Apart from the fashion, it is the way of life in Vienna. During the three nights' stay here it was every time a new dining pleasure for me. I arrived on April 30, which was the longest day with 14.19 hours of sunlight as the sun rose at 5.42 am and set at 8.00 pm. It was also record warmest day ever measured in Vienna in the month of April as temperature rose to max 30C. I was invited in the evening to the opera, 'the Sound of Music', at Volksoper. But, I preferred to cool-off with gourmet entertainment. We decided to have culinary adventure in a restaurant in the city-center.
My host Ferdinand Schedl arranged reservation at DO&CO Restaurant, which is a pre-requisite to get a table there. Located on the seventh floor of an iconic glass-and-steel building that houses the five-star DO&CO Hotel, it is the most sought-after place for sort of celebrities, businessmen and high-class travelers. It was a diverse set of menu, a combination of international cuisines from different regions and of varied styles. I selected the Austrian classic deep-fried monkfish with potato salad and fresh asparagus. Black lintel soup was superb. It all was delicious and colourful culinary offering, and, you know, "the recipes don't lie".
The trendy restaurant, which is ranked 81 out of 1,361 restaurants in Vienna, was rather crowded but with sophisticated atmosphere. A few diners had preferred sitting outdoors in the gorgeous terrace, overlooking St. Stephen's cathedral, the capital's landmark, eating, drinking and watching people go by. Obviously, a visit to Vienna is incomplete without having a stroll in the city-center. After the dinner, we walked along Stephansplatz and connecting streets, which were jam-packed with tourists from all around the world. Window shopping at the mall was so refreshing and relaxing.
Our next evening was at the Café Central that dates back to 1876. It is an excellent example of modern twist on the typical Vienna coffee-house. In golden days it was the popular place, and a meeting point, for leading intellectuals in the world of art, literature, politics and science, such as Leon Trotsky and Sigmund Freud. On entering the elegant coffee-house, the intense aroma of coffee, and the soothing live piano music, greeted us. The restaurant has a grand décor and a unique architecture.
It has excellent modern cuisine, which is classic, local and seasonal at the same time. The specialties available were the Wiener Schnitzel (breaded escalope of veal) and Pan-fried Guinea Fowl Breast. Fish is a popular main course anywhere in Vienna. So, my choice was fillet of fish with potato puree and vegetables. The dessert selected was the famous Kaiserschmmarrn pancake with home-made plum chutney. We enjoyed the food in the famous traditional aristocratic atmosphere.
My friend quoted George Bernard Shaw: 'there is no sincerer love than the love of food'. Vienna is rightly known as the coffee capital. The restaurant serves a large variety, of 14 types, of coffee including several organic varieties and special mixtures made according to customer's wishes. Coffee is always served in Vienna with a small glass of water, whereas cream is optional.
Last evening was spent in a restaurant around the Vienna woods. Restaurant Schottenhof is known for traditional Austrian, oriental delicatessen and vegetarian cuisine, serving purely organic food. It was home-made fresh tomato soup followed by the Spinach dumplings and topped with vanilla strawberry ice cream. The food was different, enjoyable, fresh and appealing. The homely restaurant has an elaborate interior and a lovely garden to cater to outdoor setting.
In the words of James A. Beard, the American Chef, "food is our common ground, a universal experience". I fully agree with him.