The Feast of The Seven FIshes, which has in recent years gained some popularity locally, is known in Italy as simply La Vigilia, (the Vigil.) it is held on Christmas Eve, and seafood is eaten because it is the Roman Catholic tradition of abstinence from meat associated with a feast day. The term Feast of The Seven Fishes is almost unknown in Italy, and in older Italian American families, thought the practice itself is observed.
A few years ago it became popular in New Orleans, but very few restaurants actually do it, and none for a month as Nick Lama (chef/owner of Avo.) does each year. In the traditional feast, Baccala is a given. This dried salt cod is very prevalent and much-beloved in Italy, but the dinner at Avo will be a little more sophisticated.
It includes a Fried Oyster with celery root and apple slaw and oyster aioli, Seared Scallop with cauliflower and shellfish foam, Shrimp Spiedini with Mirliton and breadcrumb, Spaghetti ai Gamberi with crawfish, arrabbiata and trout roe, Branzino Three Ways (flash-fried, pan-roasted, house-made sausage, soppressata-grillio emulsion) and more.
Chef Lama will be serving this unusual dinner through December 28th, except Christmas Day.
Price is $67. Additional wine pairings for $30
Reservations can be made by calling the restaurant.
Feast of the Seven Fishes
Avo
5908 Magazine St. New Orleans
504-509-6550
Mon-Thu 4-10pm
Friday $ Saturday 5-10pm
Closed Sunday
restaurantavo.com
