Night One: Sylvan Table
Burns Night is a Scottish tradition dating back to 1801. The date coincides with the birthday of Robert Burns, the national poet of Scotland. Aside from "Auld Lang Syne," Robert Burns is known for penning the "Ode to a Haggis," among many other poems. Haggis is traditionally eaten on Burns Night alongside neeps & tatties and whisky, of course.
We celebrated Burns Night twice in 2024. Our first celebration took place at Sylvan Table in Sylvan Lake, MI, on January 25. We were joyfully overwhelmed with support this evening. The event sold out in advance and the setting could not have been more perfect. Sylvan Table has a rustic ambiance that was ideal for celebrating Burns Night.
The kitchen outdid themselves with multiple courses featuring our food as well as special Burns Night only dishes made by the incredible Sylvan Table crew. Special thanks to George Wilson who shared Burns' poems throughout the evening including "Ode to a Haggis," and George even debuted his own poem about the Detroit Lions. Thanks to everyone who read poems and celebrated with us that evening.
Night Two: Urbanrest Brewing Co.
We returned to Urbanrest on January 26 to celebrate Burns Night for our 5th year (with a couple years of hiatus due to the COVID-19 Pandemic). Sylvan Table was a 5 course dinner in a goregous farmhouse, but Urbanrest is a raucous party with hundreds of attendees. We served Burns Suppers with haggis, neeps & tatties, and shortbread alongside Scotch Eggs and Sausage Rolls.
It has also become tradition for us to have a bagpiper, Highland Dancers, and the amazing Ken Schramm of Schramm's Mead presenting the haggis. Of course, Urbanrest's beers complimented the food perfectly. Their phenomenal employees made sure the evening ran smoothly.
We look forward to Burns Night every year. It's absolutely wonderful that so many people come out to see us and our hosts. We are eternally grateful to everyone who was able to attend and make these evenings successful. Extra special thanks to everyone who helped us prepare for the events and to Sylvan Table and Urbanrest for hosting. See you in 2025!