Gallo Cedrone

In my opinion this is the best of the game birds. Grouse is quite rare in Italy and is a protected species, so I am especially grateful to live in Britain where I can get Scottish grouse, although it is increasingly scarce here too. In Scotland, grouse nest on open moorlands, while in Italy they prefer the habitat of pine forests. Its diet of berries and insects imparts an irresistible flavour to its very dark and fleshy breast. It needs to be hung, unplucked, for at least 3 or 4 days. When in season it has prime position on my restaurant menu, when I like to serve it lightly roasted, so it is still pink, then served with chanterelle mushrooms.