Garnet or Garnets Curse

started to pour the champagne, but Robert took the bottle from him. He held the bottle up in the air, “ Tonight we have with us two of the most beautiful creations in all of France: a rare bottle of Chateau-du-Loir’s finest champagne and Miss Garnet Dragos! ”
    “ Bravo to that! ” Aaron chimed in.
    I felt my face redden as Robert poured the champagne for me. Maria tipped her glass to me and the party began. The champagne was light as well as the conversation. The heavy conversation was saved for later.
    When Rosa announced that the entrees were ready, Aaron took Maria ’ s arm, allowing Robert to escort me into the dining room. There were massive twin fireplaces and above them hung an impressive tapestry. With much for the eye to see, I made a quick observation of my surroundings before I sat down.
    Maria looked disappointed with the tiny morsels of food that were presented. I wanted to whisper to her that this was not the main course. I kept silent, knowing she would experience the meal soon enough.
    The entree course began with a delicious Roquefort flan and followed by a nice rabbit pate’. When the servers filled our glasses with a fragrant rosé wine, I anticipated the next selection to be heavy and bolder. However, nothing could prepare me for what was to come.
    The servers all left the room and I noticed a gleam in Robert ’ s eye. Soon four servers appeared, each carrying an elegant dish with a white dinner napkin covering its content.
    Robert stood up and the servers lifted the napkins. “ Ortolans! ” for your dining pleasure.
    I gasped and Maria looked at me questioning what was being served. I tried to hide my distaste and smiled as Robert and Aaron clapped their hands. I knew the dish, but it was not something that my Auntie would have ever served at our dinner table. When the dish was set before me, I was afraid my stomach would turn.
    “ Aye, the little ortolan, a flower to the tongue! ” Robert said, boasting his culinary knowledge. “ Shall we? ” he says, lifting the white cloth and placing it on top of his head.
    His actions caused Maria to laugh. It was certain she had no idea what Ortolans were or how they should be eaten. When Robert laid down his napkin, I was afraid he was insulted, but he started laughing too.
    “ My dear Maria, please accept my apologies for assuming that all is the same all over France. Allow me to explain my strange behavior. You see, Ortolans are little birds whom many affectionately call ‘Fig Peckers.’ They are one of the finest delicacies known to man. ”
    Maria looked at the small bird on her plate. “ Does it taste like chicken? ” she asked, giving it a little poke with her fork.
    Robert laughed and continued, “ Not hardly. The taste is like nothing you have ever put in your mouth. I imagine the birds may be tasty in any form, but to prepare them correctly takes a great deal of special preparation. First, let us consider the nature of these tiny birds. They are night feeders. Once they are captured, they are kept in the dark so they will eat continuously. All the while they are pecking on grains and figs, the chef is anxiously waiting. When they reach four times their size, they are drowned in a snifter of Armagnac. Their tiny lungs take on the flavor of the sweet liqueur. He then pops them in the oven and minutes later they are served. ”
    “ These birds were alive just moments ago? ” Maria asked, in a trembling voice.
    “ I suppose it sounds tragic, but once you eat them you will quickly forget the details, ” Robert said. He looked at me as if I approved.
    “ It is all in the eating, ” Aaron offered. “ First you cover your head with a napkin and then put the bird whole in your mouth. ”
    Maria looked at me and I shook my head to confirm. “ Why do you cover your head for God ’ s sake? ” Maria asked alarmed.
    “ Well, ” laughed Aaron. “ In fact, many people think it is for God ’ s sake to hide your face while you eat the bird. I personally feel it is to prevent other dinner guests from seeing you bite off the bird’s head. ”
    “ I am just not sure about this, ” Maria says, turning to look at me.
    “ Oh, it is simple, ” Robert says, covering his head. “ Cover your head and I will give you instruction. ”
    “ Is everyone ready? ” Robert asked.
    There were several moans and Robert began, “ Be careful now; birds are very hot. Place the bird on your tongue, letting the head dangle out between your lips.