Feast of Seven Fishes
Celebrate the Feast of Seven Fishes on Dec. 23 and Dec. 24, Christmas Eve, at Aida Bistro in Columbia. An ancient Italian Christmas tradition, the Feast of Seven Fishes includes shellfish, pasta dishes and fresh fish. All dishes are paired with wine. The three-course, small-plate dinner costs $34 per person. A limited a la carte menu is available for those who do not like fish. The Feast of Seven Fishes is available from 5 to 9 p.m. both evenings. For reservations, call Joe at Aida Bistro, 410-953-0500.
Pizzelles for the holidays
For many Italians, pizzelles are a key ingredient in any holiday meal. These slim golden cookies, delicately flavored with vanilla, orange and anise, can be served with ice cream, jam, Nutella and other toppings. Because they are made with a pizzelle iron to produce the beautiful lace pattern, baking them is time-consuming. But they can be ordered for holiday gift-giving and enjoying from BellaPizzelle of Morgantown, Pa. The mother-daughter team hand-bakes all of their pizzelles, two at a time, and ships them all over the country. They are packed in bubble wrap and shipped in a pretty gold box. Order at bellapizzelle.com.
Bonefish Grill debuts new menu
This fall, the Bonefish Grill introduced a new menu, with lighter and more budget-conscious items such as “hand-helds,” salads, smaller fish portions and $5 cocktails. Hand-helds, priced between $9 and $13, include tacos filled with Bonefish Grill’s delicious spicy Bang Bang Shrimp, fish and chips, and crab cake sandwiches.
A number of mouth-watering salad options, including Caesar, cobb, and salmon and asparagus, make it easy to eat healthy, and for under $13. But Bonefish Grill is known for its fresh seafood, and there it does not disappoint. Diners have their choice of sauces for grilled fish.
There is also a selection of fish, meat and pasta dishes, such as shrimp fettucine, chicken marsala and a pork chop smothered in cheese, prosciutto, mushrooms and garlic. Entrees range from $13 to $24. Bonefish Grill has locations in Owings Mills, Glen Burnie and Bel Air. Visit bonefishgrill.com.
