Feast of the Seven Fishes at Gemelli

Gemelli in West Asheville hosts the Feast of the Seven Fishes on December 23. Chef Anthony Cerrato, who also owns Strada Italiano and Social Lounge in downtown, has made an annual tradition of offering this Italian holiday tradition. The feast will include seven types of fish or seafood spread across several antipasti and a main. The menu is $65 per person, and reservations are recommended. Gemelli’s current menu will also be available. Reservations available through Gemelli.Restaurant.

AN ITALIAN CULINARY CUSTOM – The History

The Feast of the Seven Fishes is an Italian Christmas Eve tradition that originated in Southern Italy and is celebrated across Italy and among Italian-Americans. The exact origins are unclear, with some attributing it to the Roman Catholic practice of abstaining from meat on Christmas Eve. Others believe it stems from the Italian tradition of La Vigilia, a festive meal held before midnight Mass. The feast typically features a lavish spread of seven seafood dishes or seven different types of seafood and fish; the number seven is rooted in Catholic symbolism. The Feast has evolved into a culinary spectacle, reflecting both religious observances and Italian cultural heritage.

AN ASHEVILLE TRADITION

Chef Cerrato, who hails from a big Italian-American family, has observed the culinary custom for as long as he can remember. “The Feast of the Seven Fishes was always the highlight of our family holidays. We’d all spend hours prepping, talking, laughing, toasting, and then feasting,” says Cerrato. “For me, this feast symbolizes familial joy, laughter, and bountiful blessings, and I love being able to share this with the Asheville community.” This will be the 17th year Chef Cerrato has presented the Feast of the Seven Fishes in Asheville. This year’s menu is a collaboration from Anthony’s son and Gemelli’s Executive Chef, Gabe Cerrato, and Corporate Chef Vladimir Marto-Gonzales.