Scottish/Italian Sunday lunch

October 7, 2007 · Filed Under Italian Food · 2 Comments

Yes, I suppose mixing Scottish and Italian food is a bit odd, but that’s what we did today in sunny Milan when we finally got round to opening the tinned haggis which I had got from Alessandro the landlord of the 442 pub.

Now, as some may know, haggis is traditionally served with mashed potato and turnips, but not having the turnips, nor a potato masher, we resorted to the Italian purè as an acceptable alternative to mash. Our purè had cheese and ham mixed in, on the off-chance that out little one would not be a haggis fan.

While my other half found the haggis a bit odd, I thought it was fine, and it went very well with the purè. My other half went one better and started to eat her potion of haggis with Brie - which, I imagine, is not something that is done every day! Scottish purists may well have a minor heart attack upon hearing such sacrilege. However, I’m about to suggest something that the Scots would probably lynch me for, that is: How about trying haggis with polenta? I think the two would go together rather well, and would certainly make for a hearty winter repast.

Oh, and our little four year old earthquake would not even try the haggis, Brie or not. But, then again I think it would be true to say that haggis does not really have the most appetizing appearance. Still, I shall be asking Alessandro for another tin of haggis, in order that I can see what it is like with polenta. Talk about fusion cuisine.

Tags: Different, fusion cuisine, haggis, idea, Italian, Italian Food, Italian food, Italy, lunch, sacrilege, Scotland, Scottish, try, unusual, winter meals

Tinned haggis.

July 20, 2007 · Filed Under 4-4-2 Pub · 1 Comment

A long time ago, I remember shocking Italians by telling them that ravioli, macaroni cheese and spaghetti bolognese were all available in tins in the UK. And when I told them that I had had ravioli on toast, I think it confirmed their suspicions that English people were an odd bunch!

Well, the Italians have got their revenge. Last night, while I was at the 442, my favourite watering hole, I was chatting with Alessandro the landlord about UK food, and the subject of haggis came up. Being something of a UKophile, Alessandro knew all about haggis and he even produced a tin of the stuff (which I now have and am quite keen to try). Haggis in a tin! Gordon Bennet, I never thought I would see the day!

Now I know how the Italians felt when I told them about tinned ravioli. The expression is, ‘gobsmacked’, I believe.

Tags: 4-4-2 Pub, 442, 442 Milan, 442 Milano, 442 pub, haggis, Italia, Italian, Italian food, Italy, Milan, pub