Burano: Following Anthony Bourdain's footsteps

Burano is one of the outlying islands of Venice, second in fame compared to Murano, which is world famous for glass blowing. Many visit Burano for its past glory as a lace producer, it's current picturesque colorful houses and to a much much lesser extent, the butter cookies from this island (Buranelli).
I am visiting Burano because of an episode in Venice from Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations, to visit  Da Romano Trattoria. The menu is filled with accolades and quotes from past famous patrons - Henry Matisse, Ernest Hemingway, Robert de Niro, Maria Callas, Mina, and so on. I followed Tony's recommendations - Sardines in Soar (pickled sardines - a traditional venetian appetizer), Fish Risotto and Mixed Seafood Grill.

The sardines in soar are delicious. A fan of sardines, I look forward to this humble fish prepared well and this is a great approach. The waiter successfully upsold us with pickled shrimp with red onions, also quite tasty.  Although in general I'm not crazy about polenta, I actually found myself really liking the grilled white polenta cakes.
Sardines in soar and pickled shrimp, with polenta cakes
The fish risotto is their signature dish. The risotto is made with a broth from the Go fish (the fish meat is not eaten as the fish is all skin and bones) and finished off with some parmesan cheese and butter. It's a very simple dish, yet each bite is flavorful, rounded and toothsome.
Fish Risotto for 2
For second course, we ordered the mixed seafood grill. Apparently renowned to be the only restaurant in Venice with a wood fired grill, I found this dish disappointing and uninteresting.
Mixed seafood grill - monkfish, cuttlefish, sardines
The total cost of this meal is 110 euros - these 3 dishes pictured above, and a half bottle of Soave (15 euros).  For seemingly inexpensive and simple ingredients, I consider this meal expensive. Especially when I compare this to yesterday's lunch at a 1-star restaurant where we had a full bottle of white and even a dessert to share, this place seemed over-rated to me.

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