As yesterday solidified the official mark of a week in Austria, I can be completely honest when I say that I have been sure to celebrate accordingly by indulging in the Austrian cuisine. Although I certainly miss some of my staple meals at home, it has been refreshing to get a different sense of what is considered a delicacy in other countries. While I may not be fluent in German (yet…), it has been rather entertaining attempting to read Austrian menus and assimilate Austrian words with English words. For example, one afternoon we were eating a late lunch at the Biergarten in the Stadtpark. I was able to order my meal of gnocchi, simply because I recognized the word. And boy was it good…. The gnocchi was so cheesy that as I shoveled my fork in the caloric mess and picked a forkful, strings of cheese came with it. Within 5 or so bites, my stomach was protruding as though I had eaten an entire buffet! The fried onions on top tied the entire meal together. Though it didn’t make the surrounding area smell very nice, it was delightful and tasty.
(Cheese gnocchi with fried chopped onions)
Another famous delicacy in Vienna is know as the Sachertorte, a chocolate layered cake with apricot marmalade sandwiched between each layer. Back at home, I can promise if I saw this item on a menu, I would avoid it. I truly do not believe in mixing fruits with chocolate, or dessert of any kind honestly. However, it is a delicacy so I indulged myself. The marmalade was almost nonexistent in taste, but just slightly added to the taste. Though I am a much bigger fan of moist chocolate cake, the dryness of the Sachertorte was not a turn-off, rather it was filling. In fact, the Sachertorte is known to be considered a full-on meal.
(Sachertorte with homemade whipped cream)
*Overall thoughts on Austrian cuisine thus far: I need to join a gym!!
