7 Fishes

December brings the same questions to me every year? What is the deal with the “7” fishes?

On Christmas Eve Italians throughout the world celebrate La Vigilia or “The Vigil”. Although there are different accounts to how this tradition started, one of the most widely believed is that it traces back to the Medieval Roman Catholic Tradition of abstaining from eating meat or dairy products on specific Holy Days. Catholics would typically eat fish fried in olive oil on days of abstinence.

There are many theories as to why 7 fishes. The 7 Sacraments? 7 Days of the Week? The 7 deadly sins? Regardless of which theory they subscribe to, some families still uphold this tradition today. Sadly many families have given up this tradition due to the sheer labor involved in it’s preparation. With parties to attend, gifts to wrap and relatives to visit, not everyone has the time to soak their Bacala for 3 days or clean and stuff their Calamad.

Don’t fret, What’s Cooking is once again offering our Traditional 7 fishes dinner for take-out. You are a quick phone call away from picking up all of your Christmas Eve favorites from stuffed flounder and shrimp, broiled scallops and salmon, even Bacala and Calamad.

Maybe fish isn’t your thing. If you’re not a fan of stuffed squid or salted cod, don’t worry we also offer Prime Rib, Turkey and Baked Ham.

A full menu is available on our web site, and we do ask for all orders by Monday December 20^th so we can soak the Bacala!

Buon Natale