"Feast of the Seven Fishes": Italian-American Christmas Cuisine with Director Robert Tinnell

On a special holiday bonus episode of the Feast, we talk to Robert Tinnell, the writer and director of the new film, “Feast of the Seven Fishes”, out now. Centered on the Italian-American culinary tradition of seven seafood dishes eaten on Christmas Eve, the romantic-comedy is based loosely on Robert’s childhood growing up in West Virginia.

From stuffed calamari to marinated eel to salt cod, we talked to Robert about the food traditions at the heart of the film. Although no one may know exactly this fishy feast’s origins, today, the Feast of the Seven Fishes has become a celebrated holiday tradition in Fairmont, West Virginia where the town holds a yearly festival in its honor.

Written and produced by Laura Carlson

Digital Director and Photographer: Mike Portt

Special Guest: Robert Tinnell

Learn more about the film here, including recipes for some of the dishes featured in the film

You can also visit Fairmont, West Virginia for the Feast of the Seven Fishes Festival, held every December