonstration was very heated and fun.  

A few interesting exchanges with diners:

One was a very condescending man who came out to tell us we couldn't be heard inside the restaurant and weren't having any effect whatsoever...yet somehow, we caught his attention it seemed.  He was a real pompous ass and tried to lecture us.  Thankfully, one of my fellow protesters was equally as vocal and agitating as this fellow...so they engaged in a lot of heckling with each other. At some point the diner got tired to getting "that's not dinner, that's diseased liver" yelled over him and sauntered back into Lark.  

Another was a guy that came out and tried to start crap with the young girl that typically wears a duck outfit and dances around.  He was a real jack ass and when people intervened, he turned on other people and almost got physical.  This is the 2nd or 3rd time our presence has inspired a violent reaction from foie gras enthusiasts.  Violence begetting violence a little? The police came later, and he came out and suddenly was mister nice guy.  I guess this is the life of the cowardly hypocrite.

A diner came out an informed one of our group at some point, that she was going vegetarian starting tonight, inspired by our presence.  This sounds totally unbelievable, but it's true.  

I've been vegan now for a couple days and feel great!  It was super easy to do, especially in Seattle...so many great vegan stuff to eat.  

Vegetarians, if you are not eating meat for animal's sakes,  please think about going vegan.  Egg and dairy production is a horrible life for animals and just as cruel as the meat industry.  Try to eat vegan once a week for a start and see how it goes.  It's easy!

See you next week.

3/27/2009 Don L. says:

Patrick...I'm truly curious...any other Yelpers showing up? Besides question heads that post a rant about their vie

You know where I am...agree with you or not, I admire your resolve and commitment. YOU are not just opinionated hot air.

3/27/2009 Don L. says:

Um, that was supposed to read "...that post a rant about their viewpoint while lacking any other substance or character"

4/3/2009 This Space For Rent C. says:

Hey Don "Sultan Of Schmooz™" L., happy Friday to you!

No other Yelpers have attended this besides Faith G. and I, but I appreciate the alternate reality electronic support nonetheless.  I believe a couple have intended to, but couldn't make it for whatever reasons.  It's cool, I don't think anyone is full of it.  I did miss it one week, but representatives of NARN are there every week no matter what, which is impressive as they participate in a lot of other activism activities as well as have jobs like everyone else.  

I'm determined to get a Mighty-O vegan doughnut tonight at the demo, hopefully with sprinkles.  The last two weeks I've missed out on them.  This wrong must be righted!

It's been about two weeks since I've gone vegan, feeling really great.  I can't believe how easy it is.

4/3/2009 izzy w. says:

Thanks for accepting my virtual support, Patrick!

4/3/2009 Joshua "Platypus" G. says:

vegans are the moral police of the world... and they love donuts!  =)

4/3/2009 Janeane "Toky" S. says:

I've been thinking about trying to eat vegetarian (maybe even vegan) once a week, just to see what it's like.  See if I could stand it.  My cousin recently went vegan (to the shock of the entire family).  He's lost about 60 lbs!  Not that I'm doing it to lose weight, but hey, if that's an added benefit, woo hoo!  The cruelty that the animals are forced to endure really bothers me, but I just love the that taste of meat.  I can't help it!  How hard was it for you veggie heads to give it up?  And I definitely wouldn't give up seafood.

4/5/2009 Suzie R. says:

I'm just curious why you guys are targeting Lark when there are so many other restaurants in Seattle serving foie gras? Was it an arbitrary choice?

And I have to say, I think it sucks you guys are targeting a local business that, at the end of the day, is just a guy trying to live make a living at something he's good at and feels passionately about. He's meeting a demand for a product. Why is it all his fault if patrons are still ordering it from the menu. Why is he the monster for cooking it, not them for eating it? His foie gras sales are up on Friday as a show of support. It makes you wonder if this is really the most productive way to go about this.

And, what if Lark closed due to your protests? Would you feel bad about putting a human being out of the job, ultimately hurting his family and possibly ruining his life for the sake of some geese? Just curious.

4/6/2009 Joshua "Platypus" G. says:

i'm going to be out of town friday.  i think i'll make a point to come by on the 17th.  will you guys be there?

4/10/2009 This Space For Rent C. says:

What a rousing demonstration it was tonight!  Lots of good energy and cheer.  

One of the owners came out and chatted with some of the representatives.  She mentioned that the cruelty done to these animals is worth the pleasure she gets out of eating them.  She said that we were traumatizing people, which is strange because we get told all the time our presence has no affect on anything, except for a supposed increase in foie gras sales.  Naturally, this is ridiculous.  

Also, it was interesting to note that she's never been to the Sonoma, CA farm where their product comes from and seemed to have a very limited knowledge of the product they sell.  We had video on hand to show her of the very farm this product comes from, but naturally she did not want to see it.  She claimed that she was interested in having a dialogue, but it was quite apparent that she was only expressing her frustration and denial.

Meanwhile, it seemed that Lark or something arranged to have an Easter Bunny costumed guy show up to hand out chocolate eggs and such for Good Friday/Easter.  He had a sign on his back that said "Bite Me" on it, clearly directed at us.  It kind of blew my mind having a furry Bunny handing out candy and waving at children and then have rabbit on the menu.  Their Easter menu features this.  Hi kids!  Have a chocolate egg from the Easter Bunny before we serve him on a plate!  Neato!  "Bite Me" seem so ironic my head almost exploded, reformed and then exploded again.  Wow!

People of the internets...think about eating vegan.  Try it once a week...maybe twice.  See how you like it.  You don't have to exploit animals for food, clothing and entertainment.  Try it!

Also, try watching "Earthlings": http://veg-tv.info/Ear...

P.S.~ Sour G....Lark will not go "out of business" over this.  This is hysterical thinking.  I don't speak for anyone else involved in protesting, but personally, the economic argument doesn't mean anything to me.  It's ONE dish that NARN is talking about.  ONE hour a week.  My personal feelings?  I'm again animal suffering, exploitation and killing for food, clothing and entertainment.  This owner I wrote about above tells her customers that they don't sell "that kind of foie gras" or that we don't know what we're talking about.  We're just giving people some information.  I know it's difficult for some people to look at how their food is made, how animals are treated for their pleasure, the reality of it....but, a lot of people think it's important to share this info, whether or not it's disturbing or "bad for business".

See you next week.

4/10/2009 Carly "wine princess aka Aunt Cardy" L. says:

patrick, I bought a vegan energy bar tonight! im anxious to try it.

4/11/2009 Chris "healthy dose of reality for ignorant seattlites" H. says:

I bought a big piece of veal last night.  Today I will cook the tortured baby cow on my BBQ and eat it...bloody

4/11/2009 Janeane "Toky" S. says:

I had the most delicious veggie and tofu pho last night at Pho Viet Anh.  I'm going back today for more.  I'm hooked!

4/12/2009 Suzie R. says:

I still don't totally get why you chose Lark and that is my main question. Please answer that!

And I do find it curious that you don't care about the "economic argument" (especially in light of the country's current situation. My guess is you're one of the lucky ones that got to keep their job in which case you should count your lucky f**king stars). I wonder if you would feel differently if you lost your job and had to spend your nights wondering how you're going to pay your mortgage or rent. I'd be willing to bet that this weekly protest would somehow seem less important to you.

Perhaps what you do for a living isn't something you're passionate about unlike say, a chef? Maybe that's why you feel the need to put your energy into something else like attempting to destroy someone's livelihood? And saying that it's just "hysterical thinking" might be a sturdy answer if it weren't for the fact that most restaurants hang on a precarious balance with more going out of business than not. But who cares right? As long as you have a job and a warm place to sleep at night, and some geese get to live another day!
I'd just like to say that I agree with veganism, leading by example and trying to live a productive, healthy and nurturing life. I don't however, agree with what you're doing. A major component of rebuilding our economy is promoting and supporting local businesses not destroying them.

P.S. Maybe take an hour a week and start reading the news. It might start to dawn on you that we got waaaaaay bigger problems, dude. You seem to have a lot of time on your hands, maybe your energy and passion would be better used elsewhere!

4/13/2009 Gina B. says:

I've always wanted to try foie gras. Thanks for letting me know where I can get it. I will try it at Lark, but probably not on a Friday! I'm sure most of the animals we eat do not have a great life but freaking out about overfed ducks while children are starving??????
Patrick: don't ever go to Europe.

4/14/2009 Joshua "Platypus" G. says:

oh patrick, your mind would explode from the thought of eating bunnies.  there is something very naive about this protest.  someday you will move on from this phase of your life and think "oh man that was goofy"

4/17/2009 This Space For Rent C. says:

Sour, Lark was chosen as far as I know as simply a starting place.  NARN had contacted them, asked them to look at where their foie gras comes from, think about it and remove it.  They won't, so the demonstrating followed.  Pretty simple.  Back to the economic issue, I don't think economics should come before animal cruelty and exploitation, despite where our economy is at.  Should we only make ethical decision when finances are good? Foie gras is not a necessity.  It's one dish at a restaurant.  One hour of protesting.  On one hand people say "Oh thank you, now I know where to get foie gras, I'm just going to eat more" or "sales have gone up" and on the other hand they say, "You hurting a local business"....WHICH IS IT?  Again, I don't make a lot of money and eating organic, healthy and cruelty free can many times not be cheap....but it's not about money.  I am passionate about certain things I do, like art for example.  I actually researched all the materials I used to make sure they weren't animal tested or have animal products in them.  If they did...I wouldn't use them any longer.  Ethics shouldn't be the lowest consideration in my opinion.

One day Joshua, you might think back about how naive you are about animal cruelty/animal exploitation.  I am a committed vegan and any action that results in dialogue about these subjects seems worth appearing "goofy".  To me it seems all more goofy that many of the meat eaters I'm coming across can't deal with hearing about how their food is made, look at pictures of it, think about it for real.  Denial.  That seems pretty naive to me.  

Gina, the only people I've seen freak out are meat eaters, honestly.  A lot of personal attacks.  Hysterical, mean spirited, ugly and willfully ignorant.  Shouting fuck you at peaceful people.  Please, don't try to compare needless animal suffering and exploitation...with children starving in the world.  We could feed the hungry children of the  world a lot more widely and efficiently by feeding them plant based food, food that we use in massive quantities to feed livestock.  Meat is a waste of resources and unnecessary.  Besides, we all have causes and issues that we choose to focus on and this is what I'm focusing on.  If you have a concern for the starving children of the world, I do hope that you are following your conscience and doing something about it.

Tonight we were visited by a "Mr. Flappers", a live duck just like the one's from Sonoma used for foie gras that Lark buys and serves, that came with a woman who wanted to say thanks for demonstrating.  Many people were taken aback at this animal's beauty and not a few diners would not even look at the duck coming and going from the restaurant.  Guilt?  Unwilling to look at an animal and connect it with a decadent ugly dish like foie gras?  Fortunately, there were quite a few people also that stopped and took the time to say hi to Mr. Flappers.  

Have a nice weekend.

4/22/2009 Joshua "Platypus" G. says:

Oh, Patrick.  I love you.  You are my hero.  Glad to see you didn't give up protesting Lark and I am so happy to see that you have expanded your reign of righteousness to Quin's.  Some people might laugh and gawk at you.  Some people might get angry with you and try to humiliate you.  Others might retaliate by eating a burger (by the way, you should google image search the foie gras burger because thats awesome).  You won't let these things deter you from goal because you are an idealist.

You can easily win an against the people who curse you and the people who physically attack you because they are lesser than you.  They are ignorant and unable to express themselves as nobly as you.  You can easily thwart the bastards who try to bring you down because you are fighting for a cause and they have nothing.  You have debated against the lowest of the low and you always come out on top.

But if you learn only one thing from this absurdly long thread, I want to learn this:

Not you or your friends or all the information you can muster could possibly change my mind.

4/28/2009 Joshua "Platypus" G. says:

you should protest qfc

4/28/2009 MissMaryAnn D. says:

who the f*ck cares if you eat a burger or you don't?

seriously
why are you people so threatened by someone taking a stand for something they believe in?

so - you have to go on and on about how much meat you eat to feel manly or something?

i went to lark and I can tell you - if they go out of business it's because their servers are well meaning but totally lame and their food isn;t all that
also, they need a good cleaning crew cuz that place is dusty

what
ever

4/29/2009 Joy S. says:

This is almost as annoying as the people protesting outside the Planned Parenthood clinics, hoping to "stop that abortion!"

Not that getting a smhashmorshon is on par with taking your girlfriend out to dinner....or maybe it is! You tell me, folks!

4/29/2009 Ian S. says:

Seeing the persistence of this thread and its never ending wealth of outrage is demanding that I roast a large slab of flesh and feed it to others in exchange for good will and mirth.

And, as no posting in this thread could be complete without a backhanded link or an aggrandizing handjob quote, I will provide one:

Meat-eating was essential for human evolution, says UC Berkeley anthropologist specializing in diet
http://berkeley.edu/ne...

UC Berkeley?  Perfect.

Though some Yelpers would be right at home swinging from tree boughs and throwing dung, I suspect it would be a lot more mandatory an activity if not for all that meat eating.  Thank you for the ability for civilization and the ability to feel diet-superior, meat!

4/29/2009 Joshua "Platypus" G. says:

quin's and lark are classy places.  i don't know where all these negative reviews are coming from but i think its spam.  its low and its dirty and its not going to work.  you guys should just give up.  seriously.

11/6/2009 Brian G. says:

I was fortunate enough to go to Quinn's on a Friday night.  Walking through a gauntlet of rabid protesters, having a video cameras shoved in my face, having some hippy-dippy chick hiss at me "Eat animals and die" didn't do much to garner sympathy for this event.  I won't eat fois gras.  I won't eat veal.  But I also won't be intimidated by a bunch of food nazis who ultimately disagree with personal choice.  Only thing missing from these fanatics was a suicide bomber....