• Madison County Record
    • Madison Living
    • Living 50 Plus
    • Explore
    • Classifieds
    • Public Notices
      • Public Notices
      • Alabama Public Notices
    • E-editions
    • Contact Us
    • Services
      • About Us
      • List of Locations
      • Subscribe
      • Policies
      • Terms of use
      • Submit a news tip
      • Submit a photo
      • Birth announcement
      • Engagement announcement
      • Wedding announcement
      • Submit a Classified Ad
      • Letter to the Editor
    • Madison County Record
    • Madison Living
    • Living 50 Plus
    • Explore
    • Classifieds
    • Public Notices
      • Public Notices
      • Alabama Public Notices
    • E-editions
    • Contact Us
    • Services
      • About Us
      • List of Locations
      • Subscribe
      • Policies
      • Terms of use
      • Submit a news tip
      • Submit a photo
      • Birth announcement
      • Engagement announcement
      • Wedding announcement
      • Submit a Classified Ad
      • Letter to the Editor

Hartselle Enquirer
  • Home
  • News
  • Sports
  • Obits
  • Opinion
  • Public Records
  • Madison County Record
  • Madison Living Magazine
  • Classifieds
  • Public Notices
  • Contact Us
  • Services
  • About Us
  • List of Locations
  • Subscribe
  • Policies
  • Terms of use
  • Submit a News Tip
  • Submit a Photo
  • Birth Announcement
  • Engagement Announcement
  • Wedding Announcement
  • Submit a Classified Ad
  • Letter to the Editor
    Hartselle Enquirer
      • Site logo
      • Home
      • News
      • Sports
      • Schools
      • Opinion
      • Events
      • Lifestyles
      • Business
      • Records
      • Special Sections
      • Site logo
      • Home
      • News
      • Sports
      • Schools
      • Opinion
      • Events
      • Lifestyles
      • Business
      • Records
      • Special Sections
    Business, Huntsville, Lifestyles, LIFESTYLES -- FEATURE SPOT, Madison, News, PICTURE FLIPPER, RSS Facebook, RSS General, RSS Twitter
     By  Anna Durrett Published 
    10:14 pm Monday, July 23, 2012

    The debate on foie gras

    Several local restaurants serve foie gras, including Pauli’s Bar and Grill, Cotton Row Restaurant and Watercress.

    BY ANNA DURRETT / REPORTER

    A ban on foie gras, which is French for “fatty liver” and is specifically that of a force-fed duck or goose, went into effect in California at the beginning of July. The debate in California on the acceptability of foie gras is ongoing, and people in North Alabama disagree on it as well.

    Dr. Rodney Soto of the Holistic Medical Center of Alabama in Madison said, “I don’t think it’s a desirable product due to the gavage [force feeding] procedure for its production. Unfortunately animals are forced to feeding procedures that can be harmful and cruel.”

    Soto said regarding the health effects of consuming foie gras, “Benefits are attributed to the mono unsaturated fat content, similar to olive oil, of the duck liver. There are concerns though about its association with amyloid plaque production in Alzheimer’s and prion diseases of the nervous system.”

    Madison resident Lucy Roberts ordered foie gras not knowing what it was while at a five-star restaurant on vacation in 2006.

    “I guess you could say I was feeling adventurous, and I wanted to step out of my box a little and try things I hadn’t before tried,” Roberts said. “It was an exciting experience for me. Had I known what foie gras was initially, even though I wasn’t vegan then, I probably wouldn’t have ordered it.”

    After having one bite, Roberts decided she disliked the taste and did not finish the dish. “Why I didn’t ask the waiter or waitress what it was is a mystery, but I didn’t, and they didn’t offer that info to me,” Roberts said.

    Several local restaurants serve foie gras, including Pauli’s Bar and Grill, Cotton Row Restaurant and Watercress.

    Pauli’s Executive Chef Matt Martin said of the ban in California, “I think it’s ludicrous.”

    Foie gras is not currently on the menu at Pauli’s, but Martin said he has had it on the menu in the past, and he currently serves it on special occasions. He said a dish with foie gras may appear on the regular menu in the future.

    “Primarily I’ll tend to just sear a slice of the liver and serve it with appropriate sides,” Martin said.

    Martin said due to the flavor and texture of foie gras, it is a “very unique food.” He said it has a “rich, buttery texture with just a subtle hint of that organ meat kind of flavor.”

    When using foie gras in a dish, Martin said he uses about 2 to 2 1/2 ounces. He said the current market value of foie gras is between $45 and $50 a pound.

    Cotton Row has a foie gras dish on its menu called “pan seared Hudson Valley foie gras.”

    “Our dishes are prepared from pan searing the raw liver to a medium cooked temperature and served with an assortment of stone fruits that are cooked in vinegar and always accompanied with a piece of crispy French bread,” said Chef James Joyce of Cotton Row. “We also recommend a glass of sweeter style wine, which is a classic French accompaniment.”

    Watercress does not have foie gras on its regular menu, but a person who answered the phone at the restaurant and declined being identified said it is sometimes served. The unidentified person said when served it is “most likely just a daily special.”

    Also on The Madison Record
    Journey Middle agrees on Chelsea Young as ‘Teacher of the Year’
    Madison, Madison County Record, News, ...
    Journey Middle agrees on Chelsea Young as ‘Teacher of the Year’
    Gregg Parker 
    June 25, 2025
    MADISON – When Chelsea Young moved to Madison in 2016, Madison City Schools held “a reputation for academic excellence and for one of the best distric...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism", "madison-record":"Madison Record"}{"madison-record":"Madison Record"}
    ‘Because of Jesus’ summer camp nurtures 130 youth in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
    Madison, Madison County Record, News, ...
    Summer camp
    ‘Because of Jesus’ summer camp nurtures 130 youth in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
    Gregg Parker 
    June 25, 2025
    MADISON - A local church’s special event connected on a personal level with 130-plus children who celebrated faith and friendship. Starting summer in ...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism", "madison-record":"Madison Record"}{"madison-record":"Madison Record"}
    Little Booths Market Day to premiere for young retailers
    Living, Madison, Madison County Record, ...
    Little Booths Market Day to premiere for young retailers
    Downtown event to premiere in July for young entrepreneurs
    Gregg Parker 
    June 25, 2025
    MADISON – A special event for young, aspiring entrepreneurs and vendors will debut with Little Booths Market Day on July 12. Little Booths Market Day ...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism", "madison-record":"Madison Record"}{"madison-record":"Madison Record"}
    Mitch Daly on the move: Former Bob Jones standout moving from Trash Pandas to 66ers
    Madison County Record, News, Sports, ...
    Mitch Daly on the move: Former Bob Jones standout moving from Trash Pandas to 66ers
    Bob Labbe 
    June 18, 2025
    MADISON- The Rocket City Trash Pandas has made a series of player moves including Mitch Daly. The Bob Jones High graduate and only local player to sui...
    School leaders urge parents for feedback about rezoning
    A: Main, Bob Jones High School, Madison, ...
    School leaders urge parents for feedback about rezoning
    Gregg Parker 
    June 18, 2025
    MADISON – With their continuous honors, Madison City Schools students have proven their mastery of the ‘three Rs – Reading, ‘Riting and ‘Rithmetic.’ H...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism", "madison-record":"Madison Record"}{"madison-record":"Madison Record"}
    MVP urges everyone to turn out for ‘Big Weekend of Service’
    A: Main, Madison, Madison County Record, ...
    MVP
    MVP urges everyone to turn out for ‘Big Weekend of Service’
    Gregg Parker 
    June 18, 2025
    MADISON – Madison Visionary Partners or MVP invites all ages, backgrounds and aptitudes to join hometown volunteer forces during the Big Weekend of Se...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism", "madison-record":"Madison Record"}{"madison-record":"Madison Record"}
    For 6th year, Matt Curtis Real Estate named no. 1 in state
    Madison, Madison County Record, News, ...
    For 6th year, Matt Curtis Real Estate named no. 1 in state
    Gregg Parker 
    June 18, 2025
    HUNTSVILLE - For the sixth consecutive year, Matt Curtis Real Estate has been ranked as the no. 1 real estate team in Alabama. In addition, this team ...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism", "madison-record":"Madison Record"}{"madison-record":"Madison Record"}
    Bob Jones student wins in NYC challenge for musical theatre
    Bob Jones High School, Madison, Madison County Record, ...
    Bob Jones student wins in NYC challenge for musical theatre
    Gregg Parker 
    June 18, 2025
    MADISON – For his talent in composition, Karsten Wallace of Madison is a winner in the 2024-2025 Musical Theater Songwriting Challenge for High School...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism", "madison-record":"Madison Record"}{"madison-record":"Madison Record"}

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    ❮ ❯
    Get Legals or Public Notices Published
    Latest Local News
    Journey Middle agrees on Chelsea Young as ‘Teacher of the Year’
    Journey Middle agrees on Chelsea Young as ‘Teacher of the Year’
    MADISON – When Chelsea Young moved to Madison in 2016, Madison City Schools held “a reputation for academic excellence and for one of the best distric...
    June 25, 2025
    ‘Because of Jesus’ summer camp nurtures 130 youth in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
    ‘Because of Jesus’ summer camp nurtures 130 youth in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
    MADISON - A local church’s special event connected on a personal level with 130-plus children who celebrated faith and friendship. Starting summer in ...
    June 25, 2025
    Little Booths Market Day to premiere for young retailers
    Little Booths Market Day to premiere for young retailers
    MADISON – A special event for young, aspiring entrepreneurs and vendors will debut with Little Booths Market Day on July 12. Little Booths Market Day ...
    June 25, 2025
    Mitch Daly on the move: Former Bob Jones standout moving from Trash Pandas to 66ers
    Mitch Daly on the move: Former Bob Jones standout moving from Trash Pandas to 66ers
    MADISON- The Rocket City Trash Pandas has made a series of player moves including Mitch Daly. The Bob Jones High graduate and only local player to sui...
    June 18, 2025
    School leaders urge parents for feedback about rezoning
    School leaders urge parents for feedback about rezoning
    MADISON – With their continuous honors, Madison City Schools students have proven their mastery of the ‘three Rs – Reading, ‘Riting and ‘Rithmetic.’ H...
    June 18, 2025

    More Local News

    Our Latest E-edition
    Read the most recent edition
    Latest Stories
    Liberty student among finalists in National Science Bee
    Liberty student among finalists in National Science Bee
    MADISON – His solid, technical background earned Ryan Ranjan a top place in the 2025 National Science Bee, organized by International Academic Competi...
    June 18, 2025
    Local teen sets Guinness World Record for Girl Scouts Silver Award
    Local teen sets Guinness World Record for Girl Scouts Silver Award
    MADISON - Madeline Harper was so determined to achieve the Silver Award in Girl Scouts that she decided to set a world record to reach it. Madeline is...
    June 11, 2025
    Midtown Elementary School selects Judi Brown as 2025 Staff Member of the Year
    Midtown Elementary School selects Judi Brown as 2025 Staff Member of the Year
    MADISON - Teachers and staff at Midtown Elementary School decided to honor Judi Brown as “2025 Staff Member of the Year.” “I started in Madison City S...
    June 11, 2025
    Liberty recognizes Karen Price as ‘Teacher of the Year’
    Liberty recognizes Karen Price as ‘Teacher of the Year’
    MADISON - As an educator, Karen Price constantly strives ‘to do the right thing’ for students with honesty, kindness and sincerity. Liberty Middle Sch...
    June 11, 2025
    Influx of FBI and Space Force employees will have a major impact on Madison
    Influx of FBI and Space Force employees will have a major impact on Madison
    MADISON – Matt Curtis with Matt Curtis Real Estate recently profiled the current housing market in the City of Madison and surrounding Madison County....
    June 4, 2025
    poll
    Latest Sports
    Mitch Daly on the move: Former Bob Jones standout moving from Trash Pandas to 66ers
    Mitch Daly on the move: Former Bob Jones standout moving from Trash Pandas to 66ers
    MADISON- The Rocket City Trash Pandas has made a series of player moves including Mitch Daly. The Bob Jones High graduate and only local player to sui...
    June 18, 2025
    Daly returns home to play for Trash Pandas
    Daly returns home to play for Trash Pandas
    MADISON - Since birth, Mitch Daly has always been on the move as his father, Ed, is a four-star general in the U.S. Army causing him to pack up his wi...
    May 26, 2025
    Thousands expected for Memorial Day’s Cotton Row Run
    Thousands expected for Memorial Day’s Cotton Row Run
    HUNTSVILLE - The Cotton Row Run is a community event. The annual Memorial Day extravaganza, held in downtown Huntsville, again this year will attract ...
    May 20, 2025
    Madison Academy girls surge into soccer finals
    Madison Academy girls surge into soccer finals
    HUNTSVILLE – Madison Academy entered the state soccer tournament scoreless in three previous games at John Hunt Park, including against Donoho last se...
    May 9, 2025
    Have bat, will travel: Bob Jones seeks offense on road in semifinals
    Have bat, will travel: Bob Jones seeks offense on road in semifinals
    MADISON – Bob Jones has left little margin for error as it seeks to repeat as Class 7A state baseball champions. The Patriots, however, have done just...
    May 7, 2025

    More Sports Stories

    x

    Sections

    • Home
    • News
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Lifestyles
    • Obits
    • Business
    • Sponsored Content
      • Home
      • News
      • Sports
      • Opinion
      • Lifestyles
      • Obits
      • Business
      • Sponsored Content

    Other Publications

    Madison Living Logo Living 50 Plus Logo

    Services

    • About Us
    • Subscribe
    • Advertise With Us
    • Policies
    • Terms of use
    • Submit a news tip
    • Submit a photo
    • Birth announcement
    • Birthday announcement
    • Engagement announcement
    • Wedding announcement
    • Sign Up For Our Free Newsletter
      • About Us
      • Subscribe
      • Advertise With Us
      • Policies
      • Terms of use
      • Submit a news tip
      • Submit a photo
      • Birth announcement
      • Birthday announcement
      • Engagement announcement
      • Wedding announcement
      • Sign Up For Our Free Newsletter

    Follow Us

    Copyright

    © , The Madison Record