In an effort to avoid the guilt for missing Robbie Burns’s day, a few friends and I went to the Black Bear on Saturday. To be clear the Robbie Burns gimmick just happened to fall on the same time as another celebration, so I wouldn't say it was the focus of our evening.
After ordering some interesting beers (Boddingtons, Pilsner urquell, etc.) us men at the table decided to go for the haggis while the women went for a burger (yeah, lame I know).
I have never had haggis - and usually people are afraid to eat such a monstrosity. Let’s just say that it is not bad at all. It is kind of like Sheppard’s pie or a Salisbury steak, with interesting spices and a strong taste of iron. haha..
I will say again that I cannot compare this to anything, having not eaten haggis before, but it is actually very tasty and palatable. Who knew! The black bear did a decent job presenting the haggis with potatoes, broccoli and parsnips.
Best of all, it came with a little dram of Scotch - not good scotch mind you - but it was a nice touch.
My girlfriends 'irish burger' was delicious. It was just a normal burger with goat cheese feta on it. Nothing special, but very good.
The Black Bear isn't the nicest pub in the world, however it is an excellent choice if you want to go to a place with a bunch of friends and chat over a few drinks. It's not packed with drunk university students, and the service was above average.
A local singer-songwriting Rick Knowles, performed for the Pub on Saturday, and he was actually pretty good. So it is good to note that the Black Bear does provide some entertainment.
To my surprise I actually enjoyed my first haggis. It is interesting that haggis is a mainstay on the menu.
I will keep this pub on my radar for a nice scotch tasting (which they offer quite frequently).
Overall, I’d say the evening was way above my expectations and I would gladly return for a laidback evening.
Although I enjoyed the Haggis, I won't be eating it with any frequency. I will save the 'pleasure' for special Scotland related celebrations.
ilikerealfood
After ordering some interesting beers (Boddingtons, Pilsner urquell, etc.) us men at the table decided to go for the haggis while the women went for a burger (yeah, lame I know).
I have never had haggis - and usually people are afraid to eat such a monstrosity. Let’s just say that it is not bad at all. It is kind of like Sheppard’s pie or a Salisbury steak, with interesting spices and a strong taste of iron. haha..
I will say again that I cannot compare this to anything, having not eaten haggis before, but it is actually very tasty and palatable. Who knew! The black bear did a decent job presenting the haggis with potatoes, broccoli and parsnips.
Best of all, it came with a little dram of Scotch - not good scotch mind you - but it was a nice touch.
My girlfriends 'irish burger' was delicious. It was just a normal burger with goat cheese feta on it. Nothing special, but very good.
The Black Bear isn't the nicest pub in the world, however it is an excellent choice if you want to go to a place with a bunch of friends and chat over a few drinks. It's not packed with drunk university students, and the service was above average.
A local singer-songwriting Rick Knowles, performed for the Pub on Saturday, and he was actually pretty good. So it is good to note that the Black Bear does provide some entertainment.
To my surprise I actually enjoyed my first haggis. It is interesting that haggis is a mainstay on the menu.
I will keep this pub on my radar for a nice scotch tasting (which they offer quite frequently).
Overall, I’d say the evening was way above my expectations and I would gladly return for a laidback evening.
Although I enjoyed the Haggis, I won't be eating it with any frequency. I will save the 'pleasure' for special Scotland related celebrations.