Christmas Eve at our house is definitely a tradition. Ernie introduced me to the Feast of the Seven Fishes when we got married. It is an Italian tradition, although we are amused at the number of Italians who have not heard of it. Ernie's mom taught him to make Clams Oreganata and shrimp scampi; she would also make a salad with cod. Over the years we have expanded the list to ensure we always have seven different fish. It did get challenging at time, especially when we had only four of us eating, and then when we had people who were not the fish aficionados that we are.

Getting started with Oysters Rockefeller.

This year we had Matt, Krissy, Joey our son-in-law, and Joey's dad. And, of course, Matt's dog, Mr. Cooper, and Krissy and Joe's dog, Romeo. Quite a christening of our condo! We found a great place to get fish - Faidley's in Lexington Market. The menu: clams oreganata (of course), Oysters Rockefeller, crab balls (made by Mrs. Faidley, which are incredible), shrimp and lobster done scampi style over orzo, and then swordfish, cod, and Chilean Sea Bass. Eight fish this year - Ernie always over-achieves!

Munching on Clams Oreganata and Oysters Rockefeller.

We started with a sparking wine, a Lovisolo sparking rosé. We paired that with the crab balls, Clams Oreganata and Oysters Rockefeller, and also with spanakopita and miniature wrapped hot dogs for the non-fish eaters. The rosé has a bit of a grapefruit flavor, and it was wonderful with the shellfish, especially with the oysters. Ernie’s recipe includes sambuca in the filling, so it is a bit sweet. Additionally, Ernie broke out his single malt Scotch, the Glenfiddich 30-year old Scotch. Neither Joey or his dad had ever had single malt Scotch, so this was an adventure for two of the four gentlemen (Krissy and I did not partake!). Ernie tends to like Scotch from the Highlands of Scotland rather than the coast. While peaty and beautifully smooth, the scotch is not "medicinal" in its flavors and aromas!

The Lovisolo sparkling rosé made a great pairing with the shellfish.

One of Ernie's favorite 30-year old Scotches.

Then to the main course. Ernie baked the Chilean Sea Bass and the cod with a ginger plum sauce that we love from Balducci's which has always been a hit. He also baked some of the cod in a simple olive oil with Italian seasoning and lemon. He covered the swordfish in a tarragon vinegar and olive oil sauce seasoned with mustard and garlic and then baked it - the swordfish is terrific (we have also done this on the grill)! And the shrimp and lobster in a scampi style sauce, which is also traditional for us. And then we added several filet mignons, again for the non-fish eaters (although the two dogs would have loved to help eat those). With the fish, we had a 2012 Vernaccia di San Gimignano from Fratelli Vagnoni. This was a classic Vernaccia - beautiful mineral scents with white flowers and fruit and then the taste of apples, peaches, and flowers. And so crisp - it was a perfect match for the various fish dishes.

Dinner with the Vernaccia di San Gimignano.

The swordfish, cod, and shrimp/lobster scampi.

All in all, we held up the yearly tradition. Lots of food - probably too much - and great company. Our family has expanded, and we await yet another expansion with the birth of Krissy’s and Joey’s first child. And then off to everyone’s respective beds to dream of Christmas wishes, sugar plums, and Santa Claus

And a filet mignon for the non-fish eaters.