Why So Serious: Food ethics - Things I’ll never eat
Just came back from Singapore and feeling all burned out. That island really is like an amusement park for foodie’s like me. I have a conspiracy theory that the country’s economy is really supported by their food courts alone! LOL. No seriously everywhere you turn you can bet that there’s a food court no matter the locale.
But the reason I’m writing this is because I wanted a share an experience I had yesterday. It was my last day and my friend wanted to bring to some place fancy for dinner. The place is called Saveur on Purvis Street. It was started by two friends who are experienced chefs, they wanted to open a restaurant where people could enjoy quality French cooking without the hefty price tag or snooty service. Quality, value and a genuine passion for food - fits all my criteria for a raving review.
Except that my friend forgot to mention that Saveur is well known for their foie gras, a French delicacy made from the fattened liver of a goose or duck. Despite it’s popularity this dish has been banned in several countries due to its controversial preparation methods. In order to bloat up their livers, the animals are force fed corn in large quantities which causes injuries to their esophagus, stomach and anus.
I’m not an animal activist, nor am I a vegan (obviously if you have been following this blog). But I am an animal lover and as a foodie, writer and pet owner I feel I have the responsibility to discourage any trade that indirectly supports animal cruelty. Don’ get me wrong I’m NOT attacking Saveur, it’s their business and they’re just trying to earn a profit, they should be able to put almost whatever they want on their menu. And their food is really, really good for an amazingly low price. But personally I could not bring myself to order the foie gras knowing what I know.
I guess it comes with growing up with an aunt who works as a nature conservator. Because of her my family have barred ourselves from consuming shark fin soup, which is a huge thing during Chinese New Year celebrations. I’ve also realized after moving away how important it was to be frugal with water, gas and electricity, as it not only helps with resource conservation but also takes a load of your bills!
But in the end, really to each his own. I’d like to think myself as the adventurous type when it comes to food, but this recent trip to Singapore has made me realize that there are somethings that I am just not ready for.
What about you fellow foodies, how adventurous are you with your culinary experiences, and are there certain types of food that you refuse to eat even if your life depended on it?
