Leave It To The French

[Fishing Rhino]

This has to be one of the most absurd things I've ever heard.

Ortolan

The ortolan is a tiny bird found in Europe, Western Asia and Africa that's about the size of a human thumb. In 2007, the French government began treating the bird like the endangered species that it is, much to the chagrin of the French.

The bird may have been endangered, but as a meal, it was believed to be nothing less than "the soul of France," as demonstrated by former French President François Mitterand's decision to have it at his "last supper" in 1995.

Apart from the bird's status as an endangered species, the controversy surrounding eating it included the way it was prepared and consumed. The bird is captured, force-fed oats and millet, soaked in Armagnac and roasted alive. The gourmet then eats the bird whole, bones and all, while wearing a napkin over his or her head to soak up all the heavenly aromas and, according to the Wine Spectator, "to hide from God."

[J Francho]

The link supplied says they drown the bird in the Armagnac. Drowning seems pretty quick. I'd rather drown than have my head chopped off.

[Fishing Rhino]

The link contradicts the roasted alive narrative in the article. Maybe the oats and millet soaked in armagnac drown it. Who knows? None of it sounds like a pleasant way to go.

About the only thing I can recall eating that is eaten with its bones is sardines.

The bones must give the tiny birds a pleasing texture when cooked.

[Raider Nation Fisher]

The link contradicts the roasted alive narrative in the article. Maybe the oats and millet soaked in armagnac drown it. Who knows? None of it sounds like a pleasant way to go.

About the only thing I can recall eating that is eaten with its bones is sardines.

The bones must give the tiny birds a pleasing texture when cooked.

Heck, they can keep it. I don't want nothing to do with a pipsqueek bird. And I dang sure ain't eating it and all its innards. Not no way not no how. I prefer my birds not to crunch when I eat them. That's almost as bad as my coworker eating the chicken bones when we get wings. Ugggggg.

[JIGFISHERMAN.]

Ever see how they make Fois Gras?

Or, see one of those livers removed!!!!????

[JIGFISHERMAN.]

Here you go.

2:13 in they remove a liver. WOW.

[Fishing Rhino]

Ever see how they make Fois Gras?

Or, see one of those livers removed!!!!????

Fois Gras was on the same list of banned luxury items.

[GrundleLove]

probabbbllyyyy the most random post ive ever read

A+ Sir.

[Redlinerobert]

I, for one, am a HUGE fan of foie gras. This little bird, not so much.

[JIGFISHERMAN.]

I, for one, am a HUGE fan of foie gras. This little bird, not so much.

I'm not sure I have ever had it honestly, but I 'might' try it. For some reason I think I'd like it in terrien form vs sauteed....

Liver however, for some reason, is just not a taste I have aquired. I assume it still has a "liver taste" despite the fat content?

[Gone_Phishin]

I, for one, am a HUGE fan of foie gras. This little bird, not so much.

If you're ever in Chicago, you can try a foei dog. I really want the fries done in duck fat: http://chicago.serio...-neighbors.html

Edit for new link: http://www.hotdougs.com/default.htm

[JIGFISHERMAN.]

If your ever in Chicago, you can try a foei dog. I really want the fries done in duck fat: http://chicago.serio...-neighbors.html

There are few things I like more than a good dog.

[Gone_Phishin]

The link supplied says they drown the bird in the Armagnac. Drowning seems pretty quick. I'd rather drown than have my head chopped off.

I remember reading that many drowning victims are overwhelmed by a sense of euphoria just before death; they made it sound quite pleasant, and one of the better ways to go.

[Gone_Phishin]

There are few things I like more than a good dog.

Amen...don't know what I'd do without sausage...and kraut...and beer. Lol.