If you haven’t got your Christmas Eve dinner planned out with just days left (no pressure!), fear not because Union Pasadena has whipped up a delectable menu for the 24th.
La Festa dei Sette Pesci, or the Feast of the Seven Fishes, originated as an Italian-American tradition of celebrating the midnight birth of Jesus, or the Vigila di Natale. The tradition began in the southern regions of Naples and Sicily when Catholics participated in fasting in anticipation of the birth of Jesus, which ended once they received Holy Communion during Midnight Mass.
This year, in light of the Feast of Seven Fishes, Union’s Chef Bruce Kalman is offering an elaborate dinner to celebrate. The restaurant will feature courses such as Escabeche of Sardines with stewed beans and crostini; Squid Ink Maccheroni Alla Chitarra with baccala, roasted tomatoes, and uni; Olive Oil Poached Albacore with insalata trecolore and soft boiled duck egg; Baby Octopus with Tuscan potatoes and smoked almond romesco; Ricotta Cavatelli with ridge back prawns and wild mushrooms fricassee; Farro Crusted Sea Scallop with tomato and Calabrian chile; and Branzino with faro, artichokes, olives, and Salmoriglio.
Reservations are available from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. for $125 per head, with an additional $40 for wine pairing, if desired.
Union is located at 37 E. Union Street, Pasadena. For more information, please call (626) 795-5841 or visit www.unionpasadena.com.