Story 16: Pesce! Pronto!

I can't remember the last time I traveled this long for a meal. I had already scheduled some getting-lost-in-Venice time, but around noon, I started getting antsy. It was almost time to eat. Plus Google maps told me it would take about 15 minutes to get to Pronto Pesce, factor in some more getting lost time and deciding what to eat. That meant I could get a meal in front of me
by 1:00.

I should've known better.

By about 2:00 p.m., I've exhausted all my resources. I searched for free wifi to get directions, which only got me more lost. I asked locals, showing them the map, and no one has even heard of this place. Years of the tin syllables of Arabic and English saw through the beautiful Italian language, "Dov'e Pronto Pesce?" Nothing. I asked tourists who seemed like they're somewhat in-the-know, but I only received blank stares. I even considered paying a shop owner to use his phone, but I don't even know where I am. The hunger is wearing me delirious to the point I'm considering eating at a place with a tourist menu. But I wanted the freshest seafood right away, and Venice has a reputation for over-priced, low-quality food, and the thought of a "tourist menu" just made my bones ache.

I have to get to Pronto Pesce. I needed to get to Pronto Pesce. And, eventually I do. I'm not even sure how I got there. I made a right then made a left from the fruit market by the Rialto bridge. Or was it a left then a right? Whatever. I was there.







Pronto Pesce is in front of the fish market by the Rialto bridge. It has no name on the front, but you can spot it by the overflow of Venetians outside the door, eating, drinking wine, using their hands. I was on overload when I walked in. I wanted to eat everything. So, I ate everything. I had no idea if I was ever going to make it back.

"It's impossible to find you," I claimed to the shop owner.
"That's because we don't want to work too much," he laughed back then told me I must try the mixed seafood plate. I didn't put up much of a fight.



I managed to find an empty seat behind a friendly Italian family, and devoured everything in about 10 minutes. Then, I went back for another round....






Besides the fact that this and two glasses of wine all cost me about 25 euro, I have to say my favorite part was the glaze of butter I could taste in every bite.



(Navigating through Venice, poorly.)