Chicago celeb chef Art Smith is boycotting the world's largest pasta producer because of its stance on gay families.
According to TheAdvocate.com, the Barilla's chairman told an Italian radio show host that the company would never feature gay couples in its ads.
Guido Barilla said his brand represents a "classic family where the woman plays a fundamental role. ... If [gays] don't like it, they can go eat another brand."
And that's what Smith -- owner of Table Fifty-Two in the Gold Coast and a former contestant on Top Chef Masters -- is doing.
My business is about feeding people.Food is love its not to be used as a platform for hate.#boycottbarilla Take The Hate Off The Plate!— Chef Art Smith (@ChefArtSmith) September 27, 2013
Smith tweeted Thursday that he won't use Barilla projects anymore. He's also hosting a #TakeTheHateOffThePlate brunch Saturday in Chicago to bring attention to the issue.
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"I love the products but very disappointed over Mr. Barilla's comments. Hurtful," Smith also tweeted.
Smith says his brunch for 100 people has already sold out.
Smith and his partner of 10 years, Jesus Salgueiro, married at the Lincoln Memorial in 2011.
