Lauren
Reged: 10/10/02
Posts: 1332
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Ten Years Since Mitterrand's Death
A story first recounted in Esquire magazine sums up Mitterrand's vision of himself. On New Year's Eve, 1995, the failing Mitterrand invited some 30 friends and family members to share with him a menu of oysters, foie gras, capons and a tiny songbird called the ortolan that is said to embody the soul of France and is actually illegal to eat in France.
After being drowned in Armagnac, the roasted bird is eaten whole, bones, organs and all; the diner traditionally wears a napkin over his head while chewing the ortolan, either to better savour the aroma or to hide the act from God, depending on which version of the legend you prefer.
According to the story, Mitterrand consumed the ortolan and refused all further sustenance, dying eight days later.
What a stylish exit: he was arrogant enough to eat an illegal delicacy for his last meal, but his last gesture was symbolically dedicated to the soul of France.
Here is an eGullet discussion regarding the preparation and consumption of the mythical bird...
http://forums.egullet.org/index.php?showtopic=7796
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Lauren
Reged: 10/10/02
Posts: 1332
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http://www.hertsbirdclub.org.uk/images/ortolan_hitchin.jpg
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JEK
Moderator
Reged: 01/20/04
Posts: 10983
Loc: Northern Virginia
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I like my O a little more well done . . .
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Carnaval 2009: Mardi 24 Février 2009!!!!
JEK
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Lauren
Reged: 10/10/02
Posts: 1332
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JEK...a nice menu for your "O"...
http://www.menustory.com/Intimes/avant1900/ima1890/01101892.jpg
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The Ortolan, has anyone consumed this bird?
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