Recently, the New York Times wrote about the cross-cultural influences of teriyaki in Seattle (ever hear of corn dog teriyaki? You can get it in the U-District). Now we hear of new ideas sizzling in Olympics host city, Vancouver, BC.
The menu for the 2010 Gung Haggis Fat Choy Dinner in Vancouver has been revealed, and it combines the celebratory influences of Chinese New Year with the cultural roots (and vegetables) of Scottish poet Robert Burns. Seems appropriate for a heavily Asian-influenced city that was also greatly shaped by the Hudson Bay Company and its stoic Scotsmen.
Bagpipes and Chinese dragons are one thing, but how about this: deep fried haggis won tons. Haggis is the national dish of the Scots, featuring sheep innards, suet and oatmeal. Think of it as a test of loyalty, like lutefisk for the Norwegians. On the other hand, it seems kind of natural for a dim sum spread, along with a "tatties and neeps" adaptation: pan-fried turnip cakes.
Haggis will also be served with a lettuce wrap: "Take a spoonful of haggis, spread some Chinese plum sauce on it, add some crunchy noodles and diced vegetables with water chestnuts, and wrap it up in a delicate piece of lettuce. Magnificient!"
Dish like this could also put the "ew" in New Year.
