Atticus has unveiled an entirely fictional mockingbird special, ensuring that no restaurant in Fairhope can claim to have a littler bird on the menu.
The dish consists of one metaphorical bird, two tablespoons of literary tension and a reduction prepared from every high-school essay that began with “Throughout history.”
“Nobody shoots the bird better than Atticus,” said fictional chef Paige Turner. “Mostly because the bird is imaginary and the shooting occurs entirely in the headline.”
The plate arrives beneath a silver dome. When lifted, guests discover a single feather-shaped cracker beside a note explaining that the absence is central to the theme.
Smallest bird, largest explanation
The special was developed after a survey found growing demand for local dishes that can be photographed, discussed and completed before the entrée at the next table arrives.
Servers receive a twelve-page guide covering symbolism, pronunciation and the recommended response when a diner asks whether the portion can be made larger. The approved answer is that innocence cannot be supersized.
A pairing is available with sweet tea, dry wit or a glass of something that has been resting in judgment since 1960.
Early fictional reviews praised the presentation, though one diner complained that the dish tasted like a book report. Management thanked him and added the comment to the menu description.
The special will remain available until somebody in town opens a restaurant called The Hummingbird and forces a recount.
More local flavor awaits.
No required reading list.