Will You Chick-fil-A or Chick-fil-Gay Today?

Man oh man, have we seen a serious amount of discourse surrounding chicken sandwiches in the last week. And today is no different. Following a nationwide outcry (not to mention strong opposition by Ald. Joe Moreno) against Chick-fil-A after company president Dan Cathy made comments saying he was "guilty as charged" in believing marriage should be between one man and one woman, today is a day where people are either showing support or opposition to the chicken chain.

While Mike Huckabee has called for a Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day on a national level, locally, numerous restaurants are asking people to show their support for equal rights. Chef Art Smith, who last weekend held a Flick-the-Hate fundraiser at his home to support Equality Illinois, penned an article in the Sun-Times calling out the chain, saying he has always been taught that food should bring people together and not separate us.

"Growing up in my Southern home, everyone was invited to the dinner table regardless of color or gender. Feeding people was the way folks showed their love," Smith wrote. He went on to say that while cooking for everyone from friends to dignitaries like the Barack and Michelle Obama, the Dalai Lama and Oprah Winfrey, he has always cooked from a place of love and acceptance. "Fried chicken takes no sides," he said.

Meanwhile, other local chefs and restaurants, like HB, Wilde, Lady Gregory's and Chicago Diner, today are asking people to support a message of inclusion. Hearty Boys are hosting the Chick-fil-Gay Appreciation Day at their Lakeview restaurant. They're offering up $10 fried chicken breast sandwiches on toasted buns with pickles and a side of french fries. All proceeds from this will benefit Equality Illinois.
· Chicago Alderman Opposes New Chick-fil-A [~EChi~]
· Art Smith Says His Birds Are of a Different Feather [Sun-Times]
· All Chick-fil-A Coverage on Eater Chicago [~EChi~]

Hearty [Photo: Barry Brecheisen]