Looking for Burns Supper advice.

[Bob C]

I've been asked to organize a local Burns Supper - something I've long thought my small town needed.

I've done some surfing, and I've been to a few suppers in the past, so I've got a pretty good idea what I want to do for the program. I've got pipers committed to the event and I know I'll be able to find speakers.

SO - here's where I could use some advice. I need a supplier for haggis. A Google search turns up canned stuff and suppliers in the UK, neither of which I desire. I need a haggis that can be sliced open during the address and I'd prefer it to be made in the U.S. Authenticity is not absolutely necessary. If they leave out the chopped lungs, that's just fine. I know I've seen "Americanized" haggis advertised somewhere.

Also, we're planning to serve small portions to about 50-60 people. Based on your experience, how many haggii (haggises?) do we need?

One of the ladies on my committee would like to serve meat pies instead of "roastit beef." Anyone know a supplier? If I make it to the Capital District Scottish Games next weekend, I'll get the information from the vendor, there. Not sure I'll get there, though.

If anyone knows of a Scottish musician who works in central New York and does not cost fortune, I'd appreciate your leads.

Any other advice and experiences would be appreciated.

[Southern Breeze]

You can get haggis at the Caledonian Kitchen. I've orderd haggis and Irn Bru from them and the service is great. I think there are other X-Markers who have also orderd from them.

http://www.caledoniankitchen.com/catalog/

[auld argonian]

The Presentation Haggis did catch my eye...

Best

AA

[Bob C]

Thanks, Breeze! That presentation kit looks like just the thing. I've seen that site before but could not remember it.

[macwilkin]

Here's another vote for the Caledonian Kitchen, Bob -- we get our Haggis from them as well for our Burns Supper, and they are a pleasure to deal with -- and the Haggis is mighty tasty, too! :mrgreen:

As far as other advice, I would recommend that you beg, borrow and/or steal (well, maybe not that last one!) a copy of Hugh Douglas's "Burns Supper Companion", which is good guide for Burns Supper organisers -- there are a couple of other similar titles out there as well -- if your local library can't obtain a copy via interlibrary loan, then you might have to either order from the UK, or see if a fellow forum member might be able to find a copy for you. Douglas's guide goes into great detail about organisation, planning, etc., as well as explaining the customs and traditions of the Burns Supper.

Second: visit a couple of Burns Suppers in your area -- I know the St. Andrew's Society of the Adirondacks has one, for example -- and see what others are doing that you can incorporate into yours, but be sure to give yours its own unique "personality".

You might also consider contacting the Robert Burns Association of North America, and see if they have any advice, suggestions, etc. Heck, if they hear you're starting one, you may just have a bunch of folks show up to help out at the first one. There web site is:

http://www.rbana.com/

Let me know if I can be of any assistance; I have been planning and organising Burns Suppers now for 7 years, and I will be happy to give advice, suggestions, etc.

[Streetcar]

I've not tried this vendor, so I cannot attest to their quality:
http://web.mawebcenters.com/lambetc/index.ivnu

I've seen P1M refer to a place called "The Oatmeal Savage," for "Americanized" haggis, but I've been unable to find a link.