Lore:Garnetbeak

Garnetbeak
Type		Beast (Bird)
Range		Topal Bay (extinct)

Garnetbeaks are an extinct species of bird. During the reign of Emperor Brazollus Dor in the late years of the First Era, the Topal Garnetbeak, a variety of garnetbeak native to Topal Bay, was a common dish on noble tables in Cyrodiil and thus a part of Imperial cuisine. Their name was partially derived from the garnet gemstone.

Garnetbeaks were served during the infamous Feast of Saint Coellicia. These birds were often drowned in fortified wine, plucked just before serving, and eaten whole by diners, who typically draped cloths over their heads. While this was said to trap the vapors of the wine, it also helped contain the viscera and juices that would often violently eject from the bird as it was consumed. This practice contributed to the rapid decline in garnetbeak numbers, and by 2E 582, the species was long extinct.

Notes

• Topal Garnetbeak bears many similarities to the real-life ortolan bunting. Just as described in The Feast of Saint Coellicia, these birds were drowned in wine, roasted, plucked, and consumed whole, and diners would traditionally wear a napkin over their heads while eating them.

See Also

Books

• The Feast of Saint Coellicia by Arfons Jellicandante, Expert on Nibenese Cuisine — A detailed list of the meals served during an epic, eight course, forty dish feast