The ortolan is served in French cuisine, typically cooked and eaten whole. Traditionally diners cover their heads with their napkin or a towel while eating the delicacy. The bird is so widely used that its French populations dropped dangerously low, leading to laws restricting its use in 1999. In September 2007, the French government announced its intent to enforce long-ignored laws protecting the bird.
The ortolan is served in French cuisine typically cooked and eaten whole Traditionally diners cover their heads with their napkin or a towel while eating the delicacy The bird is so widely used that its French populations dropped dangerously low leading to laws restricting its use in 1999 In September 2007 the French government announced its intent to enforce long-ignored laws protecting the bird