Which 18th century Scottish poet wrote a poem you sing every year? Which Scottish poet wrote the line used by a famous 20th century local writer for his popular novel’s title? If your answer was Robert Burns (1759-1796), you are absolutely correct; the song is Auld Lang Syne, and the novel is Of Mice and Men — “The best laid plans of mice and men gang oft aglay.”
Burns is recognized world wide for his respect for humankind, particularly those struggling with poverty under the boot of a rigid class structure. But the dinner at the Hindquarter Bar and Grille celebrating him was anything but gloomy.
On the evening of February 11, Bill and Gail Mowatt hosted a traditional Scottish Robert Burns Dinner. As they arrived at the Hindquarter, the lively bagpipes of Jay Salter, Piper, greeted each of the 35 guests. All thirty-five guests were treated royally by the Hindquarters staff, notably Ashley, who poured the single malt Scotch and served the Ahi on toast appetizers as everyone mingled and chatted.
During the salad, the jovial trio, Don Schmitz, Scott Mcinnis, and Rob Edwards entertained everyone with “Willie Brewed a Peck of Malt” followed by Anne Mowatt’s “What’s a Lassie to Do Wi an Auld Man?” and Cheryl Hammond’s “To A Louse.” Ashley did a terrific job serving up the 35 dinners together and hot.
The meal consisted of a dinner salad and an outstanding smoked and roasted chicken dish with a delicious light glaze, mashed potatoes, veggies, and exceptional traditional Haggis and Scottish shortbread. Following tradition, the five-pound Haggis was piped in by Jay, carried in on a platter by Bill in his kilts followed by Don Schmitz reading the humorous “Address to a Haggis,” and Bill slicing open the Haggis. Bill then recited “The Selkirk Grace,” and a brief version of “The Immortal Memory,” a tribute to Robert Burns.
Throughout the evening, guests read various Burns poems and recited toasts including “A Toast to the Lassies” (Clyde Vaughn), “A Response by the Lassies” (Margo Hober), and the popular “To A Mouse,” (Eileen Sambrailo.)
After coffee and Scottish Shortcake, Ed Frost read a humorous “The Deil’s Awa Wi the Exciseman” (The Devil’s Away with the Taxman – farewell to the IRS), and Roland Rebele did a terrific job as anchor man reading “A Man’s A Man for A’ That an’ A That.”
For the Finale, following Scottish tradition, all joined hands and sang “Auld Lang Syne.”
