Feast of the Haggis

The "Feast of the Haggis" an annual event held by the Illinois Saint Andrew Society is one the Society's longest-running traditions

This formal event marks Saint Andrew's Day, a celebration of Scotland's Patron Saint. The Chicago Scots celebrate with a luxurious feast, guest speakers, dancing and other entertainment.

Charlie Trotter will be honored as the 2011 Distinguished Citizen at the Anniversary Dinner "Feast of the Haggis" on Friday, November 18, 2011 at the Hotel InterContinental Chicago. Caroline Cracraft and Ed Diamond will also receive the 2011 Clanswoman and Clansman of the Year Award. Quinn Alexandra Shulski will be the Bonnie Bairn of the Feast of the Haggis. We will celebrate the 166th anniversary of the Society's founding.

The Illinois Saint Andrew Society's Annual Anniversary Dinner commemorates the 'Feast of Saint Andrews, Scotland's patron saint. Members and friends have gathered together at this gala dinner, known for many years as the "Feast of the Haggis," to proudly celebrate our Scottish identity and support the cultural and philanthropic work of the Illinois Saint Andrew Society, including our Scottish Home for the elderly.

We hope you will be able to join us for an exciting program beginning with a cocktail reception and silent auction at 6:00 p.m. Dinner will be served in the Empire Room at 7:00 p.m., followed by entertainment and a live auction.

Charlie's Bio

CHEF CHARLIE TROTTER BACKGROUND

July 2010 - Charlie Trotter's is regarded as one of the finest restaurants in the world. For over 24 years, the restaurant has dedicated itself to excellence in the culinary arts. Never willing to rest on its laurels, Charlie Trotter's Restaurant is innovative and progressive in the world of food and wine and has been instrumental in establishing new standards for fine dining.

The restaurant is recognized by a variety of prestigious national and international institutions. In 1995 Charlie Trotter's was inducted into the esteemed Relais & Chateaux and in 1998 was accepted as a member by Traditions & Qualité. It has also received Five Stars from the Mobil Travel Guide, Five Diamonds by AAA and ten James Beard Foundation awards, including 'Outstanding Restaurant' (2000) and 'Outstanding Chef' (1999). Wine Spectator named the restaurant 'The Best Restaurant in the World for Wine & Food' (1998) and 'America's Best Restaurant' (2000). Chef Trotter is the author of 14 cookbooks, three management books, and is the host of the nationally aired, award winning PBS cooking series, The Kitchen Sessions with Charlie Trotter.

In 2000, Chef Trotter opened Trotter's To Go, a gourmet to go retail shop in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. He also produces a line of private label organic products.

Future restaurant plans for Chef Trotter include a retrospective book project which reflects the evolution of his culinary style over the past 15 years as well as a new television series.

Beyond his numerous culinary accolades, Chef Trotter has many philanthropic ties to a vast number of national and international charities. Most close to his heart is the Charlie Trotter Culinary Education Foundation. Since its inception in 1999, Chef Trotter hosts three dinners each week for High School students, as well as underwriting annual fund raising dinners for the foundation. To date the foundation has raised over $1,000,000 to award to individuals seeking careers in the culinary arts.

Chef Trotter has received awards at the White House from both President Bush and Colin Powell for his work with his Culinary Foundation and was named one of only five 'heroes' to be honored by Colin Powell's charity, Americas Promise . In 2005, Chef Trotter was awarded the Humanitarian of the Year award by the International Association of Culinary Professionals for his overall service to the community.