Although Christmas Eve is when children ’round the world wait for the big guy in red to freefall down the chimney, back in the days of old in Southern Italy, December 24 was a time of commemorative waiting for the birth of Jesus Christ.
This more holy vigil, or La Vigilia, was observed by abstaining from meat and indulging in what was plentiful in the mostly poor region: fish. Today, the Feast of the Seven Fishes, historically starring dried, salted cod, or baccalà, prevails (though much more common among Italians here than in the old country), and Westchester’s seafoodies are giddy over the number of restaurants recognizing the tradition. But, here’s the catch: Reel in a reservation now, or you’ll have to wait until next year.
Augustine’s Salumeria
213 Halstead Ave, Mamaroneck; 914.315.6541
This is not your Nonna’s Feast of the Seven Fishes. With innovative twists on the classics he grew up with, Chef Marc Taxiera is giving us upscale nostalgia with a dash of cheer. Sink into the crispy baccala croquettes with smoked trout roe, umami marrow baked clams, and classics like fried calamari, lobster ravioli, and scungilli puttanesca.
Bread and Brine
19 Main St, Hastings-on-Hudson; 914.479.5243
At this casual-chic fish house, the feast will be served with the freshest under-the-sea options on the table. The meal begins with starters that include a half-dozen oysters on the half shell, fried calamari, and chilled octopus salad. To warm things up, the feast will move on to baked clams, shrimp scampi, and spicy rigatoni with lobster fra diavolo. $84 pp; 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
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Fin & Brew
5 John Walsh Blvd, Peekskill; 914.788.4555
Breathtaking Hudson River views pair well with The Vigil, the six-course tasting menu by Chef Mike. The starting dish is a shrimp souffle with charred asparagus, followed by the first course, a king salmon sashimi. The second course features fried scallop with lobster fra diavolo and basil oil. Risotto al salto with pancetta and pistachio pesto, poached halibut, and stuffed shells wrap up the courses. The dinner is concluded with a “deck the halls” dessert. $110 pp; $30 additional wine pairing.
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Harvest on Hudson
1 River St, Hastings; 914.478.2800
Harvest on Hudson offers its Feast of the Seven Fishes meal on December 20, 21, and 22. Diners can expect a five-course tasting menu stocked with fresh eats. For the first course, options are oysters or tuna crudo. The second course is a pick between two salads, while the third features fried calamari or clams oreganata. Options for the fourth include paccheri nero or gnochetti sardi, and the fifth features the difficult choice between branzino brodetto and swordfish piccata. To end things on a sweet note, choose between the panettone bread pudding, creme caramel, or chocolate mousse cake. $100 pp; additional $25 beverage pairings.
L’inizio
698 Saw Mill River Rd, Ardsley; 914.693.5400
The Italian tradition of the Feast of the Seven Fishes is all fun and games until…you have to cook seven fish dishes. L’inizio is making your Christmas Eve dinner plans easier with a la carte specials. Think bucatini with cockle clams dressed in an amatriciana sauce, the signature “Seven Fishes” marinara spooned over squid ink fusilli, and classic mains like braised short rib. Save room for co-owner Heather Fratangelo’s famous house-made holiday desserts, like the decadent New York cheesecake with a sweet cream topping.
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Related: Westchester Restaurants Open for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
