Game on: Using Wild Meat in Your Menu

Morton the black labrador catches dinner!

If you are holding an event between September and February I can highly recommend including some seasonal British wild meats and game into your menu.
The term 'game' refers to the species of birds and animals listed in the Game Act 1871, which include pheasant, partridge and grouse. These birds are legally protected and have an enforced ‘open season’ dictating where and when they can be shot. Deer are covered under separate but similar laws which vary depending on the breed. Other birds and wild meats such as rabbit, duck, goose and pigeon are ‘non-game’ because they have no legally determined season, however they are often at their best during the same time of year as their protected peers. (Fish are protected by similar laws but have a spring / summer based season). Here is a quick guide to what to eat, when and how.

GAME BIRDS
Pheasant
Always serve off the bone. Pheasant tastes lovely served in a classic way with game chips or served with apple and calvados. It’s also a great choice as a canapé such as pheasant goujons with roasted garlic aioli.
Open season: October – February
Partridge
A delicious meat; the epitome of rich, gamey taste and perfect for an elegant winter British countryside wedding. I would only serve partridge for a small wedding, and only if you know everyone will love it. If you’re having a buffet, try partridge sausages with smoky bacon and prunes – amazing!
Open season: September – February
Grouse
This is expensive and always in high demand. I long to serve it on ‘the Glorious 12th’or for a September wedding with a Scottish groom with great connections!
Open season: August – September 

NON-GAME BIRDS
Duck
Wonderful and very, very versatile across all courses. I like it simple; roasted breast or stuffed wild duck.
Canapé idea: Duck breast, carved very thinly and wrapped around a chopstick with fresh mango.
Main idea: Pistachio and shallot stuffed duck on a bed of celeriac mash, with confit Savoy cabbage and Marsala jus.
At its best: September – January
Goose
Suitable for a feast!  A big bird which needs a big table, I would insist it is carved in front of guests. A medieval themed wedding perhaps?
At its best: September – January
Wood Pigeon
Great as a starter. Keep it simple, for example sautéed with wild mushrooms and crème de cassis.
At its best: January – March
Guinea-Fowl
I refer to guinea-fowl as “how chicken used to taste” it’s mild, tasty and I think a perfect choice for any wedding. We stuff the breasts off the bone and then confit the leg so the meat just falls off – serve with some roasted garlic mash, wilted greens and tarragon jus and I guarantee clean plates.
At its best: September – December 

DEER and WILD BOAR
Venison
A fabulous meat and so under used. It’s rich, easy to cook and gets beautifully pink. There are an abundance of ways to use venison – Carpaccio, sausages, roast saddle. It costs about as much as good Scotch fillet of beef and I think makes a really good alternative.
Season dependent on the breed, generally August – March
Wild Boar
Use wild boar and apple sausages for an inspired winter take on sausage and mash. Serve with winter root mash and confit of Savoy with a rich jus.
At its best: throughout winter 

NON-GAME MEATS
Rabbit
I love rabbit and am in heaven when my clients have the same passion for its delicate taste. Choose a terrine as a starter or a trio for main with stuffed loin, confit leg and roasted saddle – elegant and stylish.
At its best: July – December

This post was originally posted on The Wedding Community. Click to see more of Julie Grays advice.