A “December-pre-Christmas’ trip to Montalcino has become something of a tradition for me. A quiet respite before the final Christmas craziness that follows. The village is quiet this time of year but shines with the season's spirit. Lights are strung along the streets, a huge Christmas tree twinkles in the piazza.
True to spirit, Jay and I just returned after a long week in the village. Our trip was filled with long, lazy aperitivi and dinners with friends - a real treat given how busy recent visits have been. We also dashed around to visit appliance stores and travertine workshops as I am about to kick off a fun kitchen remodel; (well part of the kitchen- more on our remodel as we go!) And we attended a magical candlelit concert under unusual circumstances - read more on this special moment below ❤️
Before heading out, Joey and I took a few moments to chat about one of our very favorite celebrations - Christmas Eve and the Italian-American tradition of the Feast of the Seven Fishes, which was a big deal for us growing up.
As you will hear, the eve before Christmas was spent at our Uncle Nelson's apartment which was within walking distance of the church where we attended Midnight Mass. Uncle Nelson owned a liquor store, named Family Liquors (a name that would never fly today 😊). The store was just below the apartment where he and his family lived. Our first stop was always to see our uncle, still at work in his store, where we would race to the back to see all the tall brightly colored liquor bottles. Then it was upstairs to the apartment for our Christmas Eve feast.
It was fun to sit down with Joey and reminisce over our memories - from fried smelts to yule logs. Just before midnight, we would bundle up against the cold and head out for the short walk to the church for Mass where we inevitably nodded off long before communion was served.
Today, we still celebrate the Feast of the Seven Fishes in various iterations - whether buffet with friends or sit-down with family, the tradition continues with Joey in Los Angeles and me in New Hope. Join us as we discuss some of our favorite (and not-so-favorite) dishes to serve and the traditions we carry on today.
Our Free Seven Fishes Download
Download our Feast of the Seven menu and recipes below!
As we celebrate this beautiful season, I want to share this truly magical moment from Montalcino.
On our second day in the village, we woke up to no heat or hot water. We quickly learned from friends that there was a large explosion at the local gas plant (fortunately there were no injuries 🙏). The entire village was without heat or hot water for a few days. They were able to figure out a temporary fix for the gas line shockingly fast. By day 2, service was being restored first to those most in need and then to the rest of the village. It was amazing to see the gas company representatives knocking on doors, house by house, helping the villagers turn back on their boilers and heaters. 🌟
On the first eve without heat, we bundled up and took a quick stroll up the hill outside my apartment to the Duomo where a candlelit concerto was being held. We had no idea what to expect given the circumstances in the village. When we arrived, the interior had been transformed into a magical setting 🌟 Candles flickered everywhere. Huge heat lamps, arranged along the outside of the pews, shot flames into the air. The inside was bathed in the most beautiful blue light. As we sat huddled against the cold in our coats, the trio began to play. And the magic happened.
May you too feel the magic of the season. From Joey and me, we wish you the most beautiful of holidays. May they be filled with joyous moments with those you hold dear. May you find time to slow down, breathe, savor the spirit of the season, and be grateful for all that we have. From our table to yours, wishing you the merriest of holidays. 🎄
Much love,
Buon Natale e Buone feste 🌟,
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