My first-ever overseas trip was an unforgettable month-long visit to Scotland, home of the famous Scottish poet Robert Burns (pictured on the right).

I was a guest of several Rotary Clubs around Scotland and as Rotary goes, I was royally hosted by various members and their families.  

In the space of 30 days I probably saw more of the country, it’s castles, golf courses and pubs than the average Scot.  One of the heritage sites I was fortunate to visit was the home of Robert Burns.

To make a long (exciting) story short… I also ate my fair share of haggis and the dish really appealed to me.  In fact, I like love it.

(My Missus thinks it goes without saying because I also love kimchi and durian.) 

Haggis, neeps and tatties all poshed up!

If haggis, neeps and tatties appeal to you too, you’ll be happy to know that The Canny Man in WanChai is hosting their own Burns Supper.

While you’re there, do try a wee dram or two from their extensive list of great scotch.

I wonder if Kevin has arranged for a piper to pipe in the haggis?? 

 Piping the haggis:

Jenny Morris, or the Giggling Gourmet as she is known as back home, is one of South Africa’s most-loved food personalities.  An author, magazine writer, radio and TV presenter, celebrity chef, teacher, caterer and culinary tour guide, Jenny has had an ongoing love affair with food since she was a child.

When she dons her hat as culinary tour guide, Jenny leads groups of fellow foodies on tours around the world to discover some of the sights, sounds and tastes that others only see on telly.  The busy chef is currently planning one such tour to China and she and her band of merry foodies will make a stop-over right here in Hong Kong.

Jenny Morris will lead a culinary tour to China in early 2011 (Pic: www.jennymorris.co.za)

To give her and her group a glimpse of the culinary scene on this side of the noodle-gordyn, we’ve scoured the web and found this short but informative clip on YouTube.  My apartment is but 5 minutes from the Hong Kong Intercontinental where you can find some of the world’s best restaurants… all in one building nogal.  The world-renowned hotel is home to SPOON by Alain Ducasse, NOBU InterContinental Hong Kong as well as the Michellin starred Yan Toh Heen.

World-renowned Nobu Matsuhisa has a restaurant at the Hong Kong Intercontinental

Click here to have Louis Baleros, Chef Concierge at the Intercontinental show you around Hong Kong (YouTube clip) and stay tuned to Howzit-HongKong.com for more on this topic.

(Saturday morning 12:20)

One of the most anticipated games of the 2010 World Cup is kicking off in about two and a half hours time.

Brazil vs. Portugal.

Our friends over at Secret Hong Kong (open in FaceBook) just posted this picture from Lan Kwai Fong (one of THE party districts in Hong Kong, for those who don’t know).

For those who haven’t been, Piel De Toro is a Spanish-themed bar/restaurant in Lockhart Road, Central (Lan Kwai Fong).  It is, of course, a popular gathering place for all Spanish folk and often hosts meetings of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong.

You can read more about Piel de Toro on Open Rice

I wonder what the local Capetonians would make of the name PIEL de toro?!!!!!!

(Die Bul se voel/trill/tollie)?

Mmmmm…

Carlsberg @ HK$22 ?!

Two-for-One main course Mondays ?!

Beer-and-Burger @ HK$88 ?!

House Cocktails @ 30 Bucks ?!

What’s going on in WanChai’s The Canny Man these days?

Well, Kevin over at Hong Kong’s “only authentic, traditional Scottish bar” mailed us to say that The Canny Man is going “Cannier!” with this promotion.

I must admit, I’ve never been, but after hearing this, I’m on my way!

Slainte Mhath!

Find The Canny Man online or if you’re on FaceBook, once you’re logged on, just search “Canny Man” and FB will hook you up.

Here’s The Canny Man’s mad promotion: