The traditions of celebration, food and giving back surround the holiday season year after year. This holds especially true for Vito and Cristina Giannandrea, owners of Trattoria San Nicola, a family-style Italian restaurant in Paoli, Pa. They have created their own holiday traditions to celebrate these Christmas time ideals and once again invite guests to join them at several special holiday dinners in December.
San Nicola will host a three-day “Feast of San Nicola” celebration from December 4- December 6. The festivities continue on Christmas Eve when the restaurant welcomes guests to attend a traditional “Feast of the Seven Fishes” dinner.
Saint Nicholas Day Celebrations
Throughout the world, December 6 marks a celebration honoring San Nicola, the patron saint of Bari, Italy, Chef Vito’s hometown. In the third century, San Nicola, known to many as St. Nicholas, handed out treats to children for good behavior, beginning the tradition of exchanging gifts.
Trattoria San Nicola plans to commemorate this time-honored Italian holiday with a series of celebrations. The festivities will begin with a three-day celebration from December 4 –December 6. Guests will be presented with exceptional Italian dishes specially prepared by Chef Vito, as well as the chance to win prizes.
The Feast of the Seven Fishes, the popular Christmas Eve Italian tradition, is thought to bring good fortune in the New Year. San Nicola honors this sumptuous custom with a seven-course meal that includes shellfish, pasta dishes and fresh fish. The dinner, served mostly family-style, is priced at $49.50 per person.
In spirit of the holidays, San Nicola will have ornaments available for purchase at the front showcase of the restaurant. Proceeds from the sale will be donated to a local children’s organization.
Reservations are strongly recommended for the Saint Nicholas Day celebrations and the Feast of the Seven Fishes. Trattoria San Nicola is located at 4 Manor Road in Paoli, Pa. For reservations, please call 610-695-8990 or visit www.sannicola.net.
About Trattoria San Nicola
Trattoria San Nicola, located in Paoli, dedicated to providing guests with an experience where authentic Italian cuisine meets the arts, all in a unique, old world setting. Chef Vito Giannandrea and his wife Cristina opened Trattoria San Nicola with the goal of bringing a taste of his Italian homeland to the Chester County, Pa. area. Named for the patron saint of the town of Bari, Italy, the restaurant serves a wide variety of Italian dishes for lunch and dinner, including salads, meat and fish specialties and signature pasta dishes. For reservations and more information, please visit www.sannicola.net or contact the restaurant at 610.695.8990. Reservations may be made online at www.opentable.com.
