As the countdown to the holiday season gets closer, we’re already daydreaming and drooling over the iconic Feast of the Seven Fishes—an immersive Southern Italian holiday feast centered around the most marvelous dishes of the sea. 

This year, Experience Maine, Chef Arianna Stefanilo, and the Briny Babe’s Jacqueline Clarke are partnering together to create a New England adaptation of this classic festive feast, guaranteed to get you in the holiday spirit. We’ll be joined by SoPo Seafood’s Matt Brown, and marine scientist Ashley Charleson, who will share with guests their perspectives and stories on how each of the night’s featured fish get from the Gulf of Maine to table. 

The festivities will be set at Ballast, an intimate gathering space overflowing with old world charm located in the heart of the historic Old Port.  

Get ready for a night of innovative creations featuring local, sustainable seafood from the Gulf of Maine, including delicious oysters on the half shell, briny sea urchin bites, Monkfish Bolognese, and Seared Halibut En Brodo, alongside a symbiotic experience of Italian wines curated by Maine Events Co. We’re also excited to feature a Learn to Shuck station, where guests can get hands-on with the delicious seafood gracing the raw bar. 

Our goal is to create a delicious seafood experience reminiscent of only the best kind of family holiday dinner party, while sharing with guests the knowledge, passion, and stories of the men and women who make it possible for us to share in the sea’s many bounties. 

One intimate seating. Seven delicious fish. 

Feast of The Seven Fishes Tasting Menu

One

Raw Maine Oysters on the Half Shell 

+

Dressed Oysters with Crème Fraîche, Salmon Roe, Lemon Zest

Two

Sea Urchin Shooters

Shoyu, Tamari, Lemon Zest

Three

Dayboat Scallop Crudo

Capers, Shallots, Serrano, Chives, Dill, Lemon

Four

Peekytoe Crab Crostinis

Fennel, Yuzu Kosho Aioli

Five

Miso Butter Lobster Blini Bites

Scallion Sesame Pancakes

Six

Monkfish Bolognese

Smoked Mussels, Soffrito, Rigatoni

Seven

Halibut en Brodo

Seared Halibut with Cannellini Beans, Tomato Fennel Broth, Gremolata

Dessert Bar

The Details

Wednesday, December 13, 2023

6:00pm Doors Open - one seating only

$145 per person + tax

Location

Ballast, 345 Fore St, Portland, ME 04101

Inside seating at Ballast

Parties of 1 to 8

Included: A Feast of The Seven Fishes Dinner Experience by Experience Maine Culinary + Chef Arianna Stefanilo, The Briny Babe, and Ashley Charleson of SoPo Seafood, including one welcome pour of bubbly. Please make a note of any allergies and dietary restrictions at checkout. 
Additional: Al-a-carte wine, cocktails, and spirit-less cocktails cash bar by Maine Events Co.