A Perfect Celebration of Robert Burns
Dinner at Dover Hall blends food, drink, attire and poetry
Reservoir Distillery is teaming up with Dover Hall in Goochland and other appropriate vendors for a dinner, drinks, music and poetry readings, to be held on Saturday, Jan. 26.
The works of this celebrated Scottish poet, lyricist and commentator seem to have no expiration date. Their timelessness is demonstrated by the familiarity of his best-known song, “Auld Lang Syne.” Bob Dylan called “A Red, Red Rose as the verse that most impated his life. And the phrase, “The best-laid schemes o’ mice and men often go awry” is both a familiar saying and inspiration for a John Steinbeck novella that was made into a movie.
Burns Night has been a tradition to honor Scotsman since 1801, five years after his death, and typically is held on or near his birthday, Jan. 25. As part of the celebration, Burns suppers are carefully orchestrated, with bagpipes ushering in the guests, poetry, ceremonial foods and, of course, whiskey.
The event at Dover Hall, a regal, 33,000-square-foot mansion, will include a full dinner cuisine, prepared by Dover Hall’s executive chef, Lee Hendrickson, highlighting classical Scottish dishes – including Haggis – while using seasonal local produce. Food will come from renowned Scottish purveyor Lochlander Salmon and Hanover County-based Harlow Ridge Farm. Whiskey will hail from Reservoir Distillery in Richmond, beer from Richmond’s Ardent Craft Ales and wine from Upper Shirley Vineyards.
Reservoir founders Dave Cuttino and Jay Carpenter and Ardent brewmaster Chris Rommel will be on hand to present the whiskey and beer pairings, and Chef Lee will announce each course and explain their Scottish roots.
And guests are invited to wear their best Scottish apparel.
If you fear that so much fun and drink will impede your safe drive home, have no fear: Dover Hall is now a bed and breakfast, so rooms are available, too.
Visit the Eventbrite listing for more information and to purchase tickets.
