A Special Feast of the Seven Fishes

Monday, December 21st at 6pm
Upstares and Sotto Varalli
Broad and Locust, Philadelphia

With Guest of Honor: Cardinal Justin Rigali
Monday, December 21, 2009

This event will be broadcast LIVE as part of "The Big Talker 1210 Christmas Show" hosted by Dom Giordano from 6-10 PM.

Tickets only $50.00
Portion of the proceeds to benefit
Cardinal Rigali Children’s Fund

Our chef has created two menus for this special occasion. In additional to the Feast of Seven Fishes, we will have an alternative menu to choose from when making your reservation. Please use the link below to view the two special menus.



THE FEAST INCLUDES…

Crisp Wild Bass with Italian mushrooms
Stuffed Calamari with Crabmeat
Baccala Sicilian style…
Linguini with Clams Bianco
Wild Shrimp in aqua pazza…
Sardines Escabeche 
Spaghetti with Mussels Marinara
Penne Pommadora with ricotta cheese
Arugula and Radicchio Salad with Chianti vinaigrette

PLUS DELECTABLE DESERTS FROM COSMI'S

See The Menus

Place your reservation now

About The Tradition of This Meal
This ancient tradition is really all about the family and friends being together. By all accounts, the Feast of the Seven Fishes began as a southern Italian custom. Course after course of luxurious seafood dishes.  The tradition was hugely popular in Italy’s most southern points, including the island of Sicily.

At one time, Rome, the Eternal City, seemed to be the farthest point north where this custom was celebrated, although today, families throughout the world celebrate it. No one knows for sure the significance for offering seven fishes, although there are numerous explanations for it. Some believe that seven fishes are served because it took God seven days to create the world, while others mention the Seven Hills of Rome.

There is also the possibility that the seven fishes symbolize the seven sacraments in the Catholic Church, along with the seven sins. In Biblical numerology, seven is a number of perfection.

Today, the number of fishes served varies, although seven remains the historical number. Regardless of the religious symbolism, for most people the main point of the meal is to gather family and friends and enjoy delicious food.

Make reservations for this Event