Category Archives: Holiday

It’s Christmas Eve and for many Italian American families, this means a fish feast is imminent! Feast of the Seven Fishes aka “The Eve” is a Southern Italian tradition which typically calls for at least seven different kinds of seafood dishes served before the stroke of midnight. Every family has their own rendition of the fish-focused spread, and the dishes served vary based on traditions and what’s been served in the past. Chef at the Abruzzo-inspired South Philly restaurant Le Virtù, Damon Menapace brought this Italian Christmas Eve tradition to COOK last week with his own interpretation of said feast. Serving seven different seafood dishes (plus dessert!) by himself was quite a feat to watch. Damon put on a show while serving up some tasty bounties of the sea. Sea for yourself what Damon Menapace cooked up and learn a bit about this fin-tastic Italian fish feast!