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THE Horatio Todd's Times
BURNS NIGHT Kilts, bagpipes, the elusive “Nessie” and men named Jock… January 25th marks the celebration of our close neighbour’s favourite son – Robert Burns and all things quintessentially great about Scotland.
January 1759 in the village of Alloway, two miles south of Ayr. His parents, Willian Burns and Agnes Broun, were tenant farmers but they ensured their son received a relatively good education and he began to read avidly.
But how much do you know about Robert Burns? (Extracted from the BBC biography)
Hard physical labour on the family farm took its toll on the young Burns, who increasingly turned his attentions towards the passions of poetry, nature,
Robert Burns was born on 25
drink and women which would characterise the rest of his life. Soon after his popularity began to grow, the newly hailed Ploughman Poet, (because his poems complemented the growing literary taste for romanticism and pastoral pleasures), Burns arrived in Edinburgh, where he was welcomed by a circle of wealthy and important friends. However
in
just
18
short
months, Burns had spent most of the wealth from his published poetry, so in 1789 he began work as an Excise Officer in Dumfries (an irony not lost on him) and resumed his relationship with wife Jean. His increasingly radical political views influenced many of the phenomenal number of poems, songs and letters he continued to pen, including such famous works as For a' that and a' that.
with some claiming that the poet’s verse played a key role in helping Lincoln win the American civil war and abolish slavery.
The hard work this new job entailed, combined with the toil of his earlier life and dissolute lifestyle began to take their toll on Burns's health. He died on 21 July 1796 aged just 37 and was buried with full civil and military honours on the very day his son Maxwell was born. A memorial edition of his poems was published to raise money for his wife and children.
5. US fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger claims direct descent from Robert Burns.
Did you know?
7. Burns fathered at least 12 children with four different women during his short 37 year lifetime. His youngest child, Maxwell, was born on the day of his funeral.
1. After Queen Victoria and Christopher Columbus, Robert Burns has more statues dedicated to him around the world than any other nonreligious figure. 2. Robert Burns was the first ever person to appear on a commemorative bottle of CocaCola, in 2009. 3. American president Abraham Lincoln had a lifelong admiration for the work of Robert Burns,
4. The work of Burns has appeared in hundreds of films and television programmes, including “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946), “When Harry met Sally” (1989) and the 2008 film version of “Sex in the City”.
6. Burns body was exhumed in 1815 to be placed in a new mausoleum in Dumfries. Whilst his body was above ground, a plaster cast of his skull was taken for study. The skull was measured and discovered to be bigger than the average man's.
At Horatio Todd’s, we are getting into the spirit of Burns night on Sunday the 25th of January by offering special Scottishinspired dishes, whiskies, with a live piper, music and cocktail happy hour! For bookings telephone 028 9065 3090.
DIFFERENT WHITE WINE
Winter Warmers Enjoy a selection of Liqueur coffees, hot toddies & hot buttered rum
from
each
406 UPPER NEWTOWNARDS ROAD, BELFAST, BT4 3EZ T: 028 9065 3090 E: INFO@HORATIOTODDS.COM
GRAPE VARIETIES
Sauvignon Blanc… Chardonnay… Moscato… We are familiar with the descriptions but do we really understand the differences? See below a general description “cheat sheet” to at least get you through your next wine conversation.
SAUVIGNON BLANC (So-veen-yawn Blah) is a very versatile food wine, which works with various seafood and poultry dishes along with salads. Often described as a fruitier alternative to chardonnay, sauvignon blanc varieties tend to grow best in cooler climates, which is why France and New Zealand are world-renowned providers. A safe bet when selecting a white wine as is usually palatable by all.
CHARDONNAY (Shar-do-nay) was THE choice in the 90s, although has reduced in popularity in favour of sweeter alternatives in recent times. In saying that, choosing a traditionally dry chardonnay can complement almost any fish dishes and chicken. Usually quite citrusy - can be oaked or unoaked depending on the winery region. SEMILLION (Say-mee-yaw) is a great seafood pairing wine, as a glass of chilled semillion can liven up even the blandest of dishes. Often described as having fig-like character, semillion is often blended with sauvignon blanc to delimit its strong berry-like flavours.
MOSCATO (Mos-cato) belongs to the muscat family of grapes and is best served on its own: without food due to its often sweet and always fruity characteristics. Makes an excellent dessert wine equivalent with its distinct flavour – if you like sweet then this wine is for you! PINOT GRIGIO (Pee-no gree-zo). Probably the most versatile of the group – a chilled pinot will work with most foods due to its very palatable crispness. Grown in various regions of the USA, France, Germany, Australia, Austria and of course Italy – this pinot is an easy choice in any setting or occasion.