Feast of the Seven Fishes
The wonders of the Italian American kitchen never cease. Uncomplicated, yet profound, the food of the Italian American kitchen is one of the most simplistic yet complex cuisines you will ever have the pleasure of cooking. Join us as we explore the magic of the Feast of the Seven Fishes, a uniquely Italian American meal celebrated on La Vigilia (Christmas Eve).
According to Mario Batali, the Feast of the Seven Fishes "is what Italians do when they say they're fasting." In many parts of Italy, the night is traditionally a partial fast, during which no meat should be served. But in true Italian American style, this proscription has morphed into something very unfastlike indeed: course after course of luxurious seafood dishes, often as many as 7, 10, or even 13. "No one's quite sure of the significance of the number," says Batali. "Some families do seven for the sacraments. Some do ten for the stations of the cross. And some even do 13 for the 12 apostles plus Jesus. " It has also been said that the number of dishes represent the gravity of the past years sins.
Join Executive Chef Arleen as she takes you into the Italian American kitchen and the wonderful Feast of the Seven Fishes. Bring an apron, chef knife, a hearty appetite and containers to transport your creations home.