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. 



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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.

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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

Haggis

Baby Squab Chicken, Roasted In Casserole

Waldorf Salad With Sweet Peppers

Plombiere Of Chestnuts

Assorted Cakes

Coffee

Cigars - 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.

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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.

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– Jonathan Goldman, November 30, 2020



TAGS: menus, food, hotels, restaurant, Scottish, dinner, clubs, charity, luxury