Catch of the day
Alright, Pesca then. The doors have just opened as we arrive, and there's already a modest line. While waiting, we strike up a conversation with Bill, a self-proclaimed pescatarian who came 'all the way from Tennessee' to Amsterdam, specifically to visit Pesca. By himself. For the fifth time already. Wow, we're dealing with a fan. Waiting at the entrance is not a punishment, by the way. This is where the 'fish market' is located, and you can feast your eyes already. This is the 'Theatre of Fish,' as can be read in shiny circus lights above the stainless steel counter. On that counter lies the 'catch of the day': mussels, sea bass, scallops, crab, cod, you name it. All equally fresh and tastefully displayed. Sustainable, of course, that's paramount.
Assemble your own meal
The idea is that we assemble our meal at the fish market. We are assisted by a knowledgeable 'fishwife' – we didn't come up with that, it's on her t-shirt – who explains the goods and preparation methods we can choose from. There is no menu, only a board with prices per piece or per ounce. Since the fish is paid by weight, you can make it as expensive (or cheap) as you like. An evening at Pesca is quite affordable, partly because the creators and owners of Pesca want to make fish more accessible. Throughout the day, the fish sellers lower the price of the fish to sell it out. This way, unnecessary waste is prevented. And because you, as a guest, participate in the concept, less staff is needed. This results in lower personnel costs than in other restaurants, allowing the fish to be offered at an even lower price.
Smooth eel
Once you've made your choice, the products are weighed, packed, and brought to the kitchen. We walk through to the 'drink super' where you can choose from a fairly large assortment of beers and wines. We are advised by an extremely friendly young man (again with such a jolly t-shirt that reads 'Smooth Eel,' but that's not too bad). We take our glass of Pinot Grigio to the table – with a view of the kitchen – and wait. What is ready is served, and it all tastes fantastic. Since most guests choose different dishes (we took, among others, the soft shell crab, tuna, oysters, salad, and patatas bravas), Pesca lends itself well to an evening of shared dining. They have the recipe for a cozy night out. They also make it a point to contribute to healthier oceans, seas, and rivers. They do this, among other things, with their Pesca Foundation. The idea is that they will roll out the concept in the near future in other places in Amsterdam, and even in other world cities. Good news!
