This special installment of Chef Fuentes’ “Mesa Bolo” dinner series will showcase culture, tradition, and culinary innovation on Tuesday, December 16, held in Bolo’s second-floor dining room with one seating at 7 PM.
A Caribbean Expression of Tradition
Breaking from the Italian-American roots of the Feast of the Seven Fishes, Siete Mares (Seven Seas) will feature seven thoughtfully crafted, seafood-forward dishes that celebrate the vibrant techniques, flavors, and traditions of the Caribbean.
"Collaborating with Chef RJ has been something I’ve wanted to do for a long time here at Bolo. Together our goal is to celebrate and represent our Caribbean culture in a way that honors the past, speaks to the present, and looks toward the future,” said Chef Fuentes, praising Chef Smith as the future of the cuisine.
Chef Smith, a Drexel University culinary student-turned-celebrated chef, shared his excitement: "Collaborating with Chef Yun felt like a natural extension of what we do at Ocho — highlighting vibrant flavors and local ingredients in a way that surprises and delights our guests.”
Menu Highlights from the Seven Seas
The collaborative $150 per person experience promises bold flavors and unique ingredient combinations, including:
- Hamachi Ceviche finished with scotch bonnet and passion fruit salsa and uni.
- Bolo Oysters—oysters fried in crispy bacalaitos batter, topped with sautéed callaloo and served on the half shell.
- Red Snapper Escovitch and Lobster Curry Rellenos.
- An island-inspired surf n’ turf dish called Mar y Montaña (Sea and Mountain), featuring roasted suckling pig and a seafood rice packed with clams, calamari, and a squid ink sofrito.
An optional beverage pairing will be available for purchase to complement the dinner.
Prelude to the Feast: Ocho Happy Hour
Guests can get an early taste of the collaboration at the Ocho Happy Hour, held in Bolo’s first-floor rum bar from 4 PM – 7 PM before the dinner. Walk-ins are welcome for this spirited lineup, which will feature ceviche shooters, pinchos, Jamaican beef patties, and a curated selection of Jamaican and Caribbean rums and themed cocktails.
Reservations for the Siete Mares dinner are required due to limited space and can be made via OpenTable. Bolo is located at 2025 Sansom Street in Rittenhouse Square.
