On January 31st, the Scottish Arts and Humanities Alliance (SAHA) and the Italian Academy of Cuisine hosted a Burns Night Aperitivo at the National Galleries of Scotland.
The event, held with the patronage of the Consulate General of Italy for Scotland and Northern Ireland and the Italian Cultural Institute of Edinburgh, was a celebration of Burns and the importance of food in Italian and Scottish culture.
The evening started with a wonderful private tour of the newly opened Scottish Galleries and was followed by a thought provoking panel led by Mr Maurizio Fazzari, VP of the Italian Academy of Cuisine, and Dr Lindsay Middleton, a food historian (University of Glasgow). The panellists talked about the role and symbolism of culinary tradition and the evolution of recipes, and the importance of food in Scottish and Italian culture, especially haggis. Mr Fazzari also presented the newly published “History of Italian Cuisine in Comics”.
It would not be Burns Night without haggis, our guests had the chance to enjoy some delicious haggis bon bons and more Scottish and Italian influenced canapes prepared by The Scottish Cafe and Restaurant – Contini.
SAHA co-Chair Professor Murray Pittock MAE FRSE said:
“I am delighted SAHA hosted its first Burns Night. Robert Burns generates over £200 million annually and his legacy continues to showcase and highlight Scotland at home and abroad. Bringing food into cultural policy in Scotland should be seen as a priority.
“On behalf of SAHA I would like to thank all of our guests, the Italian Academy of Cuisine which co-hosted the event, and the Consulate General of Italy for Scotland and Northern Ireland and the Italian Cultural Institute of Edinburgh for the patronage.”
The Edinburgh Legate of the Italian Academy of Cuisine Ms Carolina Ghittino said:
“I couldn’t be more pleased that we had the opportunity to launch the activity of the Italian Academy of Cuisine in Edinburgh on such a meaningful occasion as Burns Night.
“As the Academy aims to protect and promote the Italian cuisine, it has been wonderful to celebrate shared values as conviviality, tradition, as well as research and innovation in the kitchen.
On behalf of the Italian Academy of Cuisine, I would like to thank SAHA with which has been an honour co-hosting this event, the Consulate General of Italy for Scotland and Northern Ireland and the Italian Institute of Culture in Edinburgh for their kind patronage. Our thanks to all the attendees for their warm support to the Academy and its purpose.”
