Celebrate a Traditional Burns Night in Washington CT

Scotland’s most famous poet, Robert Burns, will be honored at a Highland Feast with a piper, Celtic music, and Haggis on January 29 at St. John’s Episcopal Church Parish Hall, Washington Green. This Burns Night celebration, a Scottish tradition, will feature a six-course meal with smoked salmon, venison, partridge, and a tasting of 6 to 10 single malt whiskies.

It may not be Scotland, but anyone can celebrate the anniversary of the famed poet’s birth, and St. John’s is ready to do it in style. A piper will announce the Haggis, delivered to the main table by the chef.  Haggis, a sheep’s stomach filled with the sheep’s intestine and oatmeal, is a big part of the tradition, although there will be plenty of other good things to eat at this Burns Night. Scottish fare includes tatties (potatoes) and neeps (turnips), and a pudding called a “Tipsy-Laird-Trifle.”  The meal will be preceded by cocktails and hors d’oeuvres and wine will be served with dinner.

Kilts, trews and tartans are encouraged and everyone will join in the recitation of favorite Burns poems, toasts, prayers, and the singing of “Auld Lang Syne.”

The Highland Feast is $95 per person, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit St. John’s Community Outreach Committee. For more information or to make reservations, call St. John’s at 860-868-2527. St. John’s Episcopal Church is located at 78 Green Hill Road, just across from the Washington Green. The Parish Hall faces 9 Parsonage Lane, with plenty of convenient parking.