Foie gras in the city
I’ve got a culinary fetish that I shouldn’t be proud of. I love foie gras. While other North American cities are banning this product (in response to animal rights activists) I’m glad this fervor has not spread to Quebec. Chicago was the latest big city to ban this delicacy. Now don’t get me wrong, I feel for the little guys, but every being has to die, and the “torture” of which the activists speak is relatively tame when you compare it to say, fishing. (Incidentally, research shows that fish DO feel pain and therefor catching them via a hook in their mouth is most decidedly torture. But I digress.) 
Last night, we went out for spouse’s birthday to Restaurant Sasha. This is the newest tapas style restaurant that has opened in the Village. While Casa Tapas on the plateau is more traditional in its Spanish style tapas offerings, Sasha has applied the concept to continental cuisine. Imagine my delight to find foie gras on the menu. They served it with hot candied cranberries which were not only festive and holiday-like, but also an amazing taste combination. I highly recommend it.
Toque may be widely known for its foie gras (and it IS good), but Sasha does a great job competing (and at a better price I might add.)
Still, the best foie gras I’ve had in this city was at The Beaver Club in the Queen Elizabeth hotel. Get it with some ice wine and you can spend some time in culinary heaven.
Any other foie gras officionados out there? If so, where else should I be sinking my teeth into this delightful dish?
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When I turned 40 last December, my wife and friends took me to Le Pied de Cochon where they fed me a foie gras poutine.
It was exquisite but my heart stopped beating for about 3 minutes.
I haven’t tasted foie gras. I don’t like how they feed the animals… I know it’s quick/supposedly painless for them… But it’s so not natural!!! :(
I once saw a documentary where the geese were running toward the farmer as he was setting up to stuff them. Probably means they like it.
It’s probably just what they were conditioned to do :P
To do before the year ends: go to Atwater Market (or your favourite butcher, where ever it is), buy a whole foie for about $25-30 and make it yourself at home; it takes a pan and a working burner, the piece will melt in about 1 min and it’s ready.
Invite friends over, preferably. ;)
Howdy!
L’Express. The mousse de foie de volaille aux pistaches is incredible.
They force feed them and it’s not exactly very PETA worty.. shall we say.
Having said that, my girlfriend brings home some from a local farm twice a year from France.
MMMMMmmmm!