It’s no secret that Josiah Citrin is against the upcoming July voter-approved ban on foie gras.  Last night, May 14th, Citrin’s Santa Monica Michelin two-starred restaurant Melisse (melisse.com) held a $200 six course fundraising foie gras dinner with part of the proceeds going to C.H.E.F.S. (Coalition for Humane and Ethical Farming Standards), an organization of local chefs dedicated to fighting the California ban.  In response, a number of animal rights organizations including the Animal Protection & Rescue League (www.stopforcefeeding.com) held a peaceful protest outside and a media circus ensued.  Present were a number of local television stations, Santa Monica police, about 30 protestors, and a few bewildered patrons.  Here a few photos of the melee: