All over the U.K, January 25 is a day to celebrate the birth of Scotland’s most famous poet, Robert Burns. In Florida, I celebrated it a few days early with the Tampa Bay British Expats MeetUp group. On a unseasonably cold night (it was below 50-degrees, which by Florida standards is FREEZING!), nearly 50 of us sat in the courtyard of the St. Petersburg watering hole called Chattaways.
So who is Robert Burns? In the minds of Scotts, he ranks right up there with William Shakespeare. Burns wrote more than 550 poems and songs, including Auld Lang Syne. When the bard died in 1796, his friends and family held an evening to honor him as a memorial. That tradition continues today, and Burns Night is held not only throughout the U.K., but around the world. In fact, Burns Suppers have been held for more than 200 years.
Since it was so cold, thank goodness there were portable heaters and “special tea” (that’s code for Whiskey) passed around in a teapot. I’m not a big fan of whiskey, but my table neighbor, Marion, from Bristol (I think that’s where she said she’s from!) told me that a ‘nip of whiskey would warm me right up.” She was right. Besides, as I’ve learned, a Burns Supper wouldn’t be complete without a little whiskey.
The highlight of any Burns Night meal is Haggis, a traditional Scottish dish which is made from from sheep heart, liver and lungs and is prepared in the stomach lining. Yes, it sounds gross, but actually, it’s pretty tasty. Haggis is usually served with mashed “neeps and tatties” (turnips, swedes and potatoes).
Each year, the Tampa Bay Expats bring in a wonderful local bagpiper, Joshua Adams, who played as the Haggis arrived to the stage with much fanfare. Check out this video!
As is tradition, the evening began with the “Address to Haggis,” an ode Burns himself wrote. One of our members, Jack Gibbs, has performed the honors for the last few years. Jack and his wife divide their time between Scotland, Canada and Tampa Bay.
After our meal, Jack changed out of his kilt and sang some traditional Scottish folk songs. The evening ended with our group holding hands in a circle and singing Auld Lang Syne. It was a fun night meeting new and old friends, channeling my inner Brit, and gaining a new appreciation for “special tea.”