Haggis at the Waldorf-Astoria
One hundred years ago today … The Saint Andrew's Society of New York State held a dinner at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, then located at Fifth Avenue and 33 Street, to celebrate its 164th Anniversary.
As the name hints, the Saint Andrew's Society was founded by, and for the aid of, New Yorkers of Scottish heritage. The Society considers itself "the oldest charitable society in New York." If you 've ever wondered why there is a statue of Scottish Romantic poet Robert Burns in Central Park, wonder no more. It was a gift of the Society in 1880.
Thanks to the New York Public Library menu collection, we know exactly what the anniversary dinner attendees might have consumed. Yes, haggis was on the menu.
It reads:
Deep Sea Oysters
Chicken Okra A La Creole
Olives
Celery
Radishes
Filet Of Sole, Lobster Sauce,
Potatoes Persillade
Sweetbreads, Montebello Style
Green Peas Saute In Butter
HaggisBaby Squab Chicken, Roasted In Casserole
Waldorf Salad With Sweet Peppers
Plombiere Of Chestnuts
Assorted Cakes
CoffeeCigars - Schinasi Natural Cigarettes
Incidentally, we have seen a dish "a la creole" before; "potage a la creole" came up in our April 4 post about a Pleiades Club dinner.
The Waldorf-Astoria Hotel and restaurant was founded in 1893 and already had a complicated history by 1920.
The establishment would move in 1927 to its current location on Park Avenue between 49 and 50 Streets; the previous building was torn down to make way for the Empire State Building. By 1920 the Waldorf-Astoria was already cultivating its own legend, as demonstrated by a 1929 souvenir pamphlet that offers its history, and some illustrations of the interiors.
– Jonathan Goldman, November 30, 2020
TAGS: menus, food, hotels, restaurant, Scottish, dinner, clubs, charity, luxury