March 28, 2024

The Robert Burns Supper

Jan. 18, 2009
One of the benefits of writing about food and drink is being afforded the opportunity to attend many dinners and events throughout Northern Michigan. I attended 114 dinners and receptions that had a food and drink focus in 2008. While selecting the best one is not easy, certainly the Robert Burns Supper last January at the Betsie Bay Inn (located in downtown Frankfort) easily makes my top five.
The Betsie Bay Inn will again host such a supper to pay poetic tribute to Robert Burns, who was born in Scotland in 1759. In a life that spanned just 37 years, he earned the title “Scotland’s favorite son.” Each year on January 25 (or a date close to his birthday) his life is celebrated and honored throughout Scotland and around the world wherever Scottish clubs and organizations exist. The Betsie Bay Inn’s 4th Annual Robert Burns Supper will take place Saturday January 24.
The evening will be hosted by Scot countrywoman and innkeeper Lesley Perkins and her husband Geoff. The fare will be overseen by chef Coburn McNaughton.
“The event will start at 6:30 pm with passed appetizers and then the party will be piped downstairs for dinner and entertainment,” said Lesley Perkins. “The menu will consist of Scottish influenced food — which is often French influenced — as well as the tradition Burns Night fare consisting of Haggis, mashed turnips (rutabagas) and mashed potatoes (tatties). This part of the menu has been served at Burn’s Suppers since their inception.”
Several years back, I had attended a Robert Burns Supper elsewhere in Northern Michigan. While the food was good the evening was stodgy at best. In keeping with the early traditions of the Robert Burns Supper, women were not allowed to attend. Conversation was dull and the evening lacked luster.
So I was hesitant last year to attend, but chef McNaughton was persistent. Plus for years I have passed the Betsie Bay Inn on my way to the Frankfort Beach so I was curious. While the evening was steeped in tradition it a was far cry from my first Burns Supper experience and yes, women are allowed and encouraged to attend.

OBSERVING THE HAGGIS
Upon my arrival there was a sense of welcome from not only the staff but the other guests of the evening. I arrived early to tour the kitchen with the chef and observe the preparation of the haggis. I also took time to head to the basement and taste a few wines at the ThistleBrae Wine Cellar.
At 6:30 p.m. we were all summoned to a reception room where we were treated to music and hand-passed appetizers. There was also a nice display paying tribute to Robert Burns. The crowd of 60 (including some dressed in traditional Scottish attire of kilts and tartan) were led by the bagpiper through the inn to the basement dining room where we took our assigned seats.
“We encourage kilts and tartans, though they are not necessary,” said Perkins. “We are also offering a special price and late check-out for rooms over the weekend so people do not have to drive home after all the merriment. On Sunday, they may sleep in, get up and enjoy breakfast before returning home.”
The rest of the evening was a collection of great food, drink and a mix of readings, toasts and music. One of my favorite parts of the night was the “haggis parade” when this Scottish delicacy was paraded through the room on a silver platter by chef McNaughton and a host of dignitaries.

SHARE AN EXPERIENCE
The readings and toasts were well-timed and added to the atmosphere. Perkins is inviting dinner guests this year to participate by offering a toast, reading or experience.
“Since this is Burns’ 250th birthday, this will be a special supper. If anyone would like to do a reading, tell a short story of a trip to Scotland or share something we would welcome that,” said Perkins. “They can let us know when they purchase tickets and we will build it into the program.”
Robert Burns, sometimes referred to as the “Ploughman Poet,” or the Bard of Ayrshire, is Scotland’s “national poet.” His writings are revered around the world and he is attributed with pioneering the Romantic Movement in poetry. Burns’ work was an inspiration to the founders of both the liberal and socialist political movements.
Betsie Bay Inn is one of the culinary jewels in Northern Michigan. Chef McNaughton and the Perkins’s are passionate about food, drink and hospitality. If your schedule does not permit getting away this weekend make a point to visit them soon.

For details check out betsiebayinn.com or call 231-352-8090. Space is limited and last year’s dinner sold out, attracting guests from all over the Midwest.

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