Great Chieftan O The Puddin Race

The 25th of January is the day the national bard of Scotland, Robert Burns, is remembered. On that night and around this time all over the world people gather for Burns Suppers. The format is traditional, with dinner, a speech called the Immortal Memory of Robert Burns, other speeches, singing and dancing. Much whisky is consumed.

Dinner begins with the skirl of the bagpipes and a Haggis on a platter is processed around the room. When it reaches the top table the host gives the Address to the Haggis. It begins:

Fair fa' your honest, sonsie face,

Great chieftain o' the Puddin-race!

Aboon them a' ye tak your place,

Painch, tripe, or thairm:

Weel are ye wordy of a grace

As lang's my arm.

It then continues in similarly unintellgible language which I for one don't understand. I realise this is heresy. So too are the plans for a Galician Version of a Burns Supper which we are holding in the now world famous La Terraza in Clapham on 29th January at 7.30. There is a four course meal and tickets are £30 per head or £55 for a couple. The restuarant is giving us the dinner for less than half of that amount so that we can raise as much money as possible for the extension which is being built to the albergue at Miraz.

All are welcome. 35 people have purchased tickets so far. If anyone who stumbles across this wee blog wants to come along just contact Marion Marples at the Confraternity of St James:
(+44) (0)20 7928 9988 or office@csj.org.uk

A Galician Burns Night
in aid of the Miraz Refugio Holy Year Appeal
The Confraternity of Saint James in the United Kingdom

Menu

Selkirk Grace
Some hae meat and canna eat, and some wad eat that want it; but we hae meat, and we can eat, sae let the Lord be thankit. Amen.

Tapa of Haggis (veg available), Neeps and Tatties
with a Chupito de Uisge Beatha

Para empezar

Caldo Gallego

A continuación

Salmón con Sala Marinera
Cordero Asado al Horno
(braised prime shank of lamb)
Pollo Kiev
Paella Vegetariana

Sobremesa

Filloas de Carnival

a Copa de Vino
is included with the fundraising meal
but please feel free to order and pay for your own wine
or drinks after dinner