For reasons other than the obvious fun-factor of saying “fishes,” The Feast of the Seven Fishes is definitely a good time. The Southern Italian Christmas Eve tradition involves a briny, wine-filled multi-course dinner free of meat or dairy but packed with Mediterranean delights. Small guys of the smelt and sardine variety abound, as do all sorts of shellfish. The numerological significance of the “7″ is a topic of contention, so hey, this meal even comes with its own dinner table conversation starter.
For those of you down with “the 7″ but not interested in going smelt shopping this weekend, various restaurants in the area are offering the feast this year. For $45, Chick’s Cafe and Wine Bar on South 7th (spoooooky!) is serving dishes including red snapper in mussel broth and tagliatelle with shrimp and scallops. Paradiso on East Passayunk has loads of plates to choose from in their $60 feast. Frito Misto, a classic basket of fried fish and shellfish is on the menu, which also offers spaghetti with white anchovies and golden raisins, stuffed calamari with peas, and Baccala, salted cod that is another “7 Fishes” superstar.
If you’re interested in crossing the bridge of your choosing into the land of Bruce and untaxed booze, loads of Jersey spots are doing Fishy Feasts as well. Blue2O in Burlington has a $40 menu including shellfish shooters in Cioppino broth and hot and cold baccala fritters. For $39 at Andreotti’s in Cherry Hill, Meyer Lemon seafood salad and Seafood Fra Diabolo are on the list.
Chick’s Cafe, (215-625-3700) 614 South 7th Street
Paradiso, (215-271-2066) 1627 East Passayunk
Blue2O, (856-662-0297 1906 Route 70 West, Cherry Hill
Andreotti’s, (856-795-CAFE) 1442 East Route 70, Cherry Hill
Yum!
Sounds like a delicious way to earn some omega 3’s while at the same time, indulge in delicious delicacies….thanks for the tips!