Crime Scenes

Restaurant Will Pay $28K Fine After Knowingly Serving Whale Meat

Thar she blows.
Thar she blows. Photo: U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Back in 2010, The Cove’s Oscar-winning documentarians took time away from walking red carpets to help federal agents buy endangered Sei whale sushi at a popular Santa Monica Airport restaurant literally called the Hump. It sounds slightly made-up, and the people at the restaurant, now closed, probably wish that it was, now that justice has finally been served: The two whale-slicing-and-dicing chefs pleaded guilty back in February, and yesterday, reports the L.A. Times, was the owner and parent company’s day in court. As part of his plea deal, Brian Vidor admitted he knew his chefs had a stash of whale meat, which they parceled out omakase-style and served to whale lovers, speakeasy-style. Assuming the judge thinks this punishment is fitting, Vidor will get a year of probation and split a $27,500 fine with parent company Typhoon.

Earlier: The Cove Filmmakers Bust Restaurant for Serving Whale
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Restaurant Will Pay $28K Fine After Knowingly Serving Whale Meat