How to Grill Quail

METHOD: Direct grilling

ADVANCE PREPARATION: 30 minutes for marinating the quail

Grilled quail began turning up on restaurant menus in the 1990s and has become something of a new American classic. Despite its diminutive size, quail is more flavorful than chicken, but not as gamy as squab or partridge. You can probably find it at your local supermarket (most likely frozen) or, at the very least, a good butcher shop.

In the old days, chefs would butterfly these little birds, but nowadays much of the quail sold in the United States comes with the breastbone, backbone, and rib cage removed and a wire frame inserted in the cavity to keep the bird spread flat.