1789 Is Giving Away Foie Gras to Californians All Month

Earlier this year, California's ban on foie gras went into effect, forcing the state's chefs to find loopholes in order to keep serving the delicacy in their restaurants. Well now 1789 chef Anthony Lombardo is launching a deal in solidarity with the plight of foie-deprived Californians: free foie for anyone with a legal California ID.

Yes, starting today and continuing throughout October, the classic Georgetown restaurant will give legit Californians a free order of Lombardo's foie gras torchon brioche with chestnut short bread and barrel-aged maple syrup. Lombardo explains he was inspired by some recent guests visiting from California who were thrilled at the chance to order foie gras and even asked him if they could buy some to take home. So, he says, while he's "all about humanely raising animals... We respect the tradition. Culinary traditions are very important."

While the deal is intended as a perk for diners who come in for a regular meal, Lombardo says that 1789 will indeed honor the request if any Californians want to demand their free foie at the bar and then leave: "If someone has the guts to do that, we'll do it." So, California transplants, time to make some reservations?

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[Photo: R. Lopez]