In November of 1995 I went to Toledo to see "The Burial of the Count of Orgaz" in the Iglesia de Santo Tomé and the Museo El Greco.
After the visits I walked the quiet, narrow streets with small houses, peaceful atmosphere away from the tourist area. I was happy. Happy and hungry, that is. I decided to turn left at the next corner and then turn left again at the next corner and go into the first eating place I see. There it was, El Peñón, a tavern for locals with a menu only in Spanish. I managed "una copa de vino tinto, por favor" and looked at the six items on the list. The second from the bottom read "Codornices a la Toledana". I thought it must be a local specialty. When the waiter came, I pointed to it "Este, por favor, señor.". He seemed pleased and said something at the supersonic speed Spaniards use in normal conversation. I smiled "Si, claro, muchisimas gracias".
It didn't take long and I was staring at a plate with two beautiful, plump, juicy birds in a fragrant sauce. That is how I learned that codornices is Spanish for quails. They were delicious. I had more wine and crusty bread and was even more happy (and hungry no more). I carved out the two wishbones* for keepsakes.
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Outside, back on the cobbled streets trying to figure the way to the bus station, I happened upon a nice English couple studying the city map. Always happy to share a good experience, I said to them: "If you want a really good lunch go to that place over there and order the quail, want me to write it down for you?". They smiled gratefully and said ”Cheers, mate, our Spanish is proper, codorniz, right?” ”Yeah, that's the one."
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* furcula (from Latin) is a forked bone formed by fused clavicles in birds. It is known popularly as wishbone,
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