How is the entire ortolan, including bones and beak, meant to be consumed?
Answer
In a single, continuous motion
The physical consumption of the ortolan is highly unconventional, requiring the diner to eat the entire bird at once without interruption. The expectation is that the diner places the whole preparation—head, bones, beak, and all—into their mouth and consumes it in one continuous action. This method is necessary because the bird is served whole, and separating components is contrary to the tradition. This practice contributes heavily to the visual shock of the ritual, as consuming a tiny skeleton entirely in one go is inherently messy and visually jarring for any observers.
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