On Thursday October 24, Red Gravy kicks off a series of monthly wine dinners, each with four artfully designed courses prepared by Chef de Cuisine Roseann Melisi Rostoker, paired with five wines selected by Sommelier Michelle Gueydan.
Dates for the dinners include October 24, November 21 and the December 19 dinner will celebrate the Feast of The Seven Fishes.
The Feast of the Seven Fishes is an Italian-American celebration of Christmas Eve with dishes of fish and other seafood. “We’ve celebrated this feast every year, since I was born,” Roseann explains, “and Lou and I still carry it on here in New Orleans.” It is said that the seven fishes (seven different types of seafood), represent the seven sacraments. Roseann explains, “Sometimes, you will see a Feast of the Thirteen Fishes, and that represents the twelve Apostles and Jesus.” Either way, the abundance of seafood during this Christmas Eve tradition reflects the observance of abstinence from meat until the feast of Christmas Day.
Typical fishes served include anchovies, sardines, flounder, shrimp, mussels, calamari, baccala, scallops, lobster and more. Some dishes are prepared to be served cold, others are hot. The menu may also include pasta, polenta, potatoes, rice, vegetables, baked goods and wine.
“After dinner, which usually began around 6 p.m., we would all go to midnight mass,” Roseann recalls. “Once we got home, we’d prepare huge platters of sausages and peppers, salumi boards, vinegar peppers and cheeses to be enjoyed while we opened our presents. Finally, around 2 a.m., we’d go to bed. Needless to say, Christmas Day wasn’t such a big deal. It was all about Christmas Eve.”
For Red Gravy’s version of the Feast, Roseann will prepare seven fishes to be served in at least four different courses, each to be paired with different wines.
All of the wine dinners, including the Feast of the Seven Fishes are held from 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. and are $90 per person, all inclusive. Dietary restrictions are accommodated with advance notice. Seating is limited to 35 per event. Call 504-561-8844 for reservations.
Red Gravy is located at 125 Camp Street. Regular hours are Wednesday through Monday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. for brunch. Call 504-561-8844 for reservations and more information on special wine dinners.