Thursday the great Scottish bard Robert Burns turns 247. The Ploughman Poet famously wrote “Auld Lang Syne” but more importantly Address to a Haggis, in my view one of the most significant works of Romantic literature. More than just an ode to sheep guts it was a proud affirmation of Scottish identity in the face of the British crown. Just picture him spittin’ on the mic:
But mark the Rustic, haggis fed,
The trembling earth resounds his tread.
Clap in his walie nieve a blade,
He’ll mak it whissle;
An’ legs an’ arms, an’ heads will sned,
Like taps o’ thrissle.
Eat that, George III.
The Celtic Knot in Evanston is an Irish pub run by a Liverpudlian, yet it still celebrates the day with a traditional Burns Supper, featuring the drinking of scotch, the recitation of the poet’s works, and the eating of haggis. It starts at 7 PM. Call 847-864-1679.