TRATTORIA alla MADONNA
VENICE
TRATTORIA alla MADONNA
I first went to Trattoria alla Madonna in the Spring of 1995. I was on exploratory trip to explore the Bacari (Wine Bars) of Venice. I had read a little bit about these Venetian wine bars, and I just had to see them for myself. I would go to as many as I could in a weeks time. However, on this night I was going to this trattoria I had read about, that it was one of the best most traditional in all of Venice. "Awesome."
When walking around earlier in the day, by accident, I just came upon the restaurant. It was on the side alley of the trattoria and the side kitchen door was open. I could see into the kitchen and saw the cook and the chef at work. I bopped my head in and started chatting with the chef. I told him that I was planning to eat at the restaurant, but not right then. He invited me into the kitchen. He was making a bid pot of risotto. Seafood Risotto. I said it looked wonderful, and when I would be in for dinner, later that night, I definitely wanted a plate of that risotto, "Va bene," said the chef. Well alright. I said good by and told him "a dopo" (see you later). I walked back to my hotel.
I went back to my hotel and took a nap. Slept for an hour, got up, took a shower, and got dressed. Back to Madonna for dinner. Got back to la Madonna, and was seated at a nice table. I ordered some Tocai (white wine) from the waiter. I looked over the menu. I knew that I was going to get the Seafood Risotto, but what else? The waiter brought my wine. I decided on the mixed Seafood Antipasto, the risotto for the middle course, and I order the Adriatic Sole for my main. I was all set.
I sipped the Tocai, and a few minutes later the waiter brought my antipasto. Nice. There were a couple Mantis Shrimp, Octopus, Crab meat, and Baby Shrimp on the plate. A really nice Venetian Antipasto of a good variety of some local seafood. Good choice. I really enjoyed the antipasto, even thinking of local fishermen bring in the shrimp and crabs. Pretty good.
A few minutes after I finish my antipasto, the waiter brought me my Risotto Frusta di Mare, the house specialty. It smell goo, and tasted even better. "So good." Unlike some other places that might put a bigger variety of seafood, Trattoria Madonna puts, just mussels and shrimp in their seafood risotto. That doesn't make it any less good than others. The cooks perfectly execute the way a Venetian risotto should be made, and it is oh so tasty. Why did I Say a Venetian risotto, instead of just saying risotto? Well, in most other parts of Italy risotto is made tighter. That is that it's not as liquid as the way they like it in Venice. Yes, the Venetians like their risotto just slightly soup. Not very soupy, but slightly soupy, which in Venetian dialect, they have a word for their slightly soup risotto, which is "all'Onda" Yes my risotto at Trattoria Madonna was delicious. Absolutely perfect.
On to the next course, Adriatic Sole. Though not as famous as Dover Sole, Adriatic Sole is one of the World's best, and in Venice is the best place to get it. And so I did.
It was simply seasoned with salt & pepper, and sautéed in a little olive oil and butter. Just the way I like it. No need for any sauce. Then you're covering up the taste of the fish. It's sole. This is the best way to cook it, and get the most out of it. I did, and so it was ever so enjoyable.
I got some Tiramisu for dessert. It was very good.
So, the meal was excellent. Could not have been better. Wonderful old-school Venetian ambiance, excellent service, nice vibe, and delicious Venetian food. What more can I say? "I Loved it."
... Daniel Bellino Zwicke ...
ANTIPASTO di PESCE
CALAMARI FRITTI
RISOTTO MARE
POSITANO The AMALFI COAST
TRAVEL GUIDE - COOKBOOK
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