My Vienna highlights 2019
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I absolutely adore Vienna. Maybe because it reminds me a little of Paris with it's beautiful architecture, café culture and delicious food. The last time I was in Vienna was in 2016 for the Vienna opera ball (I know I can't believe I got invited!). In between book signings, a talk and fika at the Swedish embassy Vienna and a cookery demo at the book fair I managed to fit in a few edible and non edible visits. Here are my highlights:
I was lucky enough to have my own local guide, Anna Burghardt none other than the Austrian food journalist and critic. She gave me a fantastic list of places (see below for another) aswell as took me to lunch to this fabulous place. A bit of an establishment in Vienna dating back to 1901. I loved watching two old Viennese ladies (who must have been regulars) giving a younger waiter a good telling off. Lots of great people watching. It specialises in traditional Viennese food (definitely not a light affair). I had some divine dumplings, pictured above rolled in butter and poppy seeds and dusted with icing sugar.
2. Lena Hoschek {for this trip two dresses were gifted}
You've probably spotted me in one of her outfits over the years. I've been a long time fan of the Austrian designer, Lena Hoschek. She has a knack of embracing women's curves and making the most of them. You always feel and look fabulous wearing her clothes. I've been very fortunate to have had some dresses gifted (I've also spent my own money on many outfits too). Needless to say I couldn't be in Vienna without a whistle stop visit to her beautiful boutique.
3. Café Sperl
You cannot go to Vienna and not while away a moment at one of the old coffeehouses. It would be like going to Paris and not eating a croissant. There are many coffee houses in Vienna to choose from and I so happened to go past this Café Sperl on my way to Naschmarkt. With it's old fashioned interiors, classic service and both tourists and locals alike enjoying a coffee it was the perfect place for a caffeine hit.
Before the modern day American style cafés with their Triple, Venti, Soy, No Foam Latte there were Viennese coffeehouses with coffee menus just as long. Keep it simple and order a melange, the Viennese version of a cappucino but without the dusting of cocoa powder.
4. Naschmarkt
The Naschmarkt is a popular touristy food destination. Well worth the visit for all the free tasters you can get but I went because on a Saturday they have a flea market. I love a flea market, especially when it has a lot of cardboard boxes to rummage through (usually the nicer the display the more expensive it is, the more you have to dig around the better the bargain). You need to walk through to the end past the cheap and cheerful stuff you seem to find at every market around the world now. Make sure to keep an eye out for the stunning Art deco building.
5. Feine Dinge
I love a ceramic shop, even better if you can get a sneak peek into the workshop and see how they make the crockery too which is what you can do at Feine Dinge. Their workshop/store is located a short 10 minute walk from Naschmarkt. It's full of beautiful delicate pastel toned crockery. Be warned it's hard to leave empty handed!
6. Zur Herkerin
If there's one place I would highly recommend making reservation is this place (thank you Anna Burghardt for the tip). I got super lucky with a last sitting and it was well worth it. Simple hearty Austrian cooking but sooooo tasty. Many dishes reminded me of my Oma's (grandma's) kitchen.
7. 25hours hotel Vienna at Museumsquartier {ad}
I've stayed at this hotel a few times. The location is fantastic being really central and within walking distance of all the main attractions (you get to see so much more of the beautiful Viennese architecture that way). The hotel has quirky Art themed rooms with all the modern comforts (free wifi, comfortable bed, those boutique hotel style amazing cotton sheets etc) and not to mention an amazing breakfast buffet.
Save the Sachertorte at Sacher for the tourists and instead try this bijoux pâtisserie come café instead. Modern, French inspired but with an Austrian touch.
Danke at Alexandra Palla for the tip!
