Celebrate Scotland: Robert Burns, haggis, neeps, tatties, scotch

It's the time of year to put on some plaid and celebrate the birthday of Scottish poet Robert Burns. And you can do so at a trio of events over the next few weeks. For those who pine for the taste of haggis, this is your season. And if you'd prefer to celebrate with a beverage, I've added a couple Scotch events as well. 

Saturday, January 21, 7pm: Seattle Branch Royal Scottish Country Dance Society Annual Burns' Night celebration at the Congregational Church, Mercer Island. This event will begin at 7:00 PM.  There will be haggis, neeps, and tatties, toasts to be had and lots of good will.  Come and join in the celebration of Robert Burns.   $12 at the door.  Non dancing friends are most welcome to join in the celebration also. 

Wednesday, January 25, 6:30pm: 2nd Annual Slainte! A Celebration of Scottish Fare at the Palace Ballroom. “In honor of the birthday of Robert Burns, Scotland’s national poet, Tom Douglas and the Palace Ballroom are hosting an evening of all things Scottish.  Chef Brock Johnson of Dahlia Lounge and Richard Hill, Scotch enthusiast are combining their liquor and food knowledge to offer the best of Scotland. The evening will include kilts, bagpipes, haggis, fiddles, Gaelic songs, Burns’ poetry, and a delicious 5-course dinner from the region paired with scotch! For more information contact Robyn Wolfe at robynw@tomdouglas.com.”

Saturday, January, 28, 3pm: Cocktail Tasting: Scotch-Tails. “What makes fine Scotch so good? It is the lore of generations past in this elegant spirit. The rich history within each bottle is just as intoxicating as the elixir itself. Join Infusion Director MacGregor Boswell and bartender Kyle Lasicka, who traveled together to Scotland on a Scotch tasting tour, for a sampling of fine Scotch whiskies and the libations you can create with them. $65 exclusive of tax and gratuity.”

Wednesday, February 1, 6:30pm: An Evening of Scotch at Daniel’s Broilers. “Experience the marriage of food and fine spirits…guests will learn about the featured spirit of the evening, which will paired with a multi-course gourmet meal.”

Sunday, February 19, 5-9pm: Gung Haggis Fat Choy VI at China Harbor Restaurant in Seattle. Billed as "A Celebration of Chinese New Year and Robert Burns' Dinner…Reservations required. A Chinese-Scottish cross-cultural event featuring Scottish and Chinese entertainment and 8-course dinner.  Entertainment will be ,usic in the Glen, a Celtic fiddle group, and Li Haug Da, with a new Asian dance group including a premier dancer with the Beijing Ballet, now living here. Attendees are encouraged to wear national dress from either country, or a combination of both.”